Sen. Kamala Harris has offered a stern message for those who have mocked her name. During an interview with Trevor Noah, Harris called detractors "childish" for making fun of her first name. The California lawmaker explained that a name is the first gift a family gives a newborn child.
“It is usually informed by tradition and love, and the hope and aspiration the family has for that child,” the Howard University graduate said.
“It is something precious and sacred, and it is a part of their identity. And when I see people fighting for the right for that to be respected and treated in a dignified way, I applaud and salute them.”
In recent weeks, President Donald Trump, Sen. David Perdue and Fox News Anchor Tucker Carlson have mocked her first name. A number of other news personalities have stumbled over her first name prior to the upcoming election.
“It speaks poorly of their appreciation for the responsibility and the role that they have,” Harris said.
“And I think it’s a reflection of their values and maturity.”
Harris is the product of two immigrant parents. Her father, Donald Harris, is Jamaican-American economist who taught at Stanford University. Meanwhile, her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, is an Indian-American biomedical scientist. Together, the couple named their daughter, Kamala. The name is of Indian origin and means lotus flower. Hindu goddess Lakshmi is also occasionally referred to as Kamala.
With her immigrant heritage and unique name, Harris has elevated to great heights. In 2016, she became the first Indian-American U.S. Senator. This year, she is striving to become the first Black woman to serve as the Vice President of the United States. Her aspirations will come to a tipping point on Tuesday when Americans take to the polls for the final day voting.
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