She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Traditional Roles: The Power of Representation

Rethinking the Conversation

The debate around representation as a political axis can be tedious, often reducing complex issues to oversimplified either-or arguments. On one hand, there’s the superficial approach that focuses on diversifying faces without tackling underlying conditions of oppression. On the other hand, some corners of the Left dismiss advancements in diversity as mere window dressing, ignoring the tangible benefits that come with parity in representation.

A New Kind of Representation

In the midst of this conversation, I’m drawn to the significant representation surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice not to become a mother. While she’s a devoted stepmother, her decision not to have children herself is a substantial life choice that’s been largely absent from the conversation about her candidacy.

Shattering Stereotypes

When we look back at Hillary Clinton’s candidacy, it’s clear that her imperfect presentation of femininity and motherhood haunted her. Until now, it seemed that women had to perform a certain identity of motherhood and wifehood to succeed beyond a certain level. Vice President Harris’ unconventional personal path, however, has been met with relatively little scrutiny, marking a seismic shift in narrative.

Embracing a New Model of Womanhood

As a woman who feels compelled by life projects and ambitions beyond biological motherhood, I find hope in Harris’ trajectory. She represents a model of adult womanhood that, if replicated, could begin to meet the needs of a changing world. By advocating for generous family leave plans and embracing her role as a community member in the lives of children, Harris shows that opting out of biological motherhood doesn’t mean opting out of being part of a community that includes children.

Redefining Parenting and Community

As more women choose not to become biological mothers, we need to expand our concept of parenting to include those who didn’t birth children. We must embrace women who opt out without judgment and provide the necessary support and empathy to those who opt in. By doing so, we can create a healthier society that acknowledges the interconnectedness of our communities.

Beyond False Dichotomies

I believe that we can reject the false dichotomy between “parent” and “childfree” by recognizing that we’re all part of a community that depends on the children it raises. By asking ourselves how we can ensure the next generation will be its strongest, we can create a society that truly believes “you can be anything you want” – beyond just telling children, but actually believing it ourselves.