Monday, April 23, 2007
Imus and Duke case
Whatever your position in either situation, it is difficult not to conclude that the press has gone for the flash, here. It's the bad news sells syndrome. The Duke outcome may be an outrage from any number of perspectives, but in the contest for most sensational, Imus wins, hands down. It's a sad commentary on American journalism. Note to self: We're supposed to be the unbiased purveyors of the truth.
Friday, April 13, 2007
What is exactly newsworthy? Don Imus has captured the media's attention this week which in turn has caused the news and media to neglect the Duke rape case. I think the Imus controversy deserves reflection, but I also don't think that this should be the top news story in the country. The Duke rape case would seem to me, to be more newsworthy than Imus's racially insensitive comments. The Duke boys, according to the Washington Times were facing up to the 30 years in jail and Imus was faced with losing his job. I think the media needs to do a better job deciding what is newsworthy.
Imus and Duke
The media has portrayed the Imus incident on a higher level than Duke's. I think both incidents are wrong and should be treated equally with disgust. I feel that the media did not do the Duke situation justice. They seemed to really have it in for Imus, and with good reason, but negative racial issues should all be unacceptable.
I feel like the media is just giving the public what they feel we should know instead of what we need to know. I do not think it is right to give one story so much attention and another story so little. Someone is always hurt in these stories. We need to stand up for every story...not just the ones that the media blows up or belittles.
I feel like the media is just giving the public what they feel we should know instead of what we need to know. I do not think it is right to give one story so much attention and another story so little. Someone is always hurt in these stories. We need to stand up for every story...not just the ones that the media blows up or belittles.
What is news ?
Even a person who completely hides themself from the internet, television and radio would have heard about the Don Imus racial slur, because that is the type of news that most people want to hear about... Controversy, gossip, debate, etc. There is no way around it, the majority of public interest is in things that cause an immediate stir. Sometimes stories carrying more serious weight get brushed aside by mainstream media, but if you want to find serious topics you can do so easily. Just because gossipy news usually makes the front page, that doesn't mean you have to read it... Just flip through it and find something that is actually newsworthy.
Imus... Duke... What's The Big Deal Here?
Imus and Duke lacrosse players got some big coverage in the news, but are these stories even important? Let's take a look at Imus.
Imus' name got passed around pretty quick. I feel as though this was a publicity stunt. Although his name is followed by a bad reputation story, it spread pretty quick, and now everyone knows who he is. While most people are sitting back and arguing their ideas about Imus (and let me tell you, most have the same idea), he might be sitting back enjoying the controversy. Since he only got a suspension and didn't get kicked off the radio, he still works. So the more you talk about him, the more he'll probably enjoy his name spread around more. He might even enjoy me writing this.
As for the Duke lacrosse players, they were found innocent of their crimes, which means according to the judicial system, it never happened. So why even bother? The media give focus to this, but at the same time nothing happened other than the fact that they were put through court.
I think the media tried to give focus to stories that should have been on the inside of the paper, rather than the front page. Yeah, Imus did a big thing by giving racial slurrs to a women's basketball team, and yes, Duke's lacrosse players were found innocent of "playing around with a stripper," but did I just cover those ideas in one sentence? That's all these stories need really. Too much coverage and publicity give these people the upper hand more than they inform us of what goes on daily.
Imus' name got passed around pretty quick. I feel as though this was a publicity stunt. Although his name is followed by a bad reputation story, it spread pretty quick, and now everyone knows who he is. While most people are sitting back and arguing their ideas about Imus (and let me tell you, most have the same idea), he might be sitting back enjoying the controversy. Since he only got a suspension and didn't get kicked off the radio, he still works. So the more you talk about him, the more he'll probably enjoy his name spread around more. He might even enjoy me writing this.
As for the Duke lacrosse players, they were found innocent of their crimes, which means according to the judicial system, it never happened. So why even bother? The media give focus to this, but at the same time nothing happened other than the fact that they were put through court.
I think the media tried to give focus to stories that should have been on the inside of the paper, rather than the front page. Yeah, Imus did a big thing by giving racial slurrs to a women's basketball team, and yes, Duke's lacrosse players were found innocent of "playing around with a stripper," but did I just cover those ideas in one sentence? That's all these stories need really. Too much coverage and publicity give these people the upper hand more than they inform us of what goes on daily.
Why is Gossip so Addicting?
These stories are very different and very similiar. In one case, a highly-renown radio talk show host stated racial slanders toward young women. That other case: three upper-class white males were accused of raping a stripper.
If given these stories and told that only one could be front pages news, which would you chose? Imus is basically a celebrity, and what do most people love about celebrities? GOSSIP!! When standing in line at the grocery store, impatiently waiting for the check-out person (you'll find the slowest one in whatever line I am in!) to get through all of the groceries, and then of course there HAS to be a problem with the person's credit card, or they have 587,392,370 coupons, you pick up the tabloids and read about what is happening to Katie and Tom, or look at how anorexic Nicole Richie is. Celebrities fascinate us, which is why we stick them on the front page. More people will pick up the paper if someone famous is on the front page.
So why did the Duke students not get any attention? Who cares about three upper-class white males? We should care! The decision has been made that they did not commit the rape, but wouldn't you think that they would have gotten a little more news coverage than they did?
So basically... the world seems to becoming less and less interested in what may affect them. We want to know about other people, people we will most likely never come into contact with, but we care. Figures....
If given these stories and told that only one could be front pages news, which would you chose? Imus is basically a celebrity, and what do most people love about celebrities? GOSSIP!! When standing in line at the grocery store, impatiently waiting for the check-out person (you'll find the slowest one in whatever line I am in!) to get through all of the groceries, and then of course there HAS to be a problem with the person's credit card, or they have 587,392,370 coupons, you pick up the tabloids and read about what is happening to Katie and Tom, or look at how anorexic Nicole Richie is. Celebrities fascinate us, which is why we stick them on the front page. More people will pick up the paper if someone famous is on the front page.
