How did Kamala Harris become a pop culture icon?
Thanks for asking! On the 10th September 2024, Kamala Harris made her presidential debate debut in Philadelphia, going head -to -head with Republican candidate Donald Trump.
It was a fiery affair.
And when all was said and done, most observers had the sitting vice president down as having come out on top.
From political columnists to casual social media commenters, Harris had everyone impressed.
Just how popular has Kamala become?
To start with, it's hard to look past her social media reach.
On Instagram her posts regularly rack up millions of likes, and she's just as prominent on x .com, formerly known as Twitter.
But it's on TikTok where she's really making waves.
The platform may be at risk of being banned in the US, but for now Harris is still using it to its full potential.
And that approach could be a key factor in her appeal among younger voters, who are set to play a critical role in this election.
Alongside her social media strategy, Harris has centred her campaign around issues that resonate with the younger generation, like social justice and environmental concerns, for example.
She's also a passionate feminist and isn't afraid to show it, with her campaign even co -opting the term Feminin Ominon, the title of a 2022 song by Chappelle Rohn.
Would you say that being a woman contributes to her popularity then?
Well it's more that Harris is a quintessentially American candidate and leverages her life story to inspire others.
Her mother and father were both immigrants, from India and Jamaica respectively.
They met at civil rights protests in the US, and even took young Kamala with them to gatherings when she was a small child, so for many in immigrant communities she represents the American dream in action.
Harris frequently puts emphasis on her journey as a black woman from a middle class background who has climbed to the heights of political power.
It's worth noting that these days 40 % of Americans live in blended families, just like Harris herself.
Her friendly and polished demeanor also helps her connect with everyday people.
Polls show that her most appreciated qualities are her body language, especially her smile and laughter.
It's not just her political role that resonates with Americans, but also her character and life experiences.
Why is she considered a pop culture icon then?
Pretty much every day she's getting endorsed by celebrities like Katy Perry, Cardi B, Charlie XCX, Eva Longoria, Beyonce and Taylor Swift, among others.
Her image is also frequently linked with that of Barack Obama, another iconic figure.
In August she even got her own forward poster from street artist Shepard Fairey, reminiscent of the Hope poster that he created for Barack Obama in 2008.
There you have it. Now you know how Kamala Harris became a pop culture icon.
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