When Kamala Harris became the first woman of color to serve as vice president of the United States, it should have been a moment of collective pride for the nation. She broke barriers, not just as a woman but as a Black and South Asian woman in a political system historically dominated by white men. Instead of being celebrated for her accomplishments, Harris faced relentless scrutiny and dismissal. Her experience is not unique; it reflects a troubling reality in America: the intense disdain directed at women of color who dare to achieve excellence.

Kamala Harris, before taking office, served as California’s Attorney General, where she led reforms in criminal justice, defended marginalized communities and tackled issues of housing and corporate accountability. As a U.S. Senator, she earned a reputation as a sharp, articulate and prepared advocate during high-stakes hearings. Despite this, critics often portray her as unprepared, unlikable or overly ambitious. It is a narrative not based on her record but on her identity.

This pattern is familiar to women of color across the United States. A recent study found that women of color are less likely to be promoted to leadership positions despite consistently outperforming their peers. They are often held to impossible standards, expected to work twice as hard for half the recognition. These experiences are deeply rooted in the intersections of racism and sexism that persist in both professional and public spaces.

For Harris, these dynamics played out on the world stage, where every gesture, laugh or phrase was dissected and weaponized against her. Critics focus on her tone, her demeanor or even the simple act of laughing, as if these trivial observations outweigh her legislative and executive accomplishments. This relentless scrutiny reveals an uncomfortable truth: America is still deeply uncomfortable with powerful women of color.

Meanwhile, male politicians with glaring ethical lapses, questionable competence or even criminal records are often afforded second chances—or simply dismissed with a shrug. The double standard is undeniable. Figures like George Santos and Donald Trump, whose controversies would have ended the careers of others, continue to maintain platforms and support. The fact that Harris’s laugh garners more criticism than their lies or crimes is a stark reminder of the biases at play.

Harris’s experience reflects the daily realities of millions of women of color. They are undervalued in the workplace, dismissed in conversations and scrutinized for traits that are praised in others. Their presence in spaces of power is viewed not as a sign of progress but as a threat to the status quo.

What makes Harris’s situation even more frustrating is how much she represents the ideals of American progress. Her rise to the vice presidency is a testament to her tenacity, intelligence and unwavering commitment to public service. But instead of being lauded for her groundbreaking achievements, she faces a barrage of criticism that often ignores her qualifications and focuses instead on personal and irrelevant attributes.

The question then arises: why does America continue to hold women of color to such impossibly high standards? Why are their accomplishments never enough to silence the doubters and critics? The answer lies in a culture that is still grappling with its biases, one that struggles to reconcile the ideals of equality and progress with the realities of systemic oppression.

Harris’s treatment is a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go as a society. Until we confront and dismantle these biases, women of color will continue to face barriers that no amount of qualifications can overcome.

Kamala Harris’s story should inspire pride, not derision. It should serve as a beacon for young women of color who dare to dream of leadership. Instead, it has become a cautionary tale of how America punishes those who challenge the narrative of who belongs in power.

If the nation is truly committed to justice and equality, it must do more than celebrate moments of progress. It must address the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality. Only then can women of color, like Harris, lead without the weight of undue criticism, allowing their accomplishments to shine as brightly as they deserve.

Kamala Harris is not just a symbol of what is possible—she is a reminder of how much work remains to ensure that every qualified leader is valued for their achievements, not diminished by their identity.