A Washington Post insider has leaked an internal memo regarding the Don Imus controversy to BigHead DC. We think the memo, penned by executive editor Len Downie, should make for an interesting read here at BigHead DC.
To: All Washington Post Staffers
From: Leonard Downie, Jr.
Re: The Recent Don Imus Racial Flap
Here at the Washington Post we pride ourselves on sensitivity – sensitivity about issues and the people that make those issues pertinent and relevant. We Post staffers also know that sensitivity of the utmost importance when dealing with members of the various minority communities we cover.
Back in 1998, we instituted an in-print rule that stated reporters could not use the word “black” and must use the words “African-American” when referring to a person of such persuasion. As a response to Imus’ gross insensitivity, I’d like to expand that rule even further. From here on in, any reference to the word “black” must be replaced by “African-American.” This rule will apply to both print and everyday conversations.
So, for example, when we write about the company Black & Decker, we must now refer to it as “African-American & Decker.” The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It, Black” will from here on in be known as “Paint It, African-American.” And the stock market crashed on “African-American Friday.”
When we speak to our co-workers, the blackboard in the newsroom is now the “African-American board” and the parking lot is filled with “African-American top.” The vending machine people have been notified, and will soon be serving “African-American cherry soda.” Care for some lunch? Well perhaps you’d enjoy the “Cajun-African-Americaned chicken.” If you feel faint and hit the ground, you’ve “African-Americaned out.”
Several staffers have already told me that this proposal “makes no sense” to them. Well, do you know what? Slavery and oppression make no sense to me, so I guess this is the right rule for the right situation at the right time. A rule such as this is but a mere raindrop in the ocean of sensitivity we must extend when it come to racial issues.
In closing, I’d like to say we at the Post hope this new rule will continue our tradition of excellence and make us just like The New York Times – a paper whose irrelevancy is matched only by its plummeting stock market numbers.
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