In her speech for Vice-Presidency, she accepted Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention. Kamala Harris of California her husband, her children, her sister, her cousins, her grandchildren, her uncles and her “chitthis.” And it is their use of the Tamil word for “aunts” that caused an emotional uproar on social media.
Many praised Harris’ use of “chitthi”, a term of satisfaction for a mother’s younger sister, a father of an uncle or a stepmother in the Tamil language. Harris’ use of it as the first Black woman and the first Asian American on a ticket to major parties marks a more important moment for the diaspora, which reflects itself on a national political platform in a particularly divisive climate.
“In stark contrast to the last four years of anti-immigrant rhetoric coming from the White House, hearing the mother tongue of our families spoken by a future Vice President of the United States is truly a wonderful moment and symbol that Indian Americans are becoming a visible and recognized part of the fabric of America, “said Neil Makhija, executive director of the Indian American Impact Fund, which was one of the first South Asian organizations to distinguish Harris then she announced her presidential bid in 2019.
Harris’ mother, Shyamala Gopalan, grew up in Tamil Nadu, a South Indian state where Tamil is spoken naturally. More than 300,000 people in the U.S. speak the language, with the highest concentrations in California, Texas and New Jersey, according to the census.
Sunil Sadasivan, Deputy Chief Technology Officer for Sen. Cory Booker’s primary campaigner, said he was both surprised and under the impression that Harris addressed her chitthis in her speech. As a second generation Indian immigrant whose parents are from Tamil Nadu and the southern state of Kerala, he has always pursued his striped identities.
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“I have two of myself, so it was incredible to hear it. It brought to light the importance of this interest in identities, “he said. I did not see this site appear in the primary, but I did see it appear in her book [‘The Truths We Hold: An American Journey’], and it is very powerful. “
Tamilians, in general, are known to share close family ties, and Harris did so in her speech. “I think her heartfelt recognition showed respect and that it’s a core part of her identity and who she is. I have two boys, 2 and 6 months old, and they get to show a part to Indian VP nominees. It is barrier-breaking, “Sadasivan said.
He said the word choice was also politically significant.
“For Kamala to tackle its roots was a powerful move,” Sadasivan said. “I think she recognizes that this is not a trivial ballot box and it is something that could change the outcome of the vote in key districts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Texas, and she should appeal to this critical bloc, but it also shows see that this is a core part of their identity. “
According to AAPI Data, 54 percent of Asian American registered voters said in a recent poll that they support Joe Biden. About 29 percent said they would vote for President Donald Trump, and 1 percent said they would vote for a third-party candidate. The remaining 16 percent are undecided.
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Tamil Americans have gained prominence in recent years, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, actors like Aziz Ansari and Mindy Kaling, rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., And author and host Padma Lakshmi.
Harris continued to receive support on social media during and after her speech. Lakshmi tweeted that her “heart is so full now.”
Aarthi Gunasekaran, New York City Mayor’s Fund Policy Manager, tweeted: “Seeing Kamala Harris talk with such pride about her South Indian mother while I sit next to my Grandma, and my cousin who calls me Chithi, is so special.”
Kaling tweeted her support, as did Harris’ niece Meena Harris, with the words “Chittis for America.”
