“Fake Boobs, Real News” was the headline of Alta Journal’s story, which went on to say that “Los Angeles might be the land of make-believe, but the journalism coming out of the City of Angeles is anything but fake.”
Fake boobs, real news. You might not think of authenticity when you think of L.A. — but there is some very legit #journalism emerging from the City of Angels. Behold @LATACO, @latimes, @theLAndmagazine, @LAmag and more: https://t.co/GvAxyOM35k pic.twitter.com/jnTpxTTvy6
— AltaJournal (@AltaJournal) March 29, 2019
We certainly appreciate recognition of the hard work being done by local media outlets here in town (shout outs to L.A. Taco, theLAnd, etc.) but is this really the way we want it framed? The assumption that L.A.’s default modality is fake and shallow is boring and dated at best.
“With old dogs learning new tricks and new dogs, well, joining the pack, an upswing in exciting, groundbreaking, and vital reporting is taking place in Los Angeles,” Alta Journal wrote.
It bears mentioning that Alta Journal is based in the Bay Area, where putting down L.A. was once a popular past-time. We didn’t think that was still much of a thing–especially with so many ex-S.F. residents trying to move to L.A every day–but perhaps the old rivalries die hard.
We certainly didn’t mean to offend! LA, despite a stereotype of make-believe, scripted-reality Hollywood, is producing particularly amazing journalism. #GoGiants https://t.co/cM5irv4RPp
— AltaJournal (@AltaJournal) March 29, 2019
Predictably, lots of people in L.A. objected to Alta’s post–many in biting or hilarious style.
misogyny, body shaming, regional elitism, “authenticity” policing, and straight up ignorance – all in one tweet!
— Stephano Medina (@StephanoMedina) March 29, 2019
uh huh pic.twitter.com/BbaMUuKuN0
— ( ༎ຶŎ༎ຶ ) (@zota) March 29, 2019
Oh hey guys the profound intellectuals of Silicon Valley have weighed in on Los Angeles.
— Spencer Windes (@spencerwindes) March 29, 2019
— Joseph Hall (@westcovinajoe) March 29, 2019
it’s hard to know where to start, but
“fake boobs” is misogyny, wtf do you care about other ppl’s boobs
yeah we can do the journalism here too even though the sun!
you’re like 20+ years behind on this hot scoop.https://t.co/YT7B4PjYYT
— Jessica P. Ogilvie (@jessicapauline) March 29, 2019
Pretty soon they might even let us have museums and libraries!! Unreal. https://t.co/ctzmJs5kkp
— Jennifer Swann (@jenn_swann) March 29, 2019
Imagine the lotus-eating yokels with tofu in their brains and silicone in their bodies, can produce actual real journalism like the Tough and Real Big City Folk. Wow. What’s next? A subway? Fine dining? Universities?
— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) March 29, 2019
The story’s author, San Francisco journalist Beth Spotswood Danza, intended the language to “make fun of the stereotype” of Los Angeles and did not expect the backlash it quickly received.
“I’m surprised and sorry,” Spotswood Danza said when asked about the negative reactions to her characterizations of L.A. “I thought it was silly, a little tongue-in-cheek. I didn’t expect it to touch a nerve.”
So here’s our take: Local journalism in L.A. is having a great moment! And, simultaneously, some small portion of the city’s population may have breast implants! We hope this serves as a teachable moment, and encourages future writers to spend more time thinking about local media’s work and less about our boobs.
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The post Alta Journal’s “Fake Boobs” Tweet About L.A. Was Way Off-Base appeared first on Los Angeles Magazine.