So why did the Duke students not get any attention? Who cares about three upper-class white males? We should care! The decision has been made that they did not commit the rape, but wouldn't you think that they would have gotten a little more news coverage than they did?
So basically... the world seems to becoming less and less interested in what may affect them. We want to know about other people, people we will most likely never come into contact with, but we care. Figures....
Brangelina, Jennifer, Imus...
Clearly, I feel that the Duke story should have gotten more press than it did. The men were assumed guilty of a very serious crime (due in large part to the media coverage that displayed them in an unkind light), that could have resulted in jail time. And yet, when you turn on the news or take a look at the front page of a newspaper, there's Don Imus. Let's face it, he's a celebrity, people want to hear about him, and I don't know if we should be soley blaming the media for doing so. Everyone wants to hear about Imus and his downfall, and yet people are criticizing the media for not covering the Duke story now that it's all over...that's called hypocritical.
It's the whole fascination we have with celebrities, we want to know about their lives and when something like this happens, we apparently can't get enough of it. Never mind the fact that several men were almost sent to jail for a crime they didn't commit. As long as we have our celebrity news, we're happy.
It's the whole fascination we have with celebrities, we want to know about their lives and when something like this happens, we apparently can't get enough of it. Never mind the fact that several men were almost sent to jail for a crime they didn't commit. As long as we have our celebrity news, we're happy.
What's Next?
It seems these days that all there is in the new is controversy. There is the Duke Lacrosse Players, Anna Nicole Smith and Imus...what is coming next? The article entitled "Press Pounces on Imus, but downplays Duke" written by Jennifer Harper of The Washington Times was in my opinion great. She made many valid points about the way in which the media covered each story. As she said, the Duke players were facing 30-years in prison and then Imus said one racial slur and got fired by CBS instantly. Where is the comparison? Both stories are about race but in a completely different context. The Duke players are considered to be "privileged" and men who will move on with their life after the support from their lawyers to get them out of their so called "mess." Being a college student, I see the way in which racial comments are offensive to people and also I see the party side and hear of strippers on our own campus...in my opinion, I think it is everywhere, and it is a matter of whether or not you get caught. Imus got caught. Why?...because it was said loud and clear on the Radio. The lacrosse players can't compare, because whatever happened, happened behind closed doors.
Let's see what the next media frenzy will be...
Let's see what the next media frenzy will be...
Celebrities rule the world
There is a basic way to explain this article. Three duke students, normal upper-class white boys, are accused of raping a stripper. While Imus, with a national radio show, makes a racist remark against the players of a national women's basketball team.
Which news story does America give more attention to? Of course, the one full of celebrities.
The story on Imus does deserve attention, he should be held accountable for what he said and I'm not devaluing this story in any way.
However, in America we do have a sick obsession with celebrities. Whatever happens to them is much more important and exciting than anything happening to any old Joe.
Much like the death of Anna Nicole Smith, this story completely took over the media. While we are still fighting a war in Iraq and people are being murdered and racist remarks are being made everyday, news coverage on smaller stories nearly stopped and we, as a nation, tuned into the 6 o clock news to debate about who Anna's babies father is. Pathetic.
As an aspiring journalist, I truely hope that I uphold better values. I hope that I refuse to drop everything to cater to these celebrities and keep my eye on stories affecting real people everyday.
If one watches E! News and then watches Channel 4 they'll most likely get at least half of the stories overlapping. America needs to wake up. Our news is turning into a show getting closer and closer to Jerry Springer quality information.
That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
Which news story does America give more attention to? Of course, the one full of celebrities.
The story on Imus does deserve attention, he should be held accountable for what he said and I'm not devaluing this story in any way.
However, in America we do have a sick obsession with celebrities. Whatever happens to them is much more important and exciting than anything happening to any old Joe.
Much like the death of Anna Nicole Smith, this story completely took over the media. While we are still fighting a war in Iraq and people are being murdered and racist remarks are being made everyday, news coverage on smaller stories nearly stopped and we, as a nation, tuned into the 6 o clock news to debate about who Anna's babies father is. Pathetic.
As an aspiring journalist, I truely hope that I uphold better values. I hope that I refuse to drop everything to cater to these celebrities and keep my eye on stories affecting real people everyday.
If one watches E! News and then watches Channel 4 they'll most likely get at least half of the stories overlapping. America needs to wake up. Our news is turning into a show getting closer and closer to Jerry Springer quality information.
That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
not surprised
I'm not surprised that the Imus media coverage overwhelmed that of the Duke lacrosse verdict. The Imus story blew up and is still growing, probably due to it just happening.
Imus' comments have a greater affect on this country as a whole than the Duke story, mainly because the players were found not guilty. Had it been the other way around, we may be seeing a reversal in media coverage, especially since the players faced a 30-year jail sentence had they been convicted of the charges.
However, Imus' developing story has been the focus of recent media coverage, justifiably so, since he insulted not only a successful women's basketball team, but many in this country and around the world. It's not difficult to understand why this story overshadowed the Duke lacrosse story. While actions speak louder than words, this case proved that words are more powerful than people realize.
Imus' comments have a greater affect on this country as a whole than the Duke story, mainly because the players were found not guilty. Had it been the other way around, we may be seeing a reversal in media coverage, especially since the players faced a 30-year jail sentence had they been convicted of the charges.
However, Imus' developing story has been the focus of recent media coverage, justifiably so, since he insulted not only a successful women's basketball team, but many in this country and around the world. It's not difficult to understand why this story overshadowed the Duke lacrosse story. While actions speak louder than words, this case proved that words are more powerful than people realize.
For-ev-er
I think that these stories are the same in many ways, and very, very different in others. It's not about race, about politics, or anything else. It's about what news was more important at the time. To the Duke players, their families, their school - I'm sure they feel their story is more important. After all, leaving as free men is way better than staying as prisoners for 30 years! To the Rutgers women, their families, their school, Imus and MSNBC, their story was more important. A save-face apology and a big name being fired is, after all, pretty crazy.
