March 3, 2021
By Carolyne Mooney
Editor
The vice-presidential position has been filled with white males until now. On Jan. 20, Kamala Harris became the first female Black and South Asian-American vice president of the United States. Harris is facing one of the country’s highest concrete ceilings, which is a term used to explain the difference between the way white women and women of color are treated. This gives her an impressive chance of overcoming it due to her track record as an attorney and senator in California.
History teacher Mr. Spence said the 2020 presidential election was historic and significant because a diverse group of people now see themselves as a part of leadership within the country. He said for the first time, a person is serving the nation with a backstory people relate to.
“While everyone’s dream may be different, I think the lessons learned by the election of Ms. Harris is that regardless of ethnicity or gender, through hard work, determination and commitment to excellence, anything is truly possible,” Spence said.
He said the country was founded by immigrants and children of immigrants who dreamed of a better life for themselves and their loved ones. He said they persevered through challenges in search of the American Dream.
“Because of Ms. Harris’s background, coupled with her political accomplishments, I predict that we will see a new generation of children strive to achieve the American Dream,” Spence said.
Spence said he hopes Harris’ role as vice president will bring back respect to America and that Harris will fight for the ideals she believes in and be not afraid to cross the partisan divide that exists in the country.
“Ms. Harris needs to use her political platform to have difficult conversations with global leaders about what will make the world a better and more sustainable place,” Spence said. “It appears that Ms. Harris is committed to helping our country and world heal from the trying events of the past several years, such as the pandemic, which is both admirable and necessary.”
“While everyone’s dream may be different, I think the lessons learned by the election of Ms. Harris is that regardless of ethnicity or gender, through hard work, determination and commitment to excellence, anything is truly possible.”
He said both Harris and President Joe Biden have a lot of work ahead of them in reuniting the people of this country, but they have the knowledge to be successful.
Junior Kaiya Cocliff said Harris becoming vice president is inspiring and shocking in a good way. She said it is refreshing to see diversity in the White House.
“I believe that Kamala Harris will be an amazing role model for women who… want to have a career in law [and] politics… Her new impact of being [the] first woman vice president will [allow] more opportunities for women to be of higher power politically now,” Cocliff said.
She said she admires Harris’ objectives to make the nation a better place. Cocliff said Harris has amazing plans for climate change, the environment and gun control.
“This country was made to uphold white men and to keep them on top, but seeing a black woman with as much power as Harris is just amazing to see for a change,” Cocliff said.
Sophomore Cecelia Valdez said it is wonderful to see not only a woman but a woman of color in office.
“It is a huge inspiration for women and little girls who look like me who aspire to be a leader and create change,” Valdez said.
She said Harris will be a more prominent figure in the government who will make her opinions known as she works alongside Biden.
“Kamala Harris wants to create a better green policy for our government and help save our dying planet,” Valdez said. “Her goal [is] making better universal healthcare for all, making sure everyone has a good healthcare plan and will not be harmed by the system.”
Valdez said Harris is an example to others because she has proven that gender and skin color do not define who one is and what one’s future entails. She said because Harris is a woman of color, future generations will know there are no limits to their potential of getting elected into office.
“It is important that there is someone representing people who have never been represented,” Valdez said. “In order for change to happen, we must see it in our leaders, especially in this time of our history.”
