WaPo Editor’s Column Offers No Hope for Future Narcissistic Journos
Opinion Editor’s Controversial Op-Ed Sparks Debate
It didn’t take long for The Washington Post’s new opinion editor Alexi McCammond — already twice disgraced by controversies at two previous magazines — to prove her continued penchant for the puerile.
In a Dec. 6 op-ed titled “The bag that opened up my Blackness,” McCammond devotes the first 600 words to lauding a $150 luxury bag that has “unexpectedly opened up so many spaces for organic Black joy and connection.” The Telfar bag, explains McCammond in what sounds like an endorsement for which she is receiving royalties, comes “in three sizes and so many delightful colors. … I’ll find myself gently touching the faux leather every now and then just to reconfirm it’s as soft as it looks.”
What, you might wonder, does a luxury handbag have to do with celebrating black culture? Frankly, I don’t quite know, given McCammond giddily notes that singer Selena Gomez and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., both own versions of the bag, which is the creation of a black, queer designer — presumably that’s why, a few paragraphs in, McCammond offers the caveat that it’s “people of color” sharing the joy.
I also presume for a white woman to buy the bag would be categorized as cultural appropriation, since white people ruin everything. And though I’m being a bit snide, that’s not far off from what McCammond seems to think. That she represents the younger generation of professional corporate journalism gives reason to think there is little hope for its future.
An Example of Anti-Racism Infantilizes Its Adherents
Telfar, declares McCammond, “has brought me into a community in which the full breadth of Blackness is on display.” Yet she can’t help celebrating one community at the expense of another — that of her own biracial family. “I’m biracial but was raised primarily by my mom, who is White and, honestly, not a reliable ally,” McCammond explains. ”Black beauty wasn’t embraced or explored in our house when I grew up.”
What, we might ask, did her white mother do that exemplified this crypto-racism? “My mom is genuinely so out of touch that during one visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, she stopped random Black people to apologize … for … slavery? Oppression? Her outfit? I’m still not sure.”
Think about this: McCammond excoriates her mother — in one of the most prominent newspapers in America, no less — not for being a racist, but for doing
What does McCammond’s op-ed reveal about her suitability for the role of an opinion editor and the principles of responsible journalism
Opinion Editor’s Controversial Op-Ed Sparks Debate
The Washington Post’s new opinion editor, Alexi McCammond, has reignited controversy with her recent op-ed, sparking a heated debate. McCammond, who has already faced two previous controversies during her tenure at other magazines, has once again displayed her proclivity for immature behavior.
In her op-ed titled “The bag that opened up my Blackness,” published on December 6, McCammond dedicates the first 600 words to praising a luxury bag worth $150. She claims that this bag has unexpectedly created numerous opportunities for organic Black joy and connection. McCammond goes on to describe the Telfar bag, seemingly promoting it as if she is receiving royalties from the brand. She states, “It comes in three sizes and so many delightful colors… I’ll find myself gently touching the faux leather every now and then just to reconfirm it’s as soft as it looks.”
This op-ed has generated significant controversy and has ignited a debate around journalistic integrity and professionalism. Critics argue that McCammond’s article lacks substance and fails to address meaningful issues facing the Black community. Instead, they see it as a shallow endorsement of a luxury product, raising questions about her objectivity as an opinion editor.
Moreover, many are questioning the editorial judgment of The Washington Post in hiring McCammond, given her history of controversies. The concerns stem from a lack of accountability within the media industry, where individuals seem to avoid facing consequences for their actions.
The role of an opinion editor is crucial in shaping public discourse and providing insightful analysis on social and political issues. It is essential that individuals in such positions possess the integrity and professionalism required to carry out their responsibilities effectively. McCammond’s op-ed raises doubts about her suitability for the role and whether she can uphold the principles of responsible journalism.
This incident highlights the importance of holding media professionals accountable for their actions and ensuring that their work serves the public interest. Journalists and editors should strive to maintain high ethical standards and avoid indulging in trivial matters that can overshadow more crucial topics.
The controversy surrounding McCammond’s op-ed serves as a reminder of the need for rigorous editorial oversight and the importance of fostering a diverse range of perspectives within newsrooms. It is only through such measures that media organizations can ensure that their content remains unbiased, informative, and truly representative of the communities they serve.
As the debate around McCammond’s op-ed continues, it is crucial for the public and media professionals alike to reflect on the values that underpin responsible journalism. By promoting honest and meaningful discussions about pressing issues, the media can contribute to a more informed and engaged society.
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