Imus' story is still big, new events are still happening, and it occurred a VERY short time ago. The Duke story has been going on for-ev-er. People are tired of it. So, sure, the guys are getting out free. Sure, that's a new part to the story. But, big deal. We knew this was coming. We've been following the story long enough to know that it was all pretty ridiculous.
POINT: People get bored. They need new things to read. Imus made the front page, the top of the front page, and Duke didn't. The end.
Uh Oh, Another Story about Racism...
One thing comes to mind after reading the article and that is the fact that one story is simple and the other is more complex. It is easy for someone to go online, hear the Imus clip and react with immediate outrage. That is simple. But for someone to look into the Duke story, see how it has not only affected the young men but the community and the nation as a whole, this is considerably more complex. It isn't necessarily an issue of whether or not the boys were found guilty anymore, now it's a matter of who will pay for the wrongful accusations brought against them. The press can't rightly report on the apparent victim of the Duke "rape" because this information is ethically confidential. The real story now is will this accuser be brought to justice for the mistakes that she made. This could become quite complicated for the press. The Don Imus story is a three line story at most. Let's see, Don Imus racially insulted the Rutger's team. Al Sharpton got mad. Racism is still a big issue in this country and something should be done about it. So it's another story of racism, but it's easy to report on and that's why it's such a big deal.
imus shmimus
I dont believe that the media is creating or playing into any kind of race battle. It seems like the representatives of these stories are fighting over the desk closest to the teacher. Both are terrible stories that I would like to forget, and I dont care which one takes center stage for the next 15 minutes before, like finches, one of the bigger media birds squeaks and leads the whole flock to a different set of powerlines.
Is it unjust?
The Imus incident had become a culture explosion everyone had something to say about it. It was the "new" news. The media wrote about this story because it was creating friction on all the air waves. This does not make it right that the innocent Duke students did not spend their time on the front page. This is more the media focused on train wreckage and controversy. The Duke story was closed when we learned that they were wrongfully charged. The story to write about that is short and sweet. To analyze that case further is not productive. The University surely was hit hard by what the woman said occurred but it is not the responsiblity of the national media to be the PR representative for the school.
Imus comments are going to continue to float around the media for weeks because the more people say about the topic the the more interesting and complex it becomes. The firing of Don Imus is not going to be the end of his career but sadly the young man at Duke are no longer the icons they became when they were assumed to be guilty. These man are a going to have to hope that they disappear from the media because unlike Imus they are not going to be able to spend hours on the radio repairing there image.
I consider that the innocent young men from Duke are the losers in all this. Not that the coverage of the Imus story was over covered because it was what the people wanted to hear about. But we are going to continue to hear more about plane crashes then when the plane lands safely. The plane landing news, but a crashed plane and the controversy over what caused the crash will linger a long time.
Imus comments are going to continue to float around the media for weeks because the more people say about the topic the the more interesting and complex it becomes. The firing of Don Imus is not going to be the end of his career but sadly the young man at Duke are no longer the icons they became when they were assumed to be guilty. These man are a going to have to hope that they disappear from the media because unlike Imus they are not going to be able to spend hours on the radio repairing there image.
I consider that the innocent young men from Duke are the losers in all this. Not that the coverage of the Imus story was over covered because it was what the people wanted to hear about. But we are going to continue to hear more about plane crashes then when the plane lands safely. The plane landing news, but a crashed plane and the controversy over what caused the crash will linger a long time.
Duke vs. Imus
When it comes to the stories of the Duke mens lacrosse rape charges, and the outrageous comments made by Imus, I think the media has definatley put more time into the Imus story. I have been paying attention to the news since the whole story of Imus came out, and I have come across maybe 2 stations that mentioned something about the Duke story. I think that is unfair, the 3 men on the Duke team could have faced upt o 30 years in prison for the charges put against them, and the media doesn't even care that they were not charged. When the media did focus on the Duke case, it was all speculation that the men were guilty. The way the media portrayed these men was horrible. The media acted like the verdict had already come out, and they were guilty! I don't think the media ever really gave the men on the Duke team a fair chance. And now that they are getting closer and closer to proving that they did not do the crime, the media is spending less and less time on the story.
I think the Imus story is a huge deal, but I don't think that it is fair to other breaking news stories to get pushed aside just because he is a celebrity. I agree with what Mr. Tom Rosensteil said when he said that we were rooting for the lacrosse players to fall. They are upper class white males, and the Rutgers womens basketball team is mostly middle class African American women, society wants to read the story of the Rutgers because they want to hear that they overcame the odds, an underdog story.
I think the media needs to give even attention to all breaking news stories, and not just focus on a certain one because of a celebrity.
I think the Imus story is a huge deal, but I don't think that it is fair to other breaking news stories to get pushed aside just because he is a celebrity. I agree with what Mr. Tom Rosensteil said when he said that we were rooting for the lacrosse players to fall. They are upper class white males, and the Rutgers womens basketball team is mostly middle class African American women, society wants to read the story of the Rutgers because they want to hear that they overcame the odds, an underdog story.
I think the media needs to give even attention to all breaking news stories, and not just focus on a certain one because of a celebrity.
Sports or Scandals?
I was watching the news wednesday afternoon and nothing but the Duke rape case was being broad casted. I think I can recite word-for-word what was said during the press conference. It was interesting to hear the outcome of the events, and a break away from the Imus controversy (which, I believe, did not need nearly as much ink as it was given.)
The Imus situation was old-news at that point. The Duke situation brought closure to something which happened and effected many, many people over a long period of time.
The Washington Post said that the Duke situation got short shifted in the news. That is so true.
History is being made, here, my friends. Pick up any newspaper or turn on the tv, and see which story is more important to that network.
The Imus situation was old-news at that point. The Duke situation brought closure to something which happened and effected many, many people over a long period of time.
The Washington Post said that the Duke situation got short shifted in the news. That is so true.
History is being made, here, my friends. Pick up any newspaper or turn on the tv, and see which story is more important to that network.
Washington Times Article
As i said yesterday, Imus' comments were stupid, but they were just comments. The country's outrage with this man and his comments seems a little unnecessary to me. That, coupled with the country's automatic assumption of guilt for the lacrosse players is troubling. I do not understand why everyone was so eager to throw these kids under the bus and then as soon as it was found that they didn't do anything wrong, it was no longer a story.
