US1 min(s) read
Published 10:03 18 Oct 2020 GMT
People are taking to Twitter to proudly share their meaning behind their names after GOP Sen. David Perdue seemingly mocked Kamala Harris' name at a Trump rally on Friday.
While addressing the crowd in Georgia, Perdue, 70, started to talk about the Democratic vice presidential nominee, Kamala Harris.
However, Perdue then appears to mockingly mispronounce Harris' first name, saying: "Kamala or Kamala-mala-mala-mala, I don’t know. Whatever."
You can watch the moment below:
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The apparent taunt drew huge laughs from the crowd in attendance, but people on Twitter were left far less impressed.
Due to the fact that 55-year-old Harris is the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, many people labeled Perdue's mispronunciation of Senator's name "racist".
For example, political commentator and podcast host Scott Dworkin wrote: "David Perdue is a racist who acted like he can't pronounce Kamala. Maybe he can pronounce Vice President Harris."
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In addition, Sabrina Singh, a spokeswoman for Harris, wrote: "Well that is incredibly racist. Vote him out and vote for [Jon Ossoff]".
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And CNN White House Correspondent John Harwood also shared the video, along with the caption: "Disgusting racist appeal by David Purdue."
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But another way people have rallied to support Harris is by using the hashtag "#MyNameIs", to unapologetically share the meanings behind their non-English names.
Actor Daniel Dae Kim wrote: "#MyNameIs Daniel Dae Hyun Kim, or in Korean, 김대현. It means 'great and powerful one'. My name is not 'Macaca' or 'Kung Flu'.
"And @sendavidperdue, her name is not 'Kamala Mala Mala I Don’t Know Whatever'. #Respect. One more reason to vote for @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris."
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Will & Grace star Debra Messing also showed her support for Harris, by writing: "#MyNameIs Debra. My family comes from Poland and Russia. I stand with #Kamala.
"#Georgia #DavidPerdue is a DISGRACE. #Vote for @ossoff."
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Actor and former White House staff member in the Obama administration Kal Penn also tweeted his support, writing: "#MyNameIs Kalpen. I started going by Kal Penn to help me get a job & am more than happy to give @SenDavidPerdue some tips on finding a new one of his own."
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And actress Tala Ashe also slammed Purdue, writing: "#MyNameIs Talayeh. It means “pioneer” in Persian & comes from the Shahnameh. I have felt my share of Othering & racism by people like @sendavidperdue.
"I will be voting for @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris because I know we are a nation of immigrants & I am proud to be one."
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John Burke, a spokesperson for Perdue’s campaign, has responded to the criticism the senator has faced, tweeting: "Senator Perdue simply mispronounced Senator Harris' name, and he didn't mean anything by it."
