Imus(t) be seeing things: Imus fired?
So, it’s been hard not to pay attention to the Don Imus saga over the last week. If you’ve been living in a nutshell though, the basics are that radio host, Don Imus, called the Rutgers women’s basketball team “nappy-headed hos” in a broadcast last week. Of course, uproar followed, including apologies by Imus, Al Sharpton putting in his two cents (well, everyone who is anyone putting in their two cents), and finally, CBS firing Imus today. I’m thinking that’s a little extreme.
Don’t get me wrong. There was nothing right about Imus calling the team “nappy-headed hos.” But how much of this revolves around race? If that were Jay-Z calling the team the same thing in one of his songs, would there be this much of an uproar, or would the album go platinum? I think he apologized, they accepted it, and they move on.
I give the Rutgers’ women’s coach credit though–she’s not just upset with Imus, she put it in terms of all of society and I agree:
“These comments are indicative of greater ills in our culture,” Stringer said. “It is not just Mr. Imus, and we hope that this will be and serve as a catalyst for change.”
She said it was time for Americans “to all hold ourselves to a higher standard.”
What do you think of this debacle? Was CBS right in firing Imus?
i agree with you wholeheartedly.
i don’t think he should have been fired from radio, tv probably.
and why the hell is that every time something happens to offend the african american culture al sharpton and jesse jackson are immediately involved. give me a break
i also think some of this is brought on by their own culture.
they can talk racist remarks all day, but as soon as someone from a different ethnicity says something, it’s automatically racist.
i consider myself to be pretty open about lots of things. but mass media has distorted society’s image of everything, marriage, race relations, politics, etc.
one other note, if i was an elder african american man, knowing i went through the 60’s fighting for my civil rights and voting rights, and i turn on the tv and see jerry springer, mtv, and all of these other shows degrading people of my culture, i’d be pissed, espeically because a good chunk of the people doing it are african american as well.
barry goldwater once said, government cannot make racism unlawful, that won’t change people. an open heart will. and so far, it hasn’t happened in the 50years since the civil rights movement
Comment by Mr. Bean — 4/13/2007 @ 1:03 pm
“all you need is love” - J. Lennon
Comment by Mr. Bean — 4/13/2007 @ 1:04 pm
I agree as well Tara. Granted “nappy headed hos” was a bit extreme but this sort of language has come directly from the African American culture. Mr. Bean you make a great point! The African American culture did this to themselves with their Ebonics movement as a second language. Had the African American culture moved following the civil rights movement to a more respected upper class, formalized race, such as the Japanese. Then this would have probably been avoided. Instead African Americans live in da hood and banging hoes while dating bitches and run around with “pieces” (guns) trying to cap those gangstas. The only reason CBS fired the guy was out of money. Sponsors started pulling there labels from the show and in an effort to maintain those large accounts CBS did the inevitable and fired IMUS. The guy needed to retire anyway but that’s not the point. This little outcry reminds me of the Howard Stern radio show that went through so much controversy as well.
Comment by Tulsa — 4/14/2007 @ 9:33 am
ABSOLUTLY I DONT AGREE IMUS SHOULD BE FIRED
this is not just hypocrytical but dangerous
1st question
do cbs ,nbc as main player and the other media as the mob rush
to hanging imus in have control or stock in the music
producers. do they pay the rappers ?? lol
2nd question
who is the himler deciding whats ok. sharpton lol I know and
see the tidal wave of electing young blacks to high office.
now Imus happpens to an original rock jock. he has
connections to rap music having many on the show. as a
wannabe he talks the talk. last time i checked thats his right
Well bama is one and my gov. patrick duvall is another
both quickly called for imus to be gone. So far duvall had to
step back cause his wife has depression something he he couldnt
tell us . and his staff is quiting . and he is doing nothing.
who is mr duvall. when jessie jackson sued someone like cbs
over things like this. Part of the standard settlement was
patrick to appointed to the boards making a wonderful resume.
Unfortunatly being gov. of mass. is a real job.
when you examine ,this in short time a sceme comes into view.
some white man or organization messes up.Then in come the mouth
pieces claiming damage to people whole classes of people. they
settle for large cash settlements and community things and
Board Members. Who cares what person or groups are damaged.
The blacks i know are decent people looking for the way to
achieve what we all want. Freedom ,Happyness, Success,
Purchasing power.Also a future for their kids . What i fear for my grand kids and their kids is the freedon might be gone before those kids get a good
taste.
Putting up with scoundrals as the peoples defense is extremly
dangerous in a free society.
Comment by James Denning — 4/14/2007 @ 12:50 pm