The Duke lacrosse players had their lives put on hold and their names dragged through the mud because an overzealous prosecutor saw an opportunity to win over the african american community in his voting district. I am appalled that once it was found out to be completely false the media around the country simply stopped talking about it. No apologies, no retractions, no reporters at the seen. I would like to see Al Sharpton apologize to these kids for rallying up protests and calling for these kids to be prosecuted to the fullest extent before knowing any facts. I really don't understand why our media and our country as a whole was so eager to see these kids get in trouble. I also don't understand why it was no longer a story as soon as they were found to be innocent. It seems like everyone is just waiting for the next huge racial atrocity to occur. I agree with Dick Meyer of CBS when he said that the country really was rooting for these kids to be guilty.
The Duke lacrosse players had their lives put on hold and their names dragged through the mud because an overzealous prosecutor saw an opportunity to win over the african american community in his voting district. I am appalled that once it was found out to be completely false the media around the country simply stopped talking about it. No apologies, no retractions, no reporters at the seen. I would like to see Al Sharpton apologize to these kids for rallying up protests and calling for these kids to be prosecuted to the fullest extent before knowing any facts. I really don't understand why our media and our country as a whole was so eager to see these kids get in trouble. I also don't understand why it was no longer a story as soon as they were found to be innocent. It seems like everyone is just waiting for the next huge racial atrocity to occur. I agree with Dick Meyer of CBS when he said that the country really was rooting for these kids to be guilty.
fighting for publicity?!?!
I don't see why the news about the duke lacrosse players and the rutgers basketball team are such a big deal. It happened, it was aired, it's over! It should not matter even though the siutation with the duke lacrosse players is a bit more serious than the comment made by don imus, where the story is placed in a newscast or a newspaper. People can read. It is enough to have the Rutger's basketball team get front page for one day about the comment that Imus made, but after that it is just uncalled for if you ask me. Tell the public Imus apologized. Tell them he got fired, and say what is going to happen. Do not continuously air/place the story day after day. It gets old. Enough was said with the lacrosse players. All that needed to be said was that they are innocent of all the charges filed and will not be facing the 30 year prison sentence they were originally going to be sentenced to.
Press pounces on Imus, but downplays Duke
After reading the article that The Washington Post published, I don't see what the big deal was. I think the Imus situation is what alot of people want to hear about, rather then about the three Duke University lacrosse team boys.
I think readers would rather read about Imus because its been all over the news, radio and newspapers all week and readers have gained a world wide interest in the subject, rather than about the Duke Boys who's situation has been in the news for many months nows. Readers are so interested in the Imus situation, I'm sure that they have many questions and comments about it and with all the news and articles about Imus on the front page of each paper, readers would rather read that than about the Duke Lacrosse players
I think readers would rather read about Imus because its been all over the news, radio and newspapers all week and readers have gained a world wide interest in the subject, rather than about the Duke Boys who's situation has been in the news for many months nows. Readers are so interested in the Imus situation, I'm sure that they have many questions and comments about it and with all the news and articles about Imus on the front page of each paper, readers would rather read that than about the Duke Lacrosse players
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
A short way in 39 years...
It's true the media is protected by the First Amendment, but at whose expense? Why are personalities such as Don Imus and Howard Stern not punished for their lewd and racist comments that are broadcast to millions of people across the country, and thanks to Satellite radio, across the world? People have been using the media for hundreds of years as a personal forum to express their own thoughts and views. But whether they like it or not, there is some sort of social responsibility that coincides with the national attention.
Imus's punishment is only a two-week suspension, which many people say should be longer. However, so far, he's lost three big advertisers and many others are expected to back out.
I read in an article that April 4, the day the "nappy-headed hoes" comment was made, was the 39th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's assassination. I don't believe Imus knew the significance of the date or said the comment in malice towards the anniversary, but the coincidence serves as a thorn in our nation's side. Thirty-nine years later after his assassination, our society is still dealing with racism and bigotry.
Way to go America.
**Update: I just read that MSNBC has cancelled their simulcast of Don Imus's show. I guess it's better late than never...
***Update #2: And now, if i read the article correctly, Imus's entire show has been cancelled.
Imus's punishment is only a two-week suspension, which many people say should be longer. However, so far, he's lost three big advertisers and many others are expected to back out.
I read in an article that April 4, the day the "nappy-headed hoes" comment was made, was the 39th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's assassination. I don't believe Imus knew the significance of the date or said the comment in malice towards the anniversary, but the coincidence serves as a thorn in our nation's side. Thirty-nine years later after his assassination, our society is still dealing with racism and bigotry.
Way to go America.
**Update: I just read that MSNBC has cancelled their simulcast of Don Imus's show. I guess it's better late than never...
***Update #2: And now, if i read the article correctly, Imus's entire show has been cancelled.
Are we just overreacitng!!!??!?!?!?
The comments that Don Imus made about the Rutgers basketball team are unacceptable. But in my opinion, I believe that the world is over reacting just a little bit.
Imus is known for making outrageous comments about all races. And in times past, he has never received all this publicity. Calling other women hoes and B@$$@ is accepted in the black/urban culture. And because it is accepted in black/urban culture, we co-sign for others (people from other races) to address us by those vulgar names. I believe prominence plays a big factor. If the rapper Eminem would have said the same thing in one of his song lyrics, the black community would not have a problem, and maybe they would have found the comment hilarious. But because the person was a middle class white man, we (black people) now have a problem with what was said.
On the IUP campus, some African-American students made a presentation on abolishing the N word. A comment that was said during the presentation that I love so much is we are destroying ourselves. Often times we experience racism and narrow-mindedness within our own race. WE SAY FOUL THINGS TO EACH OTHER!!!! And if we want to effect change in the way that people view us, we must start correcting inside our race.
