I’m a member of a loose group of black conservatives called Project 21. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting was looking for an assistant (I can’t remember the title of the position) in the history programming department. I’d written a number of history-related op-eds, so someone at Project 21 passed along my name. I was contacted by a consultant working for PBS in New York City, and he was in D.C. doing interviews for the position. He was a liberal and very intrigued that I was a conservative. But he was nice!
We met in a coffee shop for an informal interview, then walked a few blocks to the PBS office in D.C. for another informal interview with the hiring decision-maker. Along with my resume, I brought copies of two history-related op-eds published in major newspapers.
The second interviewer was also nice but clearly wasn’t going to hire an outspoken black conservative Christian. I knew this going in, so I felt free to be honest. I never relished the thought of working for public television, but I figured it was high time these people at least met someone like me. It wasn’t my intent to shock anyone, but that’s exactly what happened.
As I sat there talking, it dawned on me that we were spending more time discussing my views than the job or my qualifications. I wasn’t going to get the job, but I likened myself to a ground-breaking pioneer, opening the door for others who’d follow in my footsteps with a mission to bring balance and a different viewpoint to PBS.
Lofty, isn’t it? 
I talked about my writing and when I became a conservative. I told them how excited I was about the opportunity to join PBS, and what I lacked in television production experience I’d make up in enthusiasm and discipline. At some point in the interview a sensitive subject came up. I saw one of the men hesitate to speak. I said, “You don’t have to be politically correct with me. Just say what you need to say.” Nervous laughter. I loved it!
As the interview came to a close, I delivered my big speech. I looked the man doing the hiring right in the eyes and said that PBS, the recipient of taxpayer funds, had an obligation to hire people who represented a wide range of views. If they were truly interested in diversity, they would look beyond mere skin color to diversity of ideology (and a few other points I can’t recall). The room fell silent for several seconds. As far as I remember, there was a “Thank you for coming in,” or something like that. That’s the PBS Incident!
I’ll be honest. In my assessment, I didn’t get the job because I have no television experience, which was a major requirement. Still, even if I had the experience, they probably wouldn’t have hired me after that speech.
I felt really good walking out of there. I expected no telephone call from PBS, but it was great just having my say…
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I have friends that work for a local PBS station, and they are closet conservatives. They have learned the hard way, that if you want a promotion, or don’t want the midnight-6am shift during pledge drives, you must keep your mouth shut and nod along with whatever the cause du jour is.
A shame really, since PBS did have such promise. Too bad (for PBS) cable networks have stepped up to provide us with much of what PBS used hold as their exclusive purview.
LaShawn, Thanks for relaying your experience. I wish I could have been there. I’m sure they won’t forget you.
Interesting, but not unheard of. I liked the fact that the interviewer had trouble with political correctness. I think the whole PC-thing has gone WAAAAAAAAAAY overboard and the sooner it dies a horrible death, the better.
La Shawn,
This is why we love you so! I wish I could have been there.
I’m proud of you for not being ashamed to just tell it like you see it!
I’m sure you gave those guys something to sit and think about. It is too bad they didn’t hire you though… it would have been good for them. At least we still have your awesome weblog to look to! Your site is so incredibly refreshing. Thank you for what you write!
God bless & take care,
Janna
I remember a saying, “When God withholds silver, he gives gold.” This job wasn’t even brass. I’m praying for something really good that will suit you perfectly to come along.
I thought this was a wonderful story. You are indeed a very brave and strong black women (and i hate using that phrase) I’m actually a senior in college majoring in broadcasting, go figure.
LaShawn, well done.
I confess, the only thing I watch on PBS is… The Red Green Show.
That’s how relevant they’ve become to me.
Bravo! I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to see their faces. I used to have trouble with being politically correct myself, but then I realized that you don’t need to be PC when you treat everyone equally.
Good job LaShawn!
I wasn’t aware that PBS was as liberal as everyone makes it out to be.
I’m so glad our Lord gave you this opportunity to show those people what real Conservative Christians are all about! Contrary to “popular” (Liberal) opinion, we’re not all a bunch of “ignorant, bigoted morons” who didn’t vote for the “right candidate”. God bless you, LaShawn, for telling it like it is
Well done Miss Barber!
I am proud to know you. I agree with Evon Bachaus, PBS wouldn’t do you justice. I’m expecting to see you on the Fox news channel one day.
“Diversity of ideology” indeed! They had your ideology slotted just to the left of “people who have been abducted by aliens”.
My guess is that your final interviewers anticipated that you would turn out to as real as a perpetual motion machine or a demonstration of cold fusion. They may have initially looked forward to the meeting, anticipating the usual result when one actually sees a perpetual motion machine. (ie it isn’t really what was promised)
Now that they have seen you and talked to you they have a problem. They have seen what looks to them like a perpetual motion machine powered by cold fusion. It is more than perplexing, it is inexplicable.
I doubt that the people with whom you spoke will ever be able to come to terms with it. They will return to their reruns of Peter, Paul & Mary concerts.
But in the end, I think you did a very good thing. Congratulations.
LB,
I was really “proud” (for lack of a better word) reading this. Proud because you did not compromise yourself and practiced what you preach. I am really smiling because you stood up for your Christian beliefs, especially in this day and age of such blatant hostility toward God and true Christian beliefs.
True you may not get the job due to lack of experience however to many people compromise themselves to make others “feel good”. We are not robots and we do not all think alike. You hit the nail on the head, they are getting tax payer dollars and as such, need to represent the tax payer, all of them.
Thanks for sharing
Wow! That took courage. Thanks for sharing that with us.
Hey LaShawn,
I also had an experience with PBS over break as well! It is funny actually. My brother and I was helping this local family one weekend and the father owned the Vacation Channel here in Branson, MO. So he offered us a job. We were helping last week move some things over for a shoot. We were working hard because the owner is a Christian and runs his business in a Christian like manner. Anyways, we were like, “Hey, we need to find out what’s going on because we could be working for the devil.” We found out we was help setting up for the national PBS telethon drive. Then we immediately started talking to the folks working. They were nice people and feed us lunch. One lady who works at the local Missouri PBS said she was a Christian and said she leaned to the right. She didn’t see how crazy liberal and communistic it is. But I talked to her and told her a little about the workings of liberals and communists. Well, I know you will make it big one day. Preferably on Fox News or on a station that is EVEN MORE conservative. WEll take care and God Bless.
Gee whiz, La Shawn! That was *delightful* and demonstrates why you are so beloved by your faithful readers. You have character in abundance. Too bad the PBS folks are likely too dumbfounded to allow your oh-so-correct message to sink in. How much more enjoyable…and yes, ENLIGHTENING… would their programming be if it truly represented the efforts of a diverse ideology? PBS has been off the air for three weeks now where I live due to storm damage, and other than Sesame Street for my kidlets, I don’t miss it a bit – and I don’t even have cable!
Awesome LaShawn….
God uses us for a time such as this………..
You did great….and I know that you will be BLESSED….
I think you should forget PBS, and run for public office. Start small, and run for congress, and then work your way up from there. You can win in South Carolina, but you can always move to Texas and run here.
I have no idea what lies ahead for you, but I know that it will be exactly where God wants you to be. It’s gonna be nice!
Thanks for commenting, everyone!
That was the first interview I had where I was completely honest and relaxed! I was on a mission, and it was not to get the job.
Way cool story. Worth begging for a password.
I met the previous CEO/President/Whatever of PBS at a couple of functions in Bethesda, MD and Woodstock, VT. The connection was through my father in law, a D.C. anti-trust lawyer.
That whole D.C. circle was exactly how I always pictured liberal elites. They think they know how to run your life better than you do. And yet they were all perfectly nice.
No diversity of thought within the group, and these were intimate social gatherings, not political gatherings.
Or it may be that there was plenty of diversity, but no one wants to risk their standing, even among friends, by speaking it.
Is their a difference? I think the latter is worse. You’ve sold out your ideals to maintain your comfy lifestyle.
Wow…now that was a good story. I’ve always thought PBS–and the CPB in general, inclusive of NPR–had a liberal spin. I have a huge problem with taxpayer funds going towards such bias reporting. I do have to admit, though. As a liberal, I feel their main news program, The Jim Lehrer NewsHour is actually a fairly well-done program. I think Lehrer is one of the few journalists out there who is actually fair and balanced. I can honestly say I don’t know his politics, unlike Brit Hume or Dan Rather.
FOX is a whole other beast. I don’t care what they broadcast because they’re a private corporation, but I do have a problem when they call themselves fair and balanced. The majority of their anchors are conservative and that’s no lie. More liberal talking points from me…blah blah blah. I’ll move on.
La Shawn,
I’m being faced with the same thing, as I’m graduating college next month. I’ve been told by my family I’ll probably have to sell my soul if I want to get a decent job, but I refuse. I simply can’t see “pretending” I’m someone I’m not when going on an interview. I just got out of six years of work for crooked corporate America and I’m not really interested in returning.
I’m glad to know there’s people like you, La Shawn, more interested in maintaining their dignity as opposed to selling themselves short.
LaShawn:
This confirms what I believed about PBS…I think we’d agree that they misunderstood your comment “the recipients of taxpayer funds” because they believe taxpayer money is “theirs”, not the taxpayers’.
I’ll still watch The McLaughlin Group just to laugh at the way McLaughlin speaks.
That was an interesting story.
You know what La Shawn? Nothing you do surprises me anymore. Everything you say and write about and voice I’m finding that I’m with you 100%. Weather it is politics, religion, social and cultural issues, news of the day, education, affirmative action, racial issues, moral values, patriotism, etc., and especially your personal faith in Jesus Christ, I have not found anything that I disagree with you on. Almost everytime when I go to your blog, I leave by saying amen. You are what I want to be when I grow up. You are such an inspiration and example to follow for your Faith, wisdom, decency, and strength. God bless you, sister La Shawn.
LB,
Bravo! You never cease to amaze me. I thought that was an excellent showing on your part. The guy that introduced you to the decisionmaker probably got chewed out for even bringing you near the inner circle of Liberalism: PBS
I laughed at the thought of a lib trying to be pc. What was having trouble attempting to say,”black”
I love when people talk to me and they go to describe a black person and you can see the uncomfortableness (sp) come up and then I will say, he/she was black? Ok tangent, sorry.
Anyhoot, great job on your part. God put you in the right place at the right time. Doors that will open as needed at the appointed time.
Just sticking in my oar….but, it’s the world’s system to put all your eggs in one basket, make a killing in the market — you know what I mean — the “big deal”. God’s way is always to plant a seed. I don’t think it will be possible to truly know the entire outcome of that one conversation in this lifetime. Each one of us have our own particular sphere of influence — that place where we will be the most effective [however limited our effectivness may appear at times] It is my opinion, LaShawn, that you have truly come to the kingdom for such a time as this.
I was really blessed reading about this! I must, however, disagree with one of the commenters–move to MO, then run for officed here! Seeds were broadcast; some may be taken to heart (fertile soil), some not. They must all fall into the ground before they can sprout, grow and reproduce. If not you, perhaps in a few years a younger conservative black lady will submit a resume to PBS, and will be hired for diversity of ideas (!) rather than diversity of the usual suspects.
May grace and peace be yours,
Jim
You were sent there for a reason, LaShawn.
It may have been something as simple as showing the pair you talked to that we aren’t the fire-breathing, “eeeeevil spooks next to the door” that so many folks want to make us out as. Then again, it may have been your trial by fire, per se — perhaps to see if you are truly ready for the next step.
In any event, I’m glad you got a chance to get in there, and show them who you are.
heh sounds like you had fun anyway so congrats – I bet they will never forget you.
Fantastic! I got the sense while reading this posting that you may have made an impact. Liberals are still reeling from November’s results and meeting someone like you is just like Neo meeting Trinity or Morpheus. They’re starting to “wake up”!
FYI – The interview wasn’t recent. It took place several months ago. Still waiting for the phone call!
Even though it may have occurred a couple of months ago, its made impact and as these things go, it adds to other incidents until someone comes to a “realization” an epiphany if you will. You definitely contributed to that cultivating process as expressed by Paul: One plants, another waters, but God gives the increase. I am certainly encouraged and grateful to know that you’re out there being you and doing what you do. Semper Fidelis!
Way to go, La Shawn. Continue to BE YOURSELF. Hold fast to those ideals that make you that outstanding person you are. As I have said before, you are SPECIAL and you give me and others the feeling of a “breath of FREST AIR.”
Well now, young lady, you gave a fine presence and I would
not be surprised if they might not be calling on you some
time in the future …whenever they can find a spot fer a lil ole firebrand such as yerownself.
I applied for the editor’s job for the National Lampoon
once back in 1976, would have had it too but I didn’t have
enough ‘education’. But I rattled their cage real good.
And THAT took some doing at that mag.
If I were you, I’d send them some tapes of your ‘thoughts’
every once in a while. I think you’d be a boon to Fresh
Air. Sort of some fresh air for Fresh Air.
Keep on chooglin’ child.
Steel
LB – Thanks for sharing your story. I wasn’t aware that PBS was left leaning either. All these acronyms are getting confusing…PBS, NPR, CNN, CBS, MSNBC
LaShawn,
Thanks for the password. It is incredible to me that PBS sees nothing wrong with taking taxpayer money to fund their “cause”. The sin of justification is the worst in my eyes!
Stand tall young sister! Stand tall.
And don’t you believe the line about “your not having any TV experience”. You know as well as I do that if they wanted you, they’d find a way.
I believe you were invited back to the second interview because of your being a perceived “anomoly”. These people were so impressed with your ability to represent yourself without compromise compelled them to “show you off” to the rest of the group. You stood on principle without compromizing an iota of character. It was a paradigm they find difficult to understand. As others have already stated, you made a lasting impression that will not be ignored (on a personal level) by those you spoke with that day.
Good for you! I’m secretly relieved that we won’t lose you to the bright lights and big city, though.
LaShawn,
Thanks for telling the story. I am not surprised at the reaction you received, and I admire you for sticking to principles during the interview. Only within the last year have I noticed how truly biased the MSM is. Listening to NPR is nauseating. Now I am wondering how long this has been prevalent? Maybe I’m naive and idealistic, but I really valued the idea that our press was non-biased, as opposed to propaganda organs like Pravda, etc.
No longer fooled.
God has given you much talent and there is a reason this happened. We may never know what part this played in His plan but thanks for allowing yourself to be used by Him. I have two daughters, 16 and 13, if they turn out like you I will be one proud dad. God Bless!
La Shawn,
That was an interesting story. I am just an echo of the other comments. Good for you!
LB,
Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.
Neat. Great Comments and reactions.
Thanks for sharing your story!
Blessings!
Fan-tas-TIC!
Oh, to be a fly on the wall during that conversation! The expressions on the PBS guys’ faces must have been priceless..they’ve probably only interviewed yes-men and other grovelers before. I haven’t watched PBS since my youngest out-grew Mr. Rogers, and I can’t say I’ve missed it, either (except for Mr. Rogers
) They’re way too liberal for my taste.
Anyway, I’ve only had one interview where I was so totally relaxed that I could actually say what I truly thought and believed..it was a very heady experience! And thinking back on it now, I’m pretty sure that it was mostly due to the fact that I didn’t *really* want to work there.
Just goes to prove that if one is true to God and true to one’s self, there’s no need to fear. I believe that things happen for a reason. You may never know the reason that God led you to that interview, but I’m sure it went according to His plan!
Great job!!!
You RAWK!!!
Keep kickin booty.
This is why we love ya.
PBS definitely leans left and it seems to me NPR even moreso. However, they do hire at least token conservatives or once did. Neil Cavuto started his career on the Nightly Business Report.
Thanks for sharing your story. I also begged for a password and I am glad.
LaShawn,
A PBS station here in Philly just fired a reporter
(some reports now say she quit under pressure) for leaving a rather hateful message (including the phrase “God hates you and wants to kill your children”) on a conservative political group’s (a lobby group) voicemail… I guess that means there is an opening
Or maybe PBS will look in the mirror and see that diversity is lacking in their political spectrum.
Thanks for writing for us about this La Shawn.
I had visuals of their wide eyed stares.
)
Priceless. The Left is not interested in intellectual and ideological diversity; quite the opposite. Only the wrapper matters to them. Would that they realize that a “black conservative” isn’t an aberration. Kudos to you – that’s a great story.
)
You go, GIRL!!! Knowing that you really didn’t want the job allowed you to focus on planting the seed that blacks can be conservatives w/o being Uncle Toms or Aunt Jemima.
I rather suspect you might wind up with a radio show. Although, a TV talk show would be good and maybe that’s where PBS needs to put you. Set you up with an half-hour show on Saturdays on PBS — “Down on the Corner with La Shawn Barber” — that way we don’t have to get cable to watch you. Maximum exposure once the word gets out. Yeah, that’s the ticket. Maybe instead of you waiting for them to call, you ought to call them back and pitch this as a way to prove their diversity and justification of continued public assistance.
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