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Topic: Letters Sent to Romenesko
Date/Time: 9/23/2005 5:54:13 PM
Title: Stealing journalism jobs
Posted By: Jim Romenesko
 
From DAVID NAKAMURA: An open letter to Jeff Goldberg of the New Yorker:

Dear Jeff,

I was terribly sorry to read in the Washingtonian that your career at the Washington Post was doomed by diversity and that, in your words, an editor told you your spot here had to go to "a Hispanic." I feel your pain. After all, I stole several white people's jobs when I was hired in 1994 as an Asian sports writer here at the Post. Wonder if anyone ever complained about that? Of course, I'm only half Asian. My mother is Jewish. Would be a shame if people whispered to one another that that's why I got the job -- know what I mean, Jeff?

Funny thing, though, when one really looks at the facts. I have no way of knowing exactly who was hired back in 1986 after your internship. But I happen to hold in my hands a copy of a recent edition of the Post's internal newsletter, Shoptalk, which features a listing of the 20-year club members -- you know, folks who were hired in 1985. Why how strange to see the faces of so many whites, when I expected so many Hispanics. In fact, it says here that Steve Coll was hired then. What a coincidence! Guess he snuck through the unfair hiring practices of the time.

Funny, isn't it, that no one ever seems to think his job was stolen by a "white" reporter?

In any case, I'm glad you've succeeded despite the handicaps. Although I doubt you'll ever need an Asian for the new D.C. bureau, you'll know where to find me.

Sincerely,
David Nakamura

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