When I think of this issue, this scripture comes to mind. It is in the book of Matthew chapter 7. (Hah I did get all spiritual) It says:
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay
no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
We are able to notice all the bad things that others do, and the things that others do seem so monumental to us; but the things that others do is really sawdust (or some thing small) compared to the major issues that we have ourselves (our plank).
So here it is in a nutshell, don’t throw all the blame on Mr. Imus. Please think critically and honestly about the contribution that the black community is making to the way that others view us. And as I black person, I am going to try harder to make sure that the things that I say and the things that I do represents my race in a manner that brings respect. Please join me.
Imus is known for making outrageous comments about all races. And in times past, he has never received all this publicity. Calling other women hoes and B@$$@ is accepted in the black/urban culture. And because it is accepted in black/urban culture, we co-sign for others (people from other races) to address us by those vulgar names. I believe prominence plays a big factor. If the rapper Eminem would have said the same thing in one of his song lyrics, the black community would not have a problem, and maybe they would have found the comment hilarious. But because the person was a middle class white man, we (black people) now have a problem with what was said.
On the IUP campus, some African-American students made a presentation on abolishing the N word. A comment that was said during the presentation that I love so much is we are destroying ourselves. Often times we experience racism and narrow-mindedness within our own race. WE SAY FOUL THINGS TO EACH OTHER!!!! And if we want to effect change in the way that people view us, we must start correcting inside our race.
When I think of this issue, this scripture comes to mind. It is in the book of Matthew chapter 7. (Hah I did get all spiritual) It says:
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay
no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
We are able to notice all the bad things that others do, and the things that others do seem so monumental to us; but the things that others do is really sawdust (or some thing small) compared to the major issues that we have ourselves (our plank).
So here it is in a nutshell, don’t throw all the blame on Mr. Imus. Please think critically and honestly about the contribution that the black community is making to the way that others view us. And as I black person, I am going to try harder to make sure that the things that I say and the things that I do represents my race in a manner that brings respect. Please join me.
They finally figured it out!
It's amazing to me how much publicity a celebrity can get. There has been so much drama concerning Britney Spears and now the death of Anna Nicole Smith has overtaken the media for months. If a mother were to die and the baby's daddy was not known, there is no way it would get at much publicity as Anna Nicole's story. Her public spotlight brought a lot of attention to her daughter Dannielynn and the controversy of who the father is. At first I didn't think they would follow through with the paternity tests to find out if the father was either Larry Birkhead or Howard K. Stern. I think it is strange that Anna's mother is getting so involved and wanting custody of the baby. All along I never believe that Howard K. Stern was the father. As the paternity tests prove, I was right with my assumption. Larry Birkhead is the biological father of Dannielynn, but now we must wait and see who gets custody over this 'spotlight' baby. I will look forward to this all coming to a close.
Don Imus
Don Imus, who is known for his crude comments and shock value, has been the subject of controversy for the past week. Imus made some racial slurs on his Imus In The Morning Show referring to the Rutgers girls basketball team as "nappy headed ho's." Imus known for his racially charged comments issued an apology to the girls, which most of the public seemed to think was apathetic and meaningless.
I think that this behavior in our day and age is unnacceptable. There is no reason that Imus should continually be allowed to say racially charged comments on live networking. I read from several sources that this is close to his 50th "racially insensitive comment." Since he has a history of making such comments, he should lose his job as anyone else would in that position. What he said is unacceptable.
I think that this behavior in our day and age is unnacceptable. There is no reason that Imus should continually be allowed to say racially charged comments on live networking. I read from several sources that this is close to his 50th "racially insensitive comment." Since he has a history of making such comments, he should lose his job as anyone else would in that position. What he said is unacceptable.
Who's Got Heart?
So what's the current cost of being racist? About two weeks suspension from your job. This is the "punishment" received by shock jock Don Imus after his racist slur this week on his radio talk show.
While we do have free speech in this country, there has to be some kind of restrictions on remarks such as Imus's. A two week suspension is almost a joke. If that weren't enough, this is Imus's first offensive remark. He apparently has a history of making both sexist and racist slurs on his show with little or no repurcussion. I suppose the fact that he is at least getting penalized this time around is a step in the right direction, but far from where he needs to be.
It is still up in the air whether the Rutgers Women's Basketball Team will even accept his public apology for his slur, if it can even be called that. His apology has been called "hollow" by some. It's ridiculous that even after he has been publicly criticized for his comments, he can't even muster up the courage to make a heartfelt apology. His apology, in my opinion, lacks authenticity because he isn't actually sorry for his comment. If anything, it has made him even more popular, and I predict that his ratings might even go up after this event (how's that for fair?). People will probably tune in now to see what racial slur he has to throw out there next.
I know that if a law were to be passed, it would raise the issue of regulating free speech, which our whole First Amendment is based on. Yet, I feel something has to be done. Suspending Imus is definitely a step forward, but more should be done. A longer punishment sentance perhaps. At least several advertisers have their ethics on track for pulling out of his show. It's kind of ironic that the advertisers are the ones with heart this time around.
While we do have free speech in this country, there has to be some kind of restrictions on remarks such as Imus's. A two week suspension is almost a joke. If that weren't enough, this is Imus's first offensive remark. He apparently has a history of making both sexist and racist slurs on his show with little or no repurcussion. I suppose the fact that he is at least getting penalized this time around is a step in the right direction, but far from where he needs to be.
It is still up in the air whether the Rutgers Women's Basketball Team will even accept his public apology for his slur, if it can even be called that. His apology has been called "hollow" by some. It's ridiculous that even after he has been publicly criticized for his comments, he can't even muster up the courage to make a heartfelt apology. His apology, in my opinion, lacks authenticity because he isn't actually sorry for his comment. If anything, it has made him even more popular, and I predict that his ratings might even go up after this event (how's that for fair?). People will probably tune in now to see what racial slur he has to throw out there next.
I know that if a law were to be passed, it would raise the issue of regulating free speech, which our whole First Amendment is based on. Yet, I feel something has to be done. Suspending Imus is definitely a step forward, but more should be done. A longer punishment sentance perhaps. At least several advertisers have their ethics on track for pulling out of his show. It's kind of ironic that the advertisers are the ones with heart this time around.
