Come Quote by Seymour Hersh
“I joined the 'Times' in 1972, and I came with the mark of Cain on me because I was clearly against the war. But my editor, Abe Rosenthal, he hired me because he liked stories. He used to come to the Washington bureau and almost literally pat me on the head and say, 'How is my little Commie today? What do you have for me?'”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Price of Power, Seymour Hersh, 1991
The author describes being hired for his anti‑war stance, with his editor using sarcastic, affectionate teasing to motivate him.
In simple terms: He was hired for his views, and his editor teased him.
Embrace your convictions, even when teased.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- newsroom
- political reporting
- activist journalism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does teasing affect journalistic independence?
- When is sarcasm constructive?
Sarcasm may mask deeper power imbalances in the workplace.