Singer Janet Jackson has come under fire for perpetuating a false narrative about Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity. In a recent interview, Jackson claimed that Harris “isn’t Black” because she is of Indian descent. This statement is factually incorrect and has been met with widespread criticism, highlighting the harmful consequences of perpetuating misinformation about race and identity.

Harris’s mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born in India, while her father, Donald Harris, is Jamaican. Harris has consistently identified as Black, and her experiences as a Black woman have been central to her identity and political career. The fact that she has an Indian heritage does not erase her Blackness, as the “one-drop rule” – a racist concept that classifies anyone with even a single drop of Black ancestry as Black – still holds significant influence in American society.

Jackson’s comments are particularly troubling given her platform and influence. The singer has a large following and her words carry weight. By spreading misinformation about Harris’s race, she contributes to a harmful narrative that seeks to erase the lived experiences and identities of Black people.

This incident underscores the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in the face of misinformation. It is crucial to challenge harmful stereotypes and narratives, especially when they are perpetuated by public figures.

Rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric, it is imperative to acknowledge and celebrate the complexities of race and identity in a multiracial society like America.