Imus Apologizes to keep Job?..
After the racial attack on the Rutgers women's basketball team Imus is now begging for forgiveness to the public for his comments. Even though this is not the first time Imus made such a horrible and degrading comment on air of his national syndicated radio station, because of who this comment was downgrading started an uproar. These women are not just a basketball team, but a team that has worked extremely hard to make it to the NCAA championship game.
"Not that anyone should ever expect anything but racism or sexism from Don Imus, but this seems like a new low, even for him," reported the NCAA fanhouse.
Imus is an uneducated man only making progress in what he was hoping to accomplish. A man of these standards would only start making comments as calling the Rutgers 'nappy headed hos' to get more publicity for himself. Now that he has gotten every one's attention I am sure that he is not in fact sorry, but happy he is receiving higher ratings on his show. So his consequences for his racial slashing? Two weeks off work! As many others believe what is this punishment going to accomplish, Imus is going to sit at home and think about what he has has done? This stunt has only up-ed his ratings, gotten his name out into the public and made him seem sincere for him trying to apologize over and over.
"Not that anyone should ever expect anything but racism or sexism from Don Imus, but this seems like a new low, even for him," reported the NCAA fanhouse.
Imus is an uneducated man only making progress in what he was hoping to accomplish. A man of these standards would only start making comments as calling the Rutgers 'nappy headed hos' to get more publicity for himself. Now that he has gotten every one's attention I am sure that he is not in fact sorry, but happy he is receiving higher ratings on his show. So his consequences for his racial slashing? Two weeks off work! As many others believe what is this punishment going to accomplish, Imus is going to sit at home and think about what he has has done? This stunt has only up-ed his ratings, gotten his name out into the public and made him seem sincere for him trying to apologize over and over.
If I were a member of the basketball team, I would never accept the apology that he put out. I am a strong believer that if you say something, you mean it. This could be looked at as a Freudian slip, but still a slip. What you mean, you say. The fact that the comment was made on the radio, with thousands of people listening doesn't make the action any better, in fact, it makes it worse.
He has responsibilities with his show, and along with those responsibilities, he needs to be able to face concequences for wrong actions. The fact that he got two weeks of suspension is a small price to pay. During that time, what did he do? I think that many of my friends make really good points about how there is a difference between actually being sorry and being sorry that you got caught. He is sorry he got caught, but I'm not so sure about him being sorry that he said it.
His apology also includes comments about Sickle Cell Anemia. What does this have anything to do with what he is apologizing for. I feel like he is just trying to make himself look good by focusing on something that will touch people's hearts and take some blame off of himself.
During class, a black student shared with us the idea of how her and her sister may tell each other that their hair is "nappy" or other such comments. She told us that she has no problem with the comments when coming from her sister, or perhaps other black people. She talked about how the black people began the use of the word "nappy" in context to hair, so why would a white male be using it against black students? Seems a little odd to me.
We all want to know more about different cultures, but because we know about the cultures doesn't mean that we are invited into their languages and jargons.
To this I say, to each his own.
He has responsibilities with his show, and along with those responsibilities, he needs to be able to face concequences for wrong actions. The fact that he got two weeks of suspension is a small price to pay. During that time, what did he do? I think that many of my friends make really good points about how there is a difference between actually being sorry and being sorry that you got caught. He is sorry he got caught, but I'm not so sure about him being sorry that he said it.
His apology also includes comments about Sickle Cell Anemia. What does this have anything to do with what he is apologizing for. I feel like he is just trying to make himself look good by focusing on something that will touch people's hearts and take some blame off of himself.
During class, a black student shared with us the idea of how her and her sister may tell each other that their hair is "nappy" or other such comments. She told us that she has no problem with the comments when coming from her sister, or perhaps other black people. She talked about how the black people began the use of the word "nappy" in context to hair, so why would a white male be using it against black students? Seems a little odd to me.
We all want to know more about different cultures, but because we know about the cultures doesn't mean that we are invited into their languages and jargons.
To this I say, to each his own.
Imus... What Are You Doing?
Imus is giving racial and vulgar slurrs and everyone is erupting. Why are we even drawing attention to Imus? Is this some kind of publicity stunt? It sure seems like a stunt that's working very well considering the controversy he caused. Now everyone's talking about him, his name is getting around effectively and quick. I never heard of him on the radio let alone his own name until now. Is this how radio personalities get their attention now, by doing something disruptive to gain popularity?
Not only should he be punished, but also the people that hired him. Two weeks suspension instead of getting fired? That only means he was able to get his name around enough to draw ratings and keep his job.
"Nappy headed hoes" is a strong term to give a whole team, but on a side note, can we really judge him and not compare him to ourselves? Everyday life involves vulgar terms, but someone says something that gets broadcasted and everyone flips. I think we need to learn how to reflect on this toward ourselves rather than give him the attention he wants.
Everyone knows he apologised now too, how heart felt is it? Apologies only get you so far, just ask Kramer from Seinfeld when he apologized for his racial slurrs which were by far worse. This whole issue needs less attention on it and more attention to what we do.
Not only should he be punished, but also the people that hired him. Two weeks suspension instead of getting fired? That only means he was able to get his name around enough to draw ratings and keep his job.
"Nappy headed hoes" is a strong term to give a whole team, but on a side note, can we really judge him and not compare him to ourselves? Everyday life involves vulgar terms, but someone says something that gets broadcasted and everyone flips. I think we need to learn how to reflect on this toward ourselves rather than give him the attention he wants.
Everyone knows he apologised now too, how heart felt is it? Apologies only get you so far, just ask Kramer from Seinfeld when he apologized for his racial slurrs which were by far worse. This whole issue needs less attention on it and more attention to what we do.
Holding Us Back
Racial slurs are rude and offensive - not only to those they are directed to or about, but to anyone who has to hear them. When we use slang terms and other such racial slurs when we talk to our friends in a personal way - but that doesn't mean just anyone can say those same things. Imus made a mistake; a big one. Not only did he make a very rude comment about the women of the Rutgers basketball team, but he made it on his national talk-radio-TV show. A person in such a position should be more responsible with what gets said on the air.
