Why people aren’t happy with Kamala Harris’ Vogue cover

Kamala Harris on the cover of Vogue should have been a source of pride and joy for us all. Kamala Harris made history in 2020 after becoming the first female, first Black, and first Asian woman to be elected as Vice President of the United States.

Following the rioting of pro-trump supporters, and overall political unrest, some celebration for the new administration was in order. However, many were left questioning the styling and quality of the images.

Vogue sought to capture this momentous and iconic moment by having Harris appear on the cover of their February 2021 issue. However many are now arguing that this has backfired on them, after what Twitter fans are calling “amateurish” and “disrespectful” photos.

The shoot, taken by Tyler Mitchell, sees Harris rock a powerhouse suit alongside a pair of classic converse. 

Stood in front of a pink and green silk backdrop, the inspiration behind the images was apparently Harris’ time in Howard University’s sorority Alpha, Kappa, Alpha, as pink and green are the sorority colors. 

People on Twitter have been criticizing the lighting, saying the image looks like a test shoot. "Kamala Harris is literally movie star gorgeous and I've never seen Vogue publish something this amateurish", one Twitter user said. 

While another commented: "For the First Female Vice President of the United States, I expect more on the cover of Vogue." 

Others have claimed that the lighting has whitewashed Harris and many have questioned whether the depiction of the Vice President-elect reflects her status.

As always, Twitter is divided with some commenting that the pictures are not bad - just not up to the usual standards and lacking thought. 

Those in the positive camp said: "This might be my favorite cover ever"; and “Kamala Harris on the cover of Vogue sends the message that you can be smart, powerful, and beautiful all while being a black woman in America.” 

Opinions, it seems, are well and truly divided...