Trump’s Repeated Mispronunciation of ‘Kamala’ Shows Disrespect and Desperation

Joe W. Bowers Jr& & | California Black Media& OPINION (CBM) – Mispronouncing Kamala Harris’s first name isn’t just a harmless mistake; it’s a reflection of a deeper issue that goes beyond simply placing emphasis on the wrong syllable. Leadership is about showing respect, paying attention to detail, and engaging thoughtfully with the diverse communities that make up our country. When leaders fail in these areas, it raises questions about their judgement and ability to lead.& & Harris, as the first female Vice President of the United States, carries a first name that is rooted in her Indian cultural heritage passed down from her mother, Shyamala Gopalan. Her name means “lotus flower,” and is pronounced “Comma-la.”& So, when so-called leaders can’t be bothered to say her name correctly, it signals a disregard for the significance of that heritage, as well as a lack of commitment to understanding and representing all Americans. This neglect undermines the very essence of leadership, which is to respect and represent the people.& & This issue of mispronouncing her name is not an isolated one. During the 2024 Republican National Convention, nearly half of the speakers who mentioned Harris’s first name mispronounced it. Former President Donald...