Rantz: Seattle Times changes ‘black,’ ‘white’ usage after consulting diversity task force
Dec 19, 2019, 6:07 AM | Updated: 9:50 am
The Seattle Times informed staff that they’re changing the way they use the terms “black” and “white” after conversations with senior editors at the Diversity & Inclusion task force, according to an internal email sent to the Jason Rantz Show on KTTH.
“We’re making a change to The Seattle Times stylebook that takes effect today,” according to an internal memo written by PM news desk chief Melissa Davis on the morning of December 18. “The decision was made after research by staffers, discussions with members of the Diversity & Inclusion task force and senior editors.”“
Here are the changes, per the all-staff memo:
Black (adj.): Belonging to people who are part of the African diaspora. Capitalize Black because it is a reflection of shared cultures and experiences (foods, languages, music, religious traditions, etc.). Do not use as a singular or plural noun. When ethnicity is relevant to the story, ask the source which ethnic identifier they use. Black is not necessarily synonymous with African American; some argue the term Black is more inclusive of the collective experiences of the U.S. population, which encompasses recent immigrants.
Examples:
No: Many fear that Blacks are being pushed out of the Central Area.
Yes: Many fear that Black residents are being pushed out of the Central Area.
No: After World War II, thousands of Blacks moved here for jobs at Boeing.
Yes: After World War II, thousands of Black people moved here for jobs at Boeing.
white (adj.): Belonging to people with light-colored skin, especially those of European descent. Unlike Black, it is lower case, as its use is a physical description of people whose backgrounds may spring from many different cultures. Capitalized white is often used by the white nationalist/white supremacist movement. Do not use as a singular or plural noun. When ethnicity is relevant to the story, ask the source which personal ethnic identifier they use.
Examples:
No: Whites now make up 68% of the state population, down from 72%.
Yes: White people now make up 68% of the state population, down from 72%.
Yes: The state’s white population is now 68%, down from 72%.
The Times is still deliberating how they’ll unveil this to the readers.
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