Just a few short weeks ago, when the country was reeling from the sudden change of candidates at the top of the Democratic ticket, Kamala Harris received a phone call of support and endorsement from Michele and Barack Obama. She signed off by saying,“And we’re going to have some fun with this too, aren’t we?”

Fun? I asked myself. Is she naïve? Doesn’t she know that the road ahead will be marked by ugly epithets, not to mention the very real possibility of bullying and violence from extremists on the right and her opponent? Isn’t she worried about not being taken seriously as a woman, and a woman of color?

Not surprisingly her joie de vivre, and even the sound of her laugh, have been mocked and criticized. But she keeps showing up — laughing and joyful. And also stern, smart, and fierce. Yes, politics is serious business, but Harris is showing us what it’s like to bring joy and laughter into the arena.

Joy, it turns out, is more than just a brand. Great leaders like the Dali Lama, Desmond Tutu, and even the Buddha, (all of whom knew well the depths of human suffering) are known for their smiles, laughter, jokes, and riddles. Plus, studies show that laughter and humor enhance interpersonal relationships, boost motivation, and make for more effective bosses — all traits that would benefit a leader. Even our Declaration of Independence enshrines happiness, along with life and liberty, as an inalienable right.

Yes, there is a storm of madness, bigotry and greed thundering around us. Yes, we are in a very grave battle to protect our ecosystem, our democracy and the rights of the most vulnerable among us. And yes we can, as Harris is showing us, smile and laugh, even while we are standing firm for our principles as a band of joyful — and effective — warriors for democracy, hope, and decency.

Tzivia Gover

Northampton