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I know of at two journalists of color who were either almost fired or given horrific performance reviews shortly before they did work that earned them a Pulitzer. /1
There are problems with using the Pulitzer or any award really as the standard of good journalism. But it carries weight in our industry. And this fact is emblematic of how racism in journalism is a self-reinforcing cycle. /2
Certain people are afforded the time and space to do the kind of work that garners awards. They are generally white men.
But even if you somehow despite your regular work load you manage to do work that could win an award, your work is often not submitted. /3
But even if you somehow despite your regular work load you manage to do work that could win an award, your work is often not submitted. /3
The fact that Karen Attiah's work was not submitted was not a bug - it's a feature. It's how the people who run newsrooms work.
It's why literally every single journalist of color thing I've attended tells us to submit our own work. But doing so FYI often costs money. /4
It's why literally every single journalist of color thing I've attended tells us to submit our own work. But doing so FYI often costs money. /4
On top of that, it means you have to figure out how to package your work in ways that wins awards. Even more labor. See the problem?
AND even if you garner awards it doesn't buy you as much currency as if you're a white man. /5
AND even if you garner awards it doesn't buy you as much currency as if you're a white man. /5
It won't stop you from being shunted to a shitty beat, for example.
It won't show you have the "chops" to edit or take on challenging projects. It will get you a pat on the head even as they promote and highlight mediocre white dudes. /6
It won't show you have the "chops" to edit or take on challenging projects. It will get you a pat on the head even as they promote and highlight mediocre white dudes. /6
Obviously there are incredibly talented, hard working white dudes. That is not what I'm arguing. What I'm saying is they are often afforded the space to exercise their talents. They're scooting up the hill in an electric scooter while joc's are riding a single speed. /end
