Childless Women Not Surprised by JD Vance’s Views
Vitriol about women who aren’t mothers is woven into society
Like many, a few years back, I took joy in the announcement of Kamala Harris — whip smart and highly accomplished among many admirable qualities — as Vice President. I also held a more quiet, special pride in the celebrations surrounding her appointment.
That’s because Kamala, like me, is a woman who did not give birth. We are 15–20% of American women. But you wouldn’t know it from our lack of representation — except when we’re demonized in pop culture. I had high hopes that having the second most powerful person in America be a woman who hadn’t given birth might bring newfound recognition, understanding and respect. She might change some minds, broaden some thinking about our societal contributions.
My early hopes sank, though, as the narrative focus moved away from the reality of her impressive lived life and shifted to bolstering her mothering credentials. It was head-spinning, starting in 2019, how quickly Kamala became synonymous with ‘Momala.’ This started when Harris penned an essay for Elle that ran Mother’s Day weekend. Closer to the election, Glamour set up a Zoom call and…
