Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Morning Brief: Tone Policing, The GOP Split, And Postponed Vaccinations
Heavy clouds are seen above downtown Los Angeles on Thanksgiving day, November 28, 2019. (APU GOMES/AFP via Getty Images)
()
Good morning, L.A. It’s Feb. 22.
Our Racism 101 series solicits questions from our audience — awkward, tough-to-ask, even silly questions — that they've perhaps wanted to ask people unlike themselves, but have been too shy, embarrassed or afraid to.
In this week’s installment, participants Donna Simone Johnson and Carene Mekertichyan talk tone policing; what it means to them, where they see it occur in their lives, and how it affects them.
Mekertichyan notes that tone policing can happen anywhere, at any time — even in unexpected spaces.
Support for LAist comes from
“Even on the smaller scale, it's when you're in a room and you're having conversation, and people call you aggressive or they say like, ‘Mmm, could we maybe ... let's think about how we word things,’” Mekertichyan said. “And it’s in those feminist spaces where it's like, ‘Well, let's just focus on all women.’ … There might not even be anything that's specifically ‘wrong’ with, quote-unquote, your tone. It's just that they don't even necessarily want to hear the content that you're sharing.”
Johnson adds that tone policing can frequently serve to silence a critical conversation, and be used as a tool of oppression.
“There's a huge difference between speaking from a passionate place or energetic place or your own emotions and experiences, and being mean or cruel,” she said. “I'm saying [these things] because it hurts. I don't want to be having this conversation. I don't want to be sitting here trying to convince you of the value of my life. I don't want to spend my Saturday outside holding up a sign, and my arms hurt … if you stop me of that in order to make yourself more comfortable, isn't that just contributing to the systems and power to oppress?”
Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.
What Else You Need To Know Today
- The California GOP met over the weekend to push Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recall and tout the party’s future.
- Leaders of the effort to recall Gov. Newsom say they've collected 1.7 million signatures.
- Thousands of COVID-19 vaccination appointments have been postponed in L.A., as winter storms elsewhere in the country have delayed shipments of doses.
- Since the pandemic began, two million American women have been forced out of their jobs, or have quit.
- On Thursday, Democratic lawmakers unveiled sweeping legislation backed by President Biden that aims to dramatically reform the immigration system in the U.S. Here’s what it could mean.
- The Senate vote to acquit former President Trump in his impeachment trial has some Republicans talking about how to strengthen the GOP's anti-Trump faction.
Support for LAist comes from
Before You Go … TV Pilot Club Presents: ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’
(Aesthetics of Crisis via Flickr and Christian Haugen Vis Flickr)
()
Our new event series brings nostalgia TV superfans together to hash out the highs and lows of some all-time classic premiere episodes. Hosted by LAist Arts and Entertainment reporter Mike Roe, TV Pilot Club takes a deep dive into these small-screen treasures, and answers your questions live.
On March 9, we're heading to Bel-Air. The Fresh Prince moved in with his auntie and uncle in 1990 and burst onto the scene with one of the most iconic theme songs in sitcom history. Rewatch the pilot episode before the event (available on several streaming services) and get ready to talk all about how Will Smith became a star, whether you're hyped for NBC's upcoming reboot, and all things fresh.
Help Us Cover Your Community
- Got something you’ve always wanted to know about Southern California and the people who call it home? Is there an issue you want us to cover? Ask us anything.
- Have a tip about news on which we should dig deeper? Let us know.
The news cycle moves fast. Some stories don't pan out. Others get added. Consider this today's first draft, and check LAist.com for updates on these stories and more. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Support for LAist comes from
Never miss an LAist story. Sign up for our daily newsletters.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist