Dear Racists: Reporters Aren’t Your Friends
I don’t know the stats on this, but I’m guessing just about everyone in the US ends up talking to a reporter at least once in his or her life.
Friendly reminder for those times:
It’s best not to say something racist and then expect the reporter not to print or broadcast it. Even if you ask for that favor.
“Off the record” is a two way street. If a reporter hasn’t agreed, beforehand, to keep something you say secret, he or she is under no obligation to do so. In fact, depending on the severity of your commentary, publishing despite your objection may be a no-brainer.