Kamala Harris's first speech as Vice President of the United States: A reflection of feminism on language

Year 2024, Volume: 6 Issue: 10, 245 - 262, 01.04.2024

Cut Novita Srikandi , Siti Deliani Lubis

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the manifestation of the Spirit of Feminism in Kamala Harris's inaugural speech as Vice President of the United States. The research aimed to categorize the many manifestations of the Spirit of Feminism in Kamala Harris's First Speech and examine the statements made in the speech. This study employed a qualitative research design and utilized the Descriptive method. The data was sourced from a transcript video of Kamala Harris, which was broadcast on November 8, 2020, on YouTube under the channel name CNBC Television. The utterances from that video were gathered by selecting and emphasizing the spoken words. The dataset for this investigation consisted of 13 utterances. The analysis revealed a total of 13 utterances, comprising 3 instances of education equality, 3 instances of gender equality, 1 instance of equal liberty, 3 instances of rights for women as a social class, and 3 instances of prejudice and discrimination.

Keywords

Keywords: Kamala Harris first speech, spirit of feminism, feminist statement, Feminism on Language

Kamala Harris's first speech as Vice President of the United States: A reflection of feminism on language

Abstract

Introduction

Kamala Harris delivered her inaugural speech on Saturday, November 7, 2020, in Wilmington, Delaware. She was attired in a white dress, which was observed during the live feed of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' victory speech on the ABC News YouTube channel. The study aimed to examine the delivery of feminism in a speech. The objective of the study is to assess the extent to which Kamala Harris's speech has influenced women in the United States.

Conceptual and Theoretical Framework

Concepts
Prioritizing the emancipation of women, the term "feminism" encompasses political and social ideologies as well as ethical principles. The perception that women are irrational and emotive prevents them from attaining political leadership positions, thereby diminishing their prestige. Feminism originated from women's aspiration for gender equality with men (Hannam, 2007). The women who produced these works demonstrate their pursuit of equal rights, particularly in the field of education. Subsequently, in the wake of the French Revolution, women began to exhibit a keen interest in innovative ideas. They assert that the bond between genders has been successfully eradicated and has transformed into multiple factions that have rejected conventional ideas about femininity throughout that era and strived to dismantle masculine dominance. In her book on Feminism, Hannam (2007:22) provides a concise definition of feminism as the recognition of the unequal distribution of power between genders, where women are placed in a subordinate position to men. The belief that the societal position of women can be changed due to its constructed nature and emphasis on women's independence and self-governance.

Literature Review
The term "language and gender" pertains to the interplay between linguistic expressions associated with masculinity and femininity. Gender disparities manifest in the statements, lifestyles, and perspectives of both men and women (Gu, 2013). The majority of the research's findings support the notion that women are incompetent language users and that their language is inferior. Many feminist academics from many disciplines take the initiative to rethink and reinterpret gender and language in reaction to such "sexist" discoveries. They use a variety of strategies, but two prominent ones are the "dominance" and "difference" viewpoints.



Method
This study examined the inaugural address delivered by Kamala Harris. This study utilized a qualitative research methodology, indicating the need for thorough examination and the absence of any quantitative conclusions. Creswell (2009:33) defines qualitative research as a method for analyzing the responses of individuals or groups to social or human issues.

Results and Discussion (Optional)
The researcher disseminated the research findings and analysis through a YouTube channel called "CNBC Television" on November 8, 2020, in order to carry out this investigation. After conducting a thorough examination of Kamala Harris's inaugural speech video, which involved watching her speech on "CNBC Television" published on November 8, 2020, and carefully reviewing the transcripts, I identified and marked the sections of the speech that embodied feminist ideals. Subsequently, the researcher annotated certain words spoken by Harris and assigned numerical values to the selected sections for the purpose of study. Thirteen statements were to be examined within six categories of spiritual feminism, which encompass education equality, gender equality, equal liberty, consciousness against misogyny, women's rights as a social class, and prejudice and discrimination.

Conclusion and Recommendations
Kamala Harris' inaugural address as Vice President of the United States dismantled gender and racial obstacles, acknowledged the hardships endured by previous generations, advocated for harmony, and underscored the significance of female perspectives and inclusivity. The emphasis on leadership in the film exemplified the essence of feminism. Her groundbreaking election serves as a source of motivation for women and girls globally, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity and gender parity in both governance and society.

Keywords

Kamala Harris first speech, spirit of feminism, feminist statement, Feminism on Language

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