The tongue of the US vice president slips as she discusses her South Asian heritage with young people.
United States Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, reportedly became too casual while addressing young Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) individuals at the annual Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Legislative Leadership summit on Monday, according to The Hill.
During the event, Harris used an expletive while responding to a question about her experience as the first Black American and South Asian American vice president of the US and how her heritage has influenced her perspectives and leadership role.
Harris stated, “Here’s the thing about breaking barriers. Breaking barriers does not mean you start on one side of the barrier and you end up on the other side.”
“There’s breaking involved, and when you break things you get cut. And you may bleed. And it is worth it every time.”
Continuing, Harris stated, “We have to know that sometimes people will open the door for you and leave it open. Sometimes they won’t, and then you need to kick that door down,” before apologizing for her language.
The audience responded with applause, and actor and comedian Jimmy O Yang, who moderated the conversation with the vice president, suggested, “We gotta make T-shirts with that saying.”
Harris’s appearance at the leadership summit coincides with the Biden administration’s celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month. President Joe Biden and Harris are scheduled to deliver remarks at a White House reception honoring the month Tuesday evening.
