Monday, April 9, 2007 at 9:22 pm
BREAKING: Imus in the Morning a Fortnight
It's not rehab, but it'll do: MSNBC and CBS Radio have decided to suspend Don Imus' radio/really-cheap-cable-news show for two weeks, starting next Monday. Sounds like a win-win all around for the warring parties. Al Sharpton and Imus' other detractors get to declare victory, if a limited one; the media giants cut their losses; and Imus gets a couple weeks for the affair to blow over. (And, maybe, for people to forget all those rash promises that he'd tone down his broadcast.)
I'm afraid the biggest winners, though, are the politicians and media bigwigs who have been appearing on Imus' show for years, after a history of bigoted comments, giving his show the stamp of Washington-elite approval in exchange for publicity and book sales. They can now say, without burning bridges, that they will go back on the new, gentler Imus show, without having to answer any more uncomfortable questions about why they were on the old one in the first place.
One last Imus comment: yesterday CNN linked to my Imus post, turning on the floodgates for comments (well over 700 as I type this). I don't read many comments when they get that long--if I get that much free time, I'm finishing Gravity's Rainbow--and I tune out at the first use of ALL CAPS. But one point that got debated was Sharpton's plan to report Imus to the FCC. I'm pretty libertarian on government-censorship issues, including this one, and I wouldn't support bringing in the Feds. (I didn't mention it mainly because Sharpton's idea seemed so outside the FCC's legal purview as to be simply blowing smoke.)
The last thing we needed was for anybody to make Imus a First Amendment martyr. Now he's not going to become that. And he'll have a couple weeks to figure out what he wants to become next.
About Tuned In
James Poniewozik writes TIME magazine's Tuned In column, about pop culture and society. Tuned In, the blog version, is about the stuff we used to call "TV," whether it's in your living room, on your computer or -- once the networks figure out the technology and line up the advertisers -- in your dreams themselves. Read more
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Monday, April 9, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Enough Already. Imus may be insensitive or even somewhat dilusional. But the media cannot wait for something like this in our never ending wall to wall cable minute by minute news. I am just surprised that it did not become a breaking news story worthy of 9-11 proportion. I mean really...what have we become? I do not agree with what he said but we had better become a society with more to worry about than this. In case no one in the media has noticed, our very existence may be in jeopardy sooner than later. But don't worry, we have Don Imus to focus on instead. God help us all.
Monday, April 9, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Perhaps Don Imus is redeemable. As an African American male and a part-time listener of the show, I am not surprised that Don said what he said. Will I continue to listen? I don't know. Personally, I am tired of feeling hurt by the comments of people who could care less about my experience as black man in this country – the “disconnect†is real. But, let’s be honest, white people have said, much more hurtful, hateful things and meant it.
What Don Imus said was wrong, but black people should show as much outrage about how we treat each other. Too many black people believe that it's cool to put one another down in music videos (Not just “hoesâ€, but b…s too). Sadly, we continue to kill one another in our own communities.
Yes, let's hold his feet to the fire, but we must stop demeaning each other – making it more meaningful when we complain about something some white person said.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:34 am
As a black African American female from the 60's, Imus statement, in no way, is excusable. How can you stoop so low to call some young female basketball players such derrogatory names. How would he feel if this type of remark was made toward some group of young people he knew. Under no circustances would that type of remark come to my mind or any other upstanding citizen. Yes, I feel that this man is a low thinking individual - racist - and to top it off - should not be on national TV - FIRE HIM.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:37 am
The Reveeeeeeeernd Jackson and Sharpton calling for Imus' firing is the height of hypocracy. Where is their condemnation of rap artists referring to women as hos and the use of the "N" word constantly, No you can't have it both ways. Complaining to the FCC - get real! Being black does not give you the right to use these words in self reference, any more than it does the white community. As for Imus, he strikes me as an equal opportunty "hater" whose only means of maintaining an audience is his ascerbic diatribe. He should have been gone a long time ago.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 4:59 am
Jackson and Sharpton should be spending more time with Black on Black crime and rappers selling and making millions of dollars calling black women bitches and hos! Also, African Americans call each other far worst names than Imus could utter. Blacks call each other nigger, dog and mf. And, while Jackson and Sharpton focus and demand Imus be fired, how many blacks killed each other today? Better yet, how many blacks have been killed by another black this year? Last year? How many blacks broke into their brothers and sisters homes and stole everying but the sink while they were at work today? How many blacks sold blacks drug today? Jackson and Sharpton should be focus on black on black crime. I'm sick of their lack of concern regarding black on black crime but, when it's black/white they come alive...
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 9:59 am
Imus' Cardinal Egan shtick is a wonderful put down of the Catholic proclivity towards anti-semitism and racism. It should be praised. As for the blacks, let them clean up their own pretty dirty act.
Let Imus be Imus
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 10:47 am
Reverend Sharpton and Jeckson should be preaching what they are representing "Christians" - forgiveness and tolerance, instead they are making vicious attacks against Imus and are behaving like Michael Savage and Mark Levin and inciting people. Are they so insecure? Imus made a dumb comment and has apoligized many times, he is even being punished like in high-school for what he said. He knows his weaknesses and made a mistake despite of this he is a great and good man. His show should not be suspended. Sharpton and Jackson will accomplished much more if they spend their time solving and helping the Blacks African Americans, there is so much to do. Are we going to hear about this for the next 100 years,in the meantime where are the news and debates about serious matters.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 10:49 am
People should be upset over Don Imus' tasteless comments. But lest we forget, the hypocracy of those leading the effort to have Imus' career ended are equally guilty of bigotry but avoided the consequences they demand of Don Imus.
Anyone recall Jessie Jackson's despicable comments about New York City being Hymietown? As a so called civil rights leader, would I or anyone else have been justified to ask Jackson to step aside because of his comments, or because it was later revealed that he fathered a child out of wedlock, and in the process made mockery of the title "Reverend" and his religion?
Anyone recall Al Sharpton's despicable behavior in the Brawley matter, or his offensive comments regarding Jews? I do not recall an apology to Jewish people, or that the Brawley matter was never resolved. Should we call for his dismissal from his talk show because he has time and again shown himself to be a self serving hypocrate who cares as much about the dignity of others as he does about the weather on Mars?
Anyone recall Louis Farrakahn description of Judiasm a "gutter religion"? Years have gone bye, and I am still waiting for Jessie Jackson or Al Sharpton to voice even a fraction of the outrage they are direting at Don Imus. Anyone listen to hip hop, with its obscenities and offensive language? Would anyone be wrong to suggest cleaning up your own act before looking at others and how they behave?
When Imus returns to the air, I for one will tune in. As far as I am concerned he has lots more guts and is intellectually is more honest than the hypocrates with their convenient memories and double standards.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:04 am
Very important discussion here, especially regarding the issue of degrading language stemming from rap, and the blatant and rather embarrassing hypocrisy of SharpSon (get it?) and crew. For this to have any credibility, they need to protest the release of any 'gangsta' rap album and demand that the label drop their respective artist from their roster, as this brings more harm to society and culture than some cranky old geezer.
One more point, this is a perfect example of what Cora Daniels, author of 'Ghetto Nation', has been talking about - quote from her website:
"We live in a society where shows like Pimp My Ride top cable ratings, babymama has become a family term, pimp and ho Halloween costumes are sold in toddler sizes on the internet, and even Martha Stewart proudly boasts to television viewers that she "can get ghetto when she needs to."
I believe Imus wasn't thinking racially when he said those words, I believe these words have become so ingrained in the common vernacular that they just rolled off his tongue. This is a perfect example of 'Ghetto Nation'.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:26 am
The Revs. Sharpton & Jackson would have better seved young Black people by taking this moment to point out to them how difficult they make life for themselves by tatooing themslves to look like an NBA star. If you are an NBA star,you can succeed in life looking that way. But if you're like the other 99.9% who don't make it in the NBA, then you really put yourself behind the 8 ball in seeking financial and social improvement. And if you've got kids and still project that gansta image, what kind of example are you setting for your kids. Of course, both of these Revs. have been known to serve themselves at the expense of the constituency they claim to represent. It's obvious both of these "Revs." don't always follow the creed of Jesus Christ, turn the other cheek, but they could at least follow the creed of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and keep their eye on the prize.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:41 am
FIRE HIM !!!!! he's not worth the time in my day to say any more.
Diana D.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:41 am
It is not like Don Imus made up those names. (nappy head & hos) Black people did! Now that Imus has used them it is suddenly distastful.
Speak about double standards. I'm pretty certain the Rev or Jessie were not even listening to the show when it brosadcast. Have a "nappy day" Imus haters.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:42 am
the people who are making money of this imus thing are the ones who should loose there job? leave him alone he admitted his mistakes more then i can say about some govt officials. and where were you people when howard stern the radio host was on the air, there is too much stress in the world let it go, its not worth making a profit over people who make mistakes or people who die, where is the respect?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:43 am
Why people like Rev Jesse Jackson want MrImus to resign ?
When Rev Jesse Jackson was found guilty of adultery, did he resing to anything ?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:45 am
Let all the big mouths big shots that throw stones, apologize for the comments they made against my religion, Jewish. Where is my NAACP for the white people of Jewish faith?, Mr Sharpton or Mr. Jackson how about your apology. Enough is enough about Imus, be a man and accept his apology already, sick to death about the whole thing. LETS MOVE ON
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:47 am
Don Imus made a mistake and he has asked all to forgive. Where are the christians who believe in just that....Forgive and move on.
He should have gotten on his Netjet and headed to the school not to talk to Sharpton . The Rev. doesn't seem to forgive just get even.
Hedda Nuff
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:48 am
He is a dinasaur. Fire him
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:48 am
My question is are they?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:49 am
I'm not as sure about Jessie Jackson but Al Sharpton has protested ad nauseum over the years about the characterizations of women in rap music and videos.
Sharpton has also held a number of forums national discussions about the use of the N word and violence in Black communities. Most of that doesn't get as much press attention however. None of this started with Ius.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:49 am
It is time for Imus to go quietly, kicking and screaming ( I really don't care how he goes, but he must go), into the sunset or straight to hell.
His remarks and the conversation that spilled over into the public air ways between he and his producers is deplorable and unforgivable.
He admits he was not drunk, nor was he angry like Michael Richards was during his infamous moment.
Imus was just having what for him and many who think like him was a normal conversation about young collegiate, athletic women, who in his opinion only amounted to hard core and nappy headed ho's. MSNBC, and affiliates should do the right thing and let Imus spend some permanent time reflecting on the consequences of his racist remarks.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:50 am
If Halle Berry can shave her head to star in a movie titled "Nappily Ever After" , which is supposed to be a romantic comedy - is the term that offensive ??
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:51 am
Forget Imus, and go finish Gravity's Rainbow. It may be difficult, but it's still the only book good enough to handcuff the Pulitzer committee.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:53 am
Even if we take this issue out of the race / gender arena, Imus was greivously insulting at best.
Every week or so, this stuff pops up, and I believe these people get what they asked for. Any American in 2007 that has half a brain should realize that you don't even have to invoke race or gender figure out this was insulting.
Ask yourself: will what I say be uncivil? If the answer is yes, don't do it! Simple as that, and no need to get immersed in race, gender, religious, or any other type of conflict.
To cap it all off, I think those who tell others they have no right to feel insulted need to get a life themselves and grow up.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:54 am
You would have to be black to understand,especially with the problems black people have daily for the modern slavery they face everyday. problems with justice system, genicide,education,drugs, health,illegal, where the people get on tv and say they are doing the work nobody wants to do, lies. As for Imus, I don't think he meant to hurt anyone, but he did, and the two weeks suspension just isn't enough, he probably fell that it was ok for him to say that because he associate with black, but he is not black, plus the fact he has said things before he needs to go to rehab for his unknowly that he is a racist, he doesn't seam to know what one is .
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:55 am
Save Don Imus from the self righteous self serving self promoting jerks like Sharpton. Let's all get real. PC has numbed our senses. Here is a man who promotes many worthy causes. If we look past the radio persona, Imus works for kids with cancer, autistic kids, the environment, the wounded veterans from Iraq and other charities. If you measure the effect of a poor joke at the expense of a basketball team that is healthy and doing fine versus the effect of his good work, I think we can all afford to forgive the man. Also, if he is harshly punished, the result will be to curtail and perhaps end his ability to support the causes that he helps through using his public platform for their benefit.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:56 am
We live in the US. Freedom of speech! you don't like it then don't listen.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:56 am
As a white american male I think Imus did nothing wrong. black people use the media to promote derogatory words such as Niggers and Hos in their music, comedy acts, programs, and videos. You can't have your cake and eat it too!
Al(CRAPTON)is far from being a saint after trying to frame 6 white men for abousing a young black girl named Tawana Brawley. He was forgiven for being the racist pig that he is. Everyone knows that imus is controversial, and that's why I don't listen to the garbage, and I don't listen to the garbage from Cris Rock either that address black women as niggers and hos. Get the messagae? It's time that the black community start teaching and banning the use of Niggers and Hos in their routine acts. Music, Music Videos, Comedy Acts etc., all need to be pulled from the airwaves and from the store shelves.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:56 am
And the racial divide grows ever more!
Wanting to hold someone accountable for their actions whilst you shuck and jive the poison in your own community is sickening. Imus is a giant douche bag! Everyone knows this. But at least he doesn't pretend to not offend. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are pathetic shadows of the great and wonderful, Martin Luther King, and heck, even Malcolm. History will show that Imus, Sharpton, and Jackson are all racist buffoons.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:58 am
It's okay when a rapper uses these terms in a song, that's freedom of speech, but when a white person uses these terms it's racist.
Give Imus a break. He apologized and has been suspended for two weeks. You don't see anyone in New York calling for Jesse Jackson to be stripped of his title of "Reverend" for his "Hymietown" remarks. This is basically reverse discrimination against the real minority in the United States. You average white male.
Suck it up and get over it you little whiners.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11:58 am
Until all Black "Americans", they for the most part are NOT "Aftican" Americans as white people don't call themselves "European Americans", stop trash talking about their culture and themselves in their music and comedy routines how do you justify Sharpton's and Jackson's outrage over this non-newsworthy issue. White people say the same type of ignorant things about each other and you don't see them on the news demanding to fire someone or even ask for an apology. GET OVER IT and move on to more important issues.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:01 pm
As I have stated previously, just check out Cora Daniels' 'Ghetto Nation' - this couldn't be a more perfect example.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:01 pm
It's time for the PC police to get a grip! Where were they when the Reverend Al, made racial remarks during the Brawley incident and the Reverend Jesse made his remarks to Himie town? Did the title of Reverend take on a new meaning of Racist?
For two men of the cloth, they surely don't practice what they preach or is it that it only applies when it's politically beneficial to them.
I agree that the comment was vulgar and should not have been said. How many times have I done the same thing?
I find Don Imus, funny, intelligent, thought provoking, a teacher and a compasionate human being and I will always have respect for the man....warts and all.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Who the hell and when was it decided that the words 'nappy' and 'hos' are racist words, when every rapper ,black and white, are making money by flaunting and singing it?
Al Sharpton, you do not deserve and must not allow yourself to be labelled as a 'Reverend'. You bring disgrage to the word. You are simply an oppurtunist and a rabble-rouser. All this hypocrisy and double standards are making me sick and unproductive!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:02 pm
If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don't have to worry about answers.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Imus has said he is sorry.....That's more than Rush Limbach and some of the Fox News people will ever do and they have made terrible statements about blacks and etc. I watch Iman every morning....couldn't start my day without him.....so don't keep him away too long.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:02 pm
My comment is, how is it permissable for blacks to call each other derogatory names and they not be held to the same standard of a caucasian male? If the consequences for saying something wrong means to be fired, then corporate America will not have management or non-management employees. We as a nation need to learn to forgive and move on. I do believe that he (Don Imus) should have some type of penalty or consequence, but do we fire him with a tenure of thirty years. We have all been in his place at some point in our lives, we all deserve a second chance. Let's focus our energy and time with things that matter, Iraq, Oil, Poverty, Aids, you get my point. God Bless America
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Ficht nicht mit Der Raketemensch!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:10 pm
I've heard Sharpton make several racist comments, but I never hear anyone ever call him out on any of them. I am so sick of hearing these same people rant and rave on how they are treated. I know of many whites including my family who have been treated with much disrespect and racist comments but you never see white people suing blacks and hispanics or getting on camera making idiots of themselves because of it. I think they continue to use the "prejudice card" because it usually gets them easy money.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:10 pm
i personally don't like imus but i don't feel he should be fired for what he said, he said he was sorry for his commits; and you could tell he really ment that, he is human he made a mistake give the guy a brake.If he made a rude commit about a honkey white girl would it have gotten this big??? come on grow up and get over it accept that he said he was sorry and move on.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Why is it that Jessie Jackson can call New York Hymietown and still have any credibility? Maybe they should fire him. Oh yea, that would presuppose the notion that he had a job to be fired from. Or what about Al Sharpie Sharpton himself? Has he ever apologized for the Twanna Brawley hoax? Nah, not Al. Apologies are for white people. What Imus said was clearly offensive and idiotic, but hey, he doesnt run for president on the Democratic ticket. Al and Jessie do and they are somehow "Legitimate"? Hell, at least the Republicans didn't like it when David Dukes ran.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:11 pm
WHY DO PEOPLE SIT BACK AND WAIT TILL SOMEONE SCREWS UP AND SAYS SOMETHING "TO ACTUALLY ACT ON THE RACISM PROBLEM"???
HAS ANYONE BEEN OFFENDED FROM CARLOS MENCIA OR HOW ABOUT DAVE CHAPPELLE??? THESE TWO MAKE FUN OF THE "CRACKERS, BEANERS, N-ERS, BLACK HO B-CHS, AND MANY MORE OFFENDING COMMENTS!
THE RUTGERS GIRLS ARE TALENTED, AND WILL GRADUATE AND GUESS WHAT? BLACK, WHITE, LATINO OR PINK..EVERY ONE WILL EITHER LISTEN TO RAP MUSIC THAT CLEARLY EITHER TALKS ABOUT KILLING, OR TERRIBLE INSULTING LYRICS TO WOMEN OF ALL RACES! BUT WILL THEY OR DO THEY GET OFFENDED BY THEM???
OR THEY WILL WATCH PEOPLE LIKE "DAVE CHAPELLE OR CARLOS MENCIA" AND LET THAT PASS AS "ACCEPTABLE??
WHEN IS SOMEONE GOING TO STOP OUR CHILDREN LISTENING TO THE RAPPERS & COMICS WHO "ON PURPOSE" MAKE RACIAL FUN OF EVERY RACE??? ASPECIALLY WOMEN OF ALL COLORS.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT THESE YOUNG WOMEN ON A BASKETBALL TEAM...THIS IS ABOUT THE FACT THAT CERTAIN RACES "WAIT" TILL THEY HEAR SOMETHING THAT THEY CAN MAKE A RUCKUS ABOUT "INSTEAD OF CONTINUING THE FIGHT TO END RACISM" !
BY THIS DAY AND AGE,WE SHOULD ALREADY BE UNITED AS AMERICANS...WHO SHOULD BE TOGETHER ON THE FIGHT "TOGETHER" TO END THE WAR, HUNGER, THE POOR, OUR ECONOMY, AND ILLEGAL ALIENS COMING HERE..AND TAKING THE JOBS THAT EVERY "AMERICAN" COULD USE?
DONT USE THE COLOR OF YOUR SKIN TO MAKE EXCUSES..EACH ONE OF US MAKES OUR "OWN LIFE", DONT COMPLAIN IF YOU WERE TO LAZY TO GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND GO OUT AND MAKE A LIFE! IS IT EASY? NO, NOT FOR ANY RACE OR COLOR !!
DID IMUS MAKE A MISTAKE? YES HE DID. SHOULD HE BE GIVEN A WORSE PUNISHMENT? NO, HE KNOWS SINCERELY HE DID A TERRIBLE THING, AND MANY TIMES APPOLOGIZED. HE HAS HELPED MORE PEOPLE, OF EACH COLOR AND RACE.
ARE THE RUTGERS GIRLS GOING TO ALSO ASK FOR AN APPOLOGY FROM EVERY RAPPER, DAVE CHAPELLE AND CARLOS MENCIA FOR THEIR FEMALE AND RACIAL STATEMENTS AND SLURS?????
THIS IS NOT ABOUT RUTGERS, NOR ANYMORE ABOUT DON IMUS...THIS IS ABOUT PEOPLE WHO STILL CANNOT LET GO OF 300 YEARS AGO WHEN SLAVERY ENDED...BUT STILL WANNA KEEP BRINGING UP THE PAST THEY "DID NOT" LIVE IN, AND ARE AS EQUAL TO EVERY COLOR THAT WALKS THE GREAT LAND OF AMERICA.
I WAS CALLED A CRACKER BY A GROUP OF BLACK FEMALES WHILE WALKING OUT OF A WAWA TWO WEEKS AGO...CAN I ALSO HAVE THE MEDIA GIVE ME MY TWO MINUTES OF SPOTLIGHT OF FAME, SO I CAN SCREAM RACISM?
HOW MANY WHITE, HISPANIC, ASIAN OR ANY OTHER RACE BEEN RACIALLY SLURRED???? THINK ABOUT IT !
AGAIN, DO NOT USE THE COLOR OF YOUR SKIN TO SPEAK UP "WHEN CONVIENENT", LIKE NOW, WHEN MR IMUS STUPIDLY MADE A COMMENT. IF YOU WANT TO RANT AND RAVE "RACISM", YOU BETTER START TALKING ABOUT "ALL PEOPLE ON THE TV WHO ARE RACIST" AND MAKE WORSE COMMENTS THEN MR. IMUS AND "DO NOT" APPOLIGIZE FOR IT. MR. IMUS DID APPLOGIZE SINCERELY TO THESE YOUNG WOMEN.
GOD FORBID WE UNITE AS A COUNTRY OF AMERICANS, AND END THIS CRAP. AND QUIT USING "RACISM" AS YOUR WAY TO RANT OR GET YOUR WAY.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:13 pm
This is about the racist comments made by Don Imus and has absolutely nothing to do with Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. It is the media that portray these two individuals as "leaders", not the Black / African American Community.
It is ironic that people choose to deflect from the issue and attack Rev. Jackson and Rev. Sharpton as if what they say or do represents the feeling of a whole ethnic group. If I do not judge you by the deeds of Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, and the KKK, why do you measure me by the deeds of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton?
Don Imus should be fired. Period.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:15 pm
its amazing to read these comments and see how most of you people think. why can't people be objective and not stray to color lines when discussing a certain issue. What Don Imus said was wrong towards black women and women in general and he should be fined if it was his first offense but it was not so i think he shoud be held accountble for his actions and be fired for it. To say that its freedom of speech is ridiculous, if some major public figure which happens to be black called a predominately white girls basketball team "a group of nappy headed hoes" i am pretty sure that the majority of the white community would be calling for his resignation or for him to be fired. I understand that he apologized but his apology came after the reaction of the public about his comment, if he had said it during the 1940s or the 50s, there wouldn't have been an apology because racist sentiment was accepted and tolerated in those times.
The Rev. Sharpton and Jackson are both profiting from the situation because i think they are in it for themselves. I am not familiar with this whole Twanna incident and if the outcome called for the Rev's apology and he being the spearhead for justice should have been the first to say "i was wrong and do apologize." The only major black leader in my opinion was the Great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy is not that he was a black man but an American.
To critcize the hip hop industry and all its negativity and fall short in criticizing the hard rock metallica musics and all the hate that it promotes is wrong. I know that both are a form of music and although the music is not positive, it should be left out of this discussion.
I notice that a lot of people are commenting on the fact that blacks can call each other the n word and not be held to the same standars as whites. I do not agree with the use of the n word but I can see how the standards are different, the n word was not created by blacks but by whites as a way to degrade blacks and to subjegate them. So if a black man calls another the n word they know its not out of racism but can't be sure if the other person is white because he/she could had meant it to be offensive. So a word that was created to be offensive have now transformed into something different. I have seen the word used among people who were of the opposite background and it was not a big deal because the participants knew it was not meant to be offensive.
America is very divided on color lines whenever it comes down to discussions like these but considering that this nation was built on slavery I dont expect anything different.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:15 pm
We can delude ourselves with the belief that the lofty civil-minded rhetoric debating the topical demand for ousting a "white bigot" radio personality who has made a successful career of ceaselessly spewing caustic insulting remarks about (fill in the blank – this week it happens to be African-American women basketball players) that exploits the moral depravity found in all of us, not just the individuals that make up Don Imus' substantial audience. If it weren't for our varying degree of discriminating and prejudicial proclivities, then Imus' ratings would be insignificant and his sponsors would be negligible, thereby preventing his longevity in public radio altogether. We wouldn't even be discussing Don Imus because he would be an inconsequential unknown. These discussions are merely evidence of our inadequate prioritizations and fundamental lack of respect for each other that's shared across racial lines. If his employers believed that the “Imus In The Morning†show was losing money, regardless of its popularity, they wouldn't hesitate to sever his employment with utmost haste. However, since this is not the case, he will be only be suspended for two weeks which should assuage the offended and the indignant, as well as provide Imus with a much needed vacation, no doubt. Out of sight, out of mind. Before we join the band wagon to crucify Don Imus, we should examine our own failure to recognize the dangers of placing profit before human dignity. It has resulted with our society being closely compared to the awesome, yet decadent greatness and deplorable corruption of the Roman Empire. This is not the first time that hate-filled commentaries, all protected by our civil rights amendment, has been veiled in the guise of innocent, albeit politically incorrect humor, nor will it be the last.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:15 pm
"Nappy" is a derogatory name slaveholders used to describe blacks. Like the "N" word, blacks use it, but it was started by whites, and when used by whites in reference to blacks, IT IS ALWAYS DEROGATORY. Imus had to reason to say it. The Rutgers team members didn't deserve it.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:16 pm
The comments made by Imus are many of them crude, insensitive and riduculous. I agree that criticizing a youg person or as in this case a university sports team is definitely crossing the line and inexcusable. However, I beieve that by giving so much attention to this ignorant type of behavior we only compound the problem. See it for what it is, ignorant, low class behavior and rise above stupid people like Imus. That is probably a more valuable lesson than any in teaching our young people. Trying to get him fired is pointless. If you don't want to hear stupid comments, turn off the radio or listen to someone worthwhile. Try Focus on the Family- Dobson is great.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:19 pm
SOME EOPLE, LIKE AL SHARPTON, WOULDN'T BE SATISFIED IF THEY TOOK IMUS OUT AND SHOT HIM. THEY ARE ALL ABOUT STIRRING THINGS UP. HE, SHARPTON, OBVIOUSLY CAN SAY ANYTHING ABOUT WHITES AND NOT HAVE ANY CONSEQUENCE AT ALL, BUT LET A WHITE PERSON SAY ANYTHING, EVEN UNINTENTIONALLY, ABOUT BLACKS AND HE JUMPS ON IT WITH BOTH FEET TO TRY TO KEEP THE HATE GOING.
IN MY OWN OPINION, I DON'T THINK THERE IS ANYONE OUT THERE MORE RACIST THAN SOMEONE LIKE AN AL SHARPTON.
I DON'T BELIEVE IMUS IS RACIST. HE HAS A PARTICULAR TYPE OF SHOW WHERE HE SAYS BAD THINGS ABOUT EVERYONE AND I MIGHT NOT AGREE WITH IT, THAT IS HIS SHOW AND IT IS MUCH TAMER THAN SOMEONE LIKE HOWARD STERN, AL SHARPTON, ETC., IN MY OPINION.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Give Imus the benefit of the doubt since I'm not aware of such bad behavior of his in the past. We all do or say stupid things once in a while. Guess he just forgot he's more in the public eye than most of us. He says caustic things every day, so probably he got carried away. The president of the most powerful country in the world said ignorant things like "Bring them on!", and al Qaida has since poured it on us, so the detriment Mr. I has caused us is probably minimal if anything negative at all. It actually may have helped the country in the long haul. Perhaps if Mr. Sharpton would have uttered trash like that nobody would have raised his/her eyebrow.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Black, white, yellow, green these comments are unacceptable. Don Imus should be fired and so should his producer because comments of such disgrace are not to be accepted in this society nor on the airwaves. It has been brought to my attention that Rappers have been calling females such disgusting words for years but if you really think about it rappers of today have been signed to their labels for their thug mentality and selling ability not for their lyrical content or respect level of other races or gender. Comedy central is self explanatory comedy they don't pick on a specific race they poke fun at all races leaving the slate even, but Don Imus is a radio voice, supposed to be role model due to the major amount of people that he reaches and he makes these painful racial and sexist comments that just dont hurt African American people but women and people of other cultures also.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Keep him. Actions speak a lot louder then words. Imus has done more in hours for sick and poor kids then the Reverend Al and many of the other criticizers have done in a lifetime