I think the bigger issue here is how often the well-knowns of America are using such racial slurs, as well as homophobic phrases. Recently Michael Richards (Seinfeld's Kramer) made numerous racial comments while performing in an L.A. comedy club. Anne Coulter used an "anti-gay" slur when talking about Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards. These kinds of comments from these kinds of people are occurring more frequently, and it's getting ridiculous.
If these well-known Americans are allowed to say these things, and only apologize because they are forced to or in order to "save face," won't the American people think that these things are ok to say too? Shouldn't we become more accepting of people as we progress? Shouldn't we learn that people are all the same, no matter what religion, race or sexual orientation? Yes, we should learn these things. But, we aren't, and it's people like Imus who are holding us back.
I think the bigger issue here is how often the well-knowns of America are using such racial slurs, as well as homophobic phrases. Recently Michael Richards (Seinfeld's Kramer) made numerous racial comments while performing in an L.A. comedy club. Anne Coulter used an "anti-gay" slur when talking about Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards. These kinds of comments from these kinds of people are occurring more frequently, and it's getting ridiculous.
If these well-known Americans are allowed to say these things, and only apologize because they are forced to or in order to "save face," won't the American people think that these things are ok to say too? Shouldn't we become more accepting of people as we progress? Shouldn't we learn that people are all the same, no matter what religion, race or sexual orientation? Yes, we should learn these things. But, we aren't, and it's people like Imus who are holding us back.
Take The Low Road
Don Imus should have a punishment more severe than a two weeks suspension. He was slanderous and offensive and does not deserve the attention he is getting for his remarks. No matter how many times Imus apologizes I don't think that apologizing is enough. Other people may say similar comments and get away with it, but Imus has a social responsibility to the public and his listeners. At some point someone has to say this is not right, you should not have said those things, and now you must deal with the consequences of your own actions. He is a grown man. I think forgiving him may seem like the high road, however I feel that by not forgiving his actions displays intolerance to racism, which is the real lesson to be learned.
Imus
If I were the women on the basketball team, there's no way I would accept his apology. How can someone say something the way he said it, without thinking, and then ask for forgiveness? He has a national radio show and with that comes responsibilty. He knows as well as anyone else that everyone is listening to his show and that whatever he says will be critiqued and will receive a response. I believe that there is a big difference between being sorry for what you did and being sorry you got caught. In his case, there is no other option other than that he is sorry that he got caught. He is constantly pushing limits and making risky comments on his show, he's finally been called out on it and now he's sorry. It is simply unacceptable.
I also think that his punishment is not enough. A two week suspension is like a vacation for this guy. He'll go to some remote island and enjoy himself and then come back to his everyday life and continue his job and his life.
Although this type of racism is apparent everywhere I think that if one person can be pointed out they should be held responsible, it starts with one person and, hopefully, it spreads to more and more people and we can eventually make a difference.
I also think that his punishment is not enough. A two week suspension is like a vacation for this guy. He'll go to some remote island and enjoy himself and then come back to his everyday life and continue his job and his life.
Although this type of racism is apparent everywhere I think that if one person can be pointed out they should be held responsible, it starts with one person and, hopefully, it spreads to more and more people and we can eventually make a difference.
Some People Make Mistakes
Racism is bad, yes, but there will always be racism in one form or another. Let's compare Dave Chappelle and Al Sharpton. Dave Chappelle pokes fun at it and Al Sharpton takes offense to it, but both men make millions of dollars off of racism. Imus' comments were offensive but seemed to be expressed in a joking manner, so why not laugh at it and forget about it? I'm not saying I particularly agree with what Imus said, I'm just trying to illustrate a broader point. Racism will always be around, but it's how we deal with it that will change the way it affects us.
Reactions to Don Imus
I feel that if Don Imus was wrong in the statements he made about the Rutgers University women's basketball team referring to them as "nappy headed hoes.” It was taken to me as ignorant and uneducated when he compared the players' looks, describing them as tattooed "rough girls." It is acceptable for someone to hold their own opinions; however, slandering a group of young women for negative intentions on a radio station is inappropriate.
The radio station that produces Don Imus’ talk show has offered their sincere apologies and I feel as if the situation could be cleared up by Imus stating his intentions of the comments he made and by offering an apology. The media doesn’t help the situation by putting the story in top highlights and replaying what he had said over multiple times.
The radio station that produces Don Imus’ talk show has offered their sincere apologies and I feel as if the situation could be cleared up by Imus stating his intentions of the comments he made and by offering an apology. The media doesn’t help the situation by putting the story in top highlights and replaying what he had said over multiple times.
Whos your Daddy??
After many months of the media covering “Who’s the daddy” of Anna Nicole Smith’s baby Dannilynn, the DNA test came in and Larry Birkhead, former boyfriend of Smith is officially the father of Dannilynn.
I always thought Birkhead was the father because the baby looks exactly like him. However, everyone was so caught up in the death of her 20 year old son and the recent death of Smith, no one took the time to show concern for the new baby girl who didn’t know who the daddy was and now was motherless.
Now that Birkhead is the father, Howard K. Stern, the “other daddy” who said he was the father of Dannilynn, is now stating that he will do anything to help Birkhead get sole custody.
I’m happy that this whole ordeal of Anna Nicole Smith is finally over and that Dannilynn now has a father and a home to go to. But lets face it, in the entertainment world… its never really over… its just begun.
I always thought Birkhead was the father because the baby looks exactly like him. However, everyone was so caught up in the death of her 20 year old son and the recent death of Smith, no one took the time to show concern for the new baby girl who didn’t know who the daddy was and now was motherless.
Now that Birkhead is the father, Howard K. Stern, the “other daddy” who said he was the father of Dannilynn, is now stating that he will do anything to help Birkhead get sole custody.
I’m happy that this whole ordeal of Anna Nicole Smith is finally over and that Dannilynn now has a father and a home to go to. But lets face it, in the entertainment world… its never really over… its just begun.
