it's really amazing to see how much the format of digital journalism conferences and events allows them to be much more accessible to a much larger group of people.
you also cannot deny the enthusiasm of large groups of #AAJA20 journalists who clearly miss each other a lot.
There is an #aaja20 first-time attendee this year all the way from New Zealand!!
The opening keynote just now with @NialaBoodhoo and @drsanjaygupta really addressed what so many AAPI journalists are thinking about and working on.
If you are attending #AAJA20 and have questions for me about biz journalism, feature writing, or anything else, feel free to DM or message me on Pathable.
I'm also moderating an incredible panel on Thursday, August 13, at 4pm. It's on Reporting From and For AAPI Communities!
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White male writers and journalists have been blending their identities with the stories they've been telling for decades to great acclaim, recognition, and awards. They aren't considered biased because of the persistent idea the white male identity is a neutral viewpoint.
Skepticism of institutions is an integral part of the journalism profession but I am tired of the thoughtful, well-researched work of women and people of color in the media industry constantly being given caveats compared to white male peers named Steve, John, or Ben.
Lack of trust in media institutions that have repeatedly discriminated against women and people of color — through pay inequality, unequal performance reviews, lack of promotion, poor retention, rampant sexual harassment and media coverage — is actually a rational response.
The worst thing I learned about corporate finance was how the expectation of steady profit growth, especially in the short term, basically torpedoes things like paying people equitably (increases COGS via SGA) or investing long-term in stuff like retention.
COGS is cost of goods sold; SGA is selling, general and administrative expenses. Increasing salaries to reduce pay inequality is the right thing to do, but also increases expenses and can lower net income, even if it increases productivity, workplace satisfaction, and retention.
Also, 1) you cannot personal finance your way out of systemic discrimination 2) Black and Hispanic Americans are given higher-priced loans in almost every area compared to White counterparts, affecting their ability to build wealth as well as start and maintain businesses.
The mantra "spend money on experiences, not things" is good in theory. Here are things you should spend money on:
-othortics and shoes
-dental care
-therapy
-sunscreen
-a decent knife
-air purifier
-smart outlets and power strips
-Airtags or Tile trackers
-glass food containers
Other things I have not regretted spending money on:
-insurance
-movers
-clear storage bins
-traps for various pests
-Oxo compost bin
-Vornado fan
-packing cubes
-prescription glasses with Transition lenses
-front entrance floor mat
Not meant to be a comprehensive list, but additional things worth buying:
-solid mattress
-pillow
-ergonomic chair
-external monitor
-battery pack
-decent bedding and towels
-water purifier
-humidifier
-phone case and screen protector
-Tub Shroom/drain cover
-journals and books
there is always going to be a group of people who think portraying anyone beyond "straight white Evangelical Christians" in commercials, TV, movies, and other types of media is divisive, even in 2023, and more of society needs to understand this is an endless bad-faith argument
These are the same people who get mad when there are like, gay and/or interracial families in commercials for Old Navy or department stores. Loving v. Virginia was decided in 1967. There are more than 22 million Asian Americans. Gay people, like everyone else, buy stuff.
On the list of corporate decisions to be mad about, "choice of TikTok influencer" is pretty low compared to:
-significant air pollution (BASF)
-wages so low staff regularly go on food stamps (Walmart)
-stealing antiquities (Hobby Lobby)
-creating fake accounts (Wells Fargo)
it's weird to see prominent white people in society push personal responsibility for issues like health and safety and then argue larger systemic issues are the reason why so many white men are lonely, unsuccessful, and/or embracing misogyny, white nationalism, and extremism
you cannot tell me I am personally responsible for constantly figuring out how to keep myself safe from Covid-19, huge medical bills, and mass shootings and then turn around and say "it's not a surprise so many white men turn to toxic communities online or look up to Andrew Tate"
this is like the police officer who said the man who committed the Atlanta massacre was "having a bad day", killing EIGHT people, and I went viral for tweeting "when I have a bad day, I eat three string cheeses". theguardian.com/us-news/2021/m…
I talked to Constance Wu for three hours for my feature on Crazy Rich Asians. There was a bunch of stuff we talked about I couldn't publish. It has been a relief to see so many people realize they judged her too harshly for an incredibly painful experience she carried for years.
Being a journalist is odd because you get to meet incredible people, sometimes you talk about the most vulnerable stuff, and many times you never see that person again. But I thought about that interview with Constance Wu for years. Esp. after the wave of #MeToo stories in 2017.
I wasn't (and am not) entitled to more of Constance Wu's time. I wasn't on staff anywhere to look into what happened. I just knew her as a kind person who looked a lot like me, also had divorced parents, and privately carried painful experiences that deeply affected their work.