When Drew Barrymore Said She Wants Kamala Harris To Be ‘Momala Of The Country’ In Viral Interview

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As a woman of color and a dedicated follower of politics, I found Drew Barrymore‘s comment during her interview with Vice President Kamala Harris to be both well-intentioned yet problematic. While it was heartwarming to see the bond between Harris and her stepchildren, and the affectionate term “Momala” they’ve coined for her, I believe that Barrymore’s suggestion that Harris should be a maternal figure for the entire country is not entirely appropriate.

On April 29, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris made an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show for a one-on-one chat. This conversation quickly gained popularity. Known for her welcoming and amiable nature, Harris shared heartfelt tales about her family life, focusing particularly on her role as a stepmother, a title she fondly accepts as “Momala.

Intriguingly enough, it was a particular moment during the interview that sparked widespread interest online: Barrymore suggested that Harris might serve as “Momala” for the whole nation.

During the interview, Harris discussed her family relationships, particularly her bond with her stepchildren Cole and Ella Emhoff. Harris married Doug Emhoff in 2014, and she has warmly taken on the role of a stepmother. As a matter of preference within their family, they refer to her as “Momala,” rather than using the term “stepmother.

As a dedicated follower, I echo her sentiments: “It’s simply unfair to subject the children to a predicament where, consciously or unconsciously, their peace is disrupted due to the adults’ complex relationships with one another.” This refers to Harris expressing her thoughts about her relationship with Emhoff’s ex-wife, Kerstin Emhoff.

In response to Harris discussing her family, Barrymore skillfully changed the topic by remarking, “That reminds me, I often think we could all use a mother figure like yours.” She further suggested that Harris might assume a nurturing role for the nation, saying, “You know, we really need you to be America’s ‘Momala.’

The instant sparked a variety of responses from both the live audience and online viewers. Some found it endearing, while others felt awkward, with social media posting labeling it as cringeworthy. Regardless of the contrasting opinions, the video clip swiftly spread across various platforms, igniting discussions about the true intent behind Barrymore’s comment.

Zahara Hill, a writer for MSNBC, was one of those who voiced criticism towards Drew Barrymore’s statement due to its potentially harmful connotations. Hill noted that using the term “Momala” could invoke the old stereotype of the mammy figure, which portrays Black women as overly domestic and submissive.

In a statement, Hill suggests that even if Barrymore didn’t intend any harm, it would have been prudent for well-intentioned white women in 2024 to have already conducted their research by now.

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2024-10-01 16:38