Morning Brief: Tone Policing, The GOP Split, And Postponed Vaccinations

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.

“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.

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.

Never miss an LAist story. Sign up for our daily newsletters.