Boot Imus
Some of the comments Imus makes on his show, are very vulgar. At times, Don refers to his wife the “Green Ho.” Now, if I was his wife, I would be in an uproar hearing my own husband call me a name like that.
The racial comments by Imus about the Rutger’s team were not the first time he has made racial slurs about people other than his wife. This controversy just happens to be the first brought to the attention of the NABJ. In previous shows, Don has referred to NBC’s Gwen Ifill as a “cleaning lady” and described William Rhoden of The New York Times as "a quota hire."
In my opinion the National Broadcast Society should regulate what is allowed to be said on the air no matter if it is radio or television, or even if it is satellite or basic. Everything that has the possibly to be aired to a potential audience by radio, newswire, TV and even the newspaper should be regulated as to what is allowed to be aired.
If more occurrences such as the Don Imus situation continue to happen, I could see a lot of lawsuits being pursued against every derogatory comment made on air or on paper. Although people have their freedom of speech, if situations like this were to get so controversial, people who are just walking down the street talking to their friend about how American Idol’s Sanjaya is just so horrible and someone of some authority hears it, those people having that meaningless conversation could have the possibility of being sued for the derogatory comment they made that one day when they were talking with their friend.
In my opinion, Imus should be kicked off the aired along with other shows of the same matter as what his show was about.
The racial comments by Imus about the Rutger’s team were not the first time he has made racial slurs about people other than his wife. This controversy just happens to be the first brought to the attention of the NABJ. In previous shows, Don has referred to NBC’s Gwen Ifill as a “cleaning lady” and described William Rhoden of The New York Times as "a quota hire."
In my opinion the National Broadcast Society should regulate what is allowed to be said on the air no matter if it is radio or television, or even if it is satellite or basic. Everything that has the possibly to be aired to a potential audience by radio, newswire, TV and even the newspaper should be regulated as to what is allowed to be aired.
If more occurrences such as the Don Imus situation continue to happen, I could see a lot of lawsuits being pursued against every derogatory comment made on air or on paper. Although people have their freedom of speech, if situations like this were to get so controversial, people who are just walking down the street talking to their friend about how American Idol’s Sanjaya is just so horrible and someone of some authority hears it, those people having that meaningless conversation could have the possibility of being sued for the derogatory comment they made that one day when they were talking with their friend.
In my opinion, Imus should be kicked off the aired along with other shows of the same matter as what his show was about.
Imus will continue to say these sort of things until we decide it is totally unacceptable. He has done this for nearly 30 years and still maintains a wide audience. The public uproar for these comments must be followed by a universal boycott of the radio broadcast because his stature as a Hall of Fame radio host and his loyal morning followers will make it impossible to be let go. So if we indeed want to distant ourselves from these terms we may make an example of this verbose talk show host, but we need to make an effort to eliminate this type of talk on a larger scale.
Reflections
I think that what Don Imus said about the women of the Rutgers basketball team was very disrespectful. I don’t think that there is anything he can say to justify it. When he called them “nappy headed hoes” he laughed afterwards, he thought that it was funny. I don’t know what would make him say something like that. As black women I am very offended and shocked. I know a lot of people say why so much coverage of this story is there now when he always says stuff about people? I think that there is so much coverage on this issue is because what he said was very demeaning, it was both sexist and racist.
I think that they should not accept his apology. They don’t owe him anything. He already gave his opinion on what he thinks about that them. They could go hear what he has to say and see if it is a really heart felt apology but I don’t think that they have to accept it. As a black female I have really strong feelings about this so I can only imagine how the women are handling this.
I think that they should not accept his apology. They don’t owe him anything. He already gave his opinion on what he thinks about that them. They could go hear what he has to say and see if it is a really heart felt apology but I don’t think that they have to accept it. As a black female I have really strong feelings about this so I can only imagine how the women are handling this.
Don Imus--He sucks
I have never listened to the Don Imus before, until this outburst about the Rutgers women’s basketball team. I read on numerous websites the outrageous comments he has made about people and their races or religious views. I have never been so appalled since I listened to Howard Stern’s radio show! I can’t believe that CBS still allows Don Imus to continue his radio show, after all of the comments he has made in the past. He made a racial slur about the Rutgers women’s basketball team, which is totally unacceptable. Then he tried to apologize, and make people think that he actually meant it. I think that the only reason he made the apology was to save his professional career. Obviously if he would have let this go and never apologized to the outraged team, then his show’s ratings would have plummeted. So I do not think that his apology was heartfelt, I think it definitely had a motive behind it, and that motive was to save his professional career. I think we have given Don Imus too many chances, and all he does is continue to insult people. What I don’t understand is why people continue to tune into his show, after all of the horrible comments he has made about races and religious views. I think Don Imus and Howard Stern should both be kicked off the radio!
The comments that Don Imus made about the Rutgers basketball team are unacceptable. But in my opinion, I believe that the world is over reacting just a little bit.
Imus is known for making outrageous comments about all races. And in times past, he has never received all this publicity. Calling other women hoes and B@$$@ is accepted in the black/urban culture. And because it is accepted in black/urban culture, we co-sign for others (people from other races) to address us by those vulgar names. I believe prominence plays a big factor. If the rapper Eminem would have said the same thing in one of his song lyrics, the black community would not have a problem, and maybe they would have found the comment hilarious. But because the person was a middle class white man, we (black people) now have a problem with what was said.
On the IUP campus, some African-American students made a presentation on abolishing the N word. A comment that was said during the presentation that I love so much is we are destroying ourselves. Often times we experience racism and narrow-mindedness within our own race. WE SAY FOUL THINGS TO EACH OTHER!!!! And if we want to effect change in the way that people view us, we must start correcting inside our race.
When I think of this issue, this scripture comes to mind. It is in the book of Matthew chapter 7. (Hah I did get all spiritual) It says:
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay
no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
We are able to notice all the bad things that others do, and the things that others do seem so monumental to us; but the things that others do is really sawdust (or some thing small) compared to the