As the election season approaches, the air thickens with a sense of impending battles—both on the debate stage and in our minds. The political discussion, already filled with tension, is expected to take a more personal turn. History has shown us that the conversation can become disturbingly low when the stakes are high. In the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns, we witnessed an alarming trend where the focus shifted from policy discussions to deeply personal attacks. This flood of negativity left a significant mark on the nation’s psyche, particularly affecting the communities that often find themselves at the center of these debates.
As we stand on the brink of another crucial election, the stakes are even higher with Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate. Harris, a Black woman and a woman of South Asian descent, will undoubtedly become the focal point of intense scrutiny. The historical use of negative campaigning, as detailed by Healthy Living Post, reflects how deeply personal attacks have been a part of political strategy for centuries.
This long-standing tactic aims to undermine opponents and is amplified by modern media channels, intensifying its impact on public perception and individual mental health. Such tactics are expected to be directed at Harris, amplifying the character assassination she faces. The portrayal of Harris and, by extension, all Black women will be filtered through lenses of racism, sexism, and xenophobia.
For Black women, this election season presents a unique challenge. The narratives and media portrayals will not merely focus on policy issues but will delve deeply into the personal. The portrayal of Harris—and, by extension, all Black women—will be filtered through lenses of racism, sexism, and xenophobia. The implications of these portrayals go beyond politics; they seep into the way Black women are viewed and treated in everyday life.
Therefore, Black women must exercise vigilance in their content during this time. The constant exposure to negative and often biased portrayals can affect mental and emotional well-being. The impact of media portrayals on the mental health of Black women is profound. As Mary Curtis discusses in her article, “It’s Time to Cover Black Women as the Norm and Not the ‘Other’” (2020), the challenges of biased and harmful narratives underscore the need for careful media consumption and self-care to counteract these negative effects.
How do we guard our minds in such a charged atmosphere? The first step is to curate our media consumption intentionally. Seek out diverse perspectives that prioritize facts and thoughtful analysis over sensationalism. Follow platforms that uplift and empower Black women rather than tear them down. It’s also crucial to engage in self-care practices that help mitigate the stress and anxiety that comes from consuming toxic content. This might include taking breaks from social media, engaging in community support networks, and prioritizing mental health.
Moreover, Black women must be mindful of how they engage with political discourse. While staying informed is essential, it is equally important to recognize when the content becomes harmful. Discussions focusing on solutions and positive change, rather than merely reacting to negativity, can help maintain a sense of agency and control.
As we approach the election, remember that the narratives you consume can shape your perception of yourself and your community. By being deliberate about what you allow into your mind, you can protect your mental health and maintain a clear, focused perspective amidst the chaos. This election season, let us choose to guard our minds, uplift our voices, and stand strong against the onslaught of negativity that is sure to come. In doing so, we protect ourselves and contribute to a healthier, more informed discourse that honors the complexity and dignity of Black women.
About the Author: Thursday Currence is a writer based in Atlanta, GA, with a passion for exploring culture and highlighting the importance of mental health and emotional well-being within the Black community. Through her work, she sheds light on the impact of long-standing struggles and offers insights on navigating them.