The weird and sexist criticism of Kamala's "cackle": Decoding how Harris got the last laugh

The weird and sexist criticism of Kamala’s “cackle”: Decoding how Harris got the last laugh
Donald Trump may be irreparably triggered by the joy of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

By David Masciotra
Contributing Writer
Published August 10, 2024 6:29AM (EDT)


(Salon) Imagine how much you would have to hate life to castigate someone for laughing. It is important to dwell on the thought experiment before considering political ideology or feminist theory because the inevitable revelation produces profound political and cultural clarity.

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Misanthropy is now central to the American right, meaning that one of the most important, but incalculable elements of the presidential race is the weird factor. Having already exposed themselves as irredeemably weird (not to mention sexist), with Trump's running mate Sen. JD Vance’s derision of “childless cat ladies,” the Republican Party will only get more bizarre and only appear more estranged from American culture. One of the biggest triggers for their weird outbursts is laughter from Kamala Harris.

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Lately, they’ve only increased. TV advertisements for Trump’s campaign zero in on the laugh, showing Harris’ face light up into a wide smile from different angles, often in slow motion, as if amusement is a crime. Trump himself has taken to calling the vice president, “Laughin’ Kamala.” During some speeches, he will refer to her as “Lyin’ Kamala.” Both nicknames land well with the audience, demonstrating that to Donald Trump, and his most fervent supporters, accusations of good humor and dishonesty are equally damaging.

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When Kamala Harris laughs with riotous zeal, while occupying a position of leadership, she challenges the hard over soft hierarchy. Her laugh communicates that expression of emotion while making difficult decisions is not only possible but perhaps, commendable. The image of a laughing woman in a role of power is tough to tolerate if you believe that executive leadership demands a steely, inhuman, statue-like laconicism. ...........(more)

https://www.salon.com/2024/08/10/the-weird-and-sexist-criticism-of-kamalas-cackle-decoding-how-harris-got-the-last-laugh/