Thread by @tony_zy

Such an honor to be included in this #AAJA22 Voices Investigation on the lack of diversity in American mainstream journalism awards. And what a time to learn that Pulitzer — after over a century — has its FIRST Asian American voting member only in 2020.
aajavoices.org/losangeles2022…

I stand by my quote. The whole award scene has spared a lot of empathy on things that white Americans care about. It awards parachute journalism, white saviors, simplified narratives, and glorified tragedies at the expense of local ppl/media workers.

It's still biting to remember that Pulitzer (or most major journalism awards) didn't even spare any recognition for Chinese journalists on the ground for the early COVID coverage when they fought against censorship AND the complete uncertainty of a deadly pandemic

I am extremely lucky to be recognized for quite a few awards in the industry, but along the way, it's heartbreaking to see my peers — many are the most talented POC journalists — under constant gaslighting about how their work isn't important and they're not good enough

When I moved to New York I was determined to "make it" in the news industry. But as I advance my career, I realize there's a huge difference between "having a spot in the room" and "convincing ppl in the room to care what I care about"

I was lucky to build an established media career in the Chinese language world before I work in American news. It helps me to fend off most gaslighting and demoralizing messages, but it also makes it harder to see what kind of toxicity other POC friends are going thru

Feel free to reach out if you need affirmation and community support. Thanks again to @aaja, @jinkding, @itsyiwenlu, and the whole team that creates a platform and continues to hold the industry accountable