I’ve noticed this for years, it became really annoying in 2016 but wasn’t talked about much, now I’m seeing folks bringing it up on social media.
Politicians and other notable figures are typically referred to by their last names. Unless the reference is an intended slight or unless it’s a woman.
I imagine it’s a subconscious thing but it’s a little thing that belies sexism/ misogyny even when other women do it.
See if you notice it now in the comments referring to her as Kamala instead of Harris.
I always figured Hilary Clinton was called Hilary to distinguish her from that other Clinton politician. But will watch whether Harris gets Kamala. I expect it will be used rather than Harris to show the “foreignness” of her name?
Have not noticed the trend in Canada for female politicians. Our two high profile male politicians though are referred to frequently as Justin and Pierre.
She also seemed to make a deliberate choice to go by Hillary in that she used “Hillary for America” as her slogan. So… meh… not sexist.
George W Bush was typically called W or Bush Jr to distinguish him from his dad and Jeb Bush was typically called Jeb to distinguish him from either one. Also not sexist.
Harris… eh… I see her referred to either way. Her first name is certainly more distinctive than her last, so that may be part of calling her Kamala.
I feel like Sarah Palin was referred to as “Palin” more often than “Sarah” … and Palin is the more unique part of her name.
Thanks. Just used the “one l” spelling that I see more frequently for other folks. I should have been sensitive to that spelling as I dislike it when people spell my own name as Allan rather than Alan.
I think the first name is used more frequently when attempting to portray the person in a negative light. (Sleepy Joe). So what I’m saying is you will see Kamala from your favorite media channels!