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Debate 2020: 5 Lessons Kamala Harris Taught Us About Bossing Up
The presidential debates have been a spectacle to watch to say the least, with the first one between President Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden sparking ridicule, outrage, confusion, and contention. (With all of the spewing of snide remarks, off-topic rebuttals, outright lies, and deflections from the issues, you would have thought you were watching an old episode of Jerry Springer or a Real Housewives reunion special.)
For the second debate, which brought vice presidential candidates Sen. Kamala Harris and Vice President Mike Pence head-to-head (with a plexiglass barrier between them, of course), the vibe of the night was the total opposite---one of composure and actual dialogue even remotely related to the questions posed.
Notably, Harris brought to the debate table what many Black women bring to corporate boardrooms, offices, classrooms, and Zoom meetings every day: a respectable poise and poignant intelligent eloquence to combat the constant gaslighting, informed ignorance, outright misstatements, and dangerous apathy that we all have faced at some point in our careers.
If you need a reminder on how you can continue to thrive and shine despite the challenges, Harris gave us five during the debate:
Own your look and slay.
Sen. Harris' understated but classy attire and hairstyle showed the room who she was before she even opened her mouth. The monochromatic navy suit, pearl earrings and necklace, and perfectly coiffed press-and-curl didn't distract from her points or their seriousness, and gave the warning that she didn't come to play. Whatever your look is---conservative, chic, sexy, casual or quirky---cultivate it, own it, and use it to your advantage as a tool for branding yourself as a standout leader or expert in your field.
Take up space unapologetically.
Being a pioneer is a feat within itself, and Harris is boldly taking on the challenges of being under an international microscope. During the debate, she did not cower or resort to insults. Whether you agree with what she said or not, there's little doubt that she indeed held her own, confidently stating her opinions and talking points. This is something we all must do when tasked with a job whether as a manager, supervisor or team member.
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Use your words strategically and with tact.
When presenting her points, Harris chose her words carefully, made sure her tone was respectful but authoritative, and did not back down. When you're trying to drive a point and get buy-in on an idea, present a new concept, or propose an improvement, it's a good idea to use tact and be conscious of your delivery when doing so.
Lean on facts.
Pence came at Harris with fears that Democrats would pack the Supreme Court so that there are more liberal-minded justices added. Harris countered with facts: "Do you know that of the 50 people who President Trump appointed to the court of appeals for lifetime appointments, not one is Black? This is what they've been doing. You want to talk about packing a court, let's have that discussion." Pence said it was a "great insult" to law enforcement in reference to the notion that implicit bias against people of color is a prevalent problem. He even denied the existence of systemic racism.
Harris countered with facts about Trump's ban affecting Muslim-majority nations and his calling Mexicans rapists and criminals. (And we all know that research supports that systemic racism is more than real. Just check here, here and here.) In the same way, let the facts lead when communicating in professional settings, especially when you're negotiating a raise, asking for a promotion, or even defending yourself against a misunderstanding or workplace snafu. Performance insights, protocol, and results don't lie.
Keep your composure, especially when someone tries you.
When taken to task about her record in prosecuting cases involving people of color, she respectfully chin-checked Pence (though some might question the context and strength of her counterpoint), and throughout the debate, she sternly reminded Pence to respect her turn to speak a la Auntie Maxine Waters with the now-viral phrase, "I'm speaking." It's OK to be passionate about something or even disagree, but in a professional setting, it's best to keep your cool, show grace to others, and use your words, not your emotions, to make an impact.
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Featured image via Giphy
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
'Love Island USA' Star JaNa Craig On The Reality Of Black Women On Dating Shows
Love Island USA just wrapped up its sixth season, and it has been the talk of the town. According to Nielsen, it's the No. 1 show on streaming, proving it's just as entertaining as the UK version. One of the reasons this season has been successful is due to the authentic relationships formed between the islanders in the villa.
You have the sisterhood between Serena Page, JaNa Craig, and Leah Kateb, aka PPG, and the real relationship moments between couples like Serena Page and Kordell Beckham, who were named the winners of this season. The other finalists include Leah Kateb and Miguel Harichi, Nicole Jacky and Kendall Washington, and JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez.
While JaNa made it to the finale with her boo Kenny, her journey in the villa was far from perfect. Viewers saw the Las Vegas native get her heart stomped on a few times after many of her connections didn't work out.
At one point, it even looked like she was getting kicked off the island. While she had a lot of support from people watching the show, it was clear that she was in a position that many Black women on reality dating shows find themselves in: not being desired.
It has been an ongoing conversation among Black women watching reality dating shows as we see time and time again that non-Black women or racially ambiguous-looking women are often chosen over Black women, especially dark-skinned women. In a discussion with Shadow and Act, JaNa opened up about the support she received from viewers.
@cineaxries i love them 🤧 #janacraig #janaandkenny #loveislandusa #foryou #peacock #loveisland #janaloveisland #xybca #kennyloveisland #janaedit #loveislandedit #janaedits #loveislandusaedit #viral #loveislandusaseason6 #foryoupage #peacocktv
"You know what’s so crazy? I’m so grateful, because when I got my phone, the way they’re making us The Princess and The Frog…I felt honored. I will be that beautiful chocolate queen if I need to be. And the comments like 'beautiful chocolate girl,' I’m like, all Black women are beautiful. There’s the whole light skin versus dark skin, which breaks my heart. I just really don’t understand that, but I will take pride and represent us well," she said.
She also candidly discussed her experience as a dark-skinned Black woman on the show. JaNa and Serena had been in the villa since the first episode, and they were the only dark-skinned Black women there. As new men aka bombshells came into the villa, they found themselves not being wanted by many of them.
"Me and Serena literally had a heart-to-heart before Kenny came in and she’s like, I just don’t think it’s fair that the Black girls don’t get enough fair chance.' Every islander that came in, we were not their top pick. And we just [thought], maybe because we’re Black girls, and the dark-skinned Black girls. It sucked," she said.
"I’m like, 'Serena, we know what we bring to the table. We’re great personalities. A guy’s going to come in for us.' That’s when we manifested what we wanted, and that’s when I manifested Kenny."
@ashleyvera__ We love to see it 🥰 #loveislandusa #loveisland #loveisland2024 #janaandkenny #loveislandseason6 #peacock #realitytv #fypage
After many failed connections, Kenny came in and immediately turned JaNa's experience around. America watched the model get the care and attention that she deserved.
"I’m not going to hold you. When I was in the bottom for a quick second, I’m like, ‘There’s no way America doesn’t [ride for us]. I know Black America had to ride for me, but maybe because I’m a dark-skinned … hmm … maybe … you feel me? And you saw the Casa Amor lineup. Beautiful, beautiful light-skinned [women]," she said.
"We looked at each other like, 'Damn, Love Island did their big one with this. And every single Casa Amor girl was like, 'You girls are gorgeous, you guys are stunning.' They expressed love. You guys are beautiful and it felt good."
Although she and Kenny came in third place, JaNa is happy that she got her man in the end. "I think the thing I’m most grateful about is the fact that this is a beautiful love story like you guys complement each other and there’s no hate toward the skin color. It’s all love and support. I love that more than anything," she said.
"That’s why I was like, 'I won,' even though I didn’t win. And the fact that Serena won, we were like, 'Yeah, run that.' Either way, we won. And I love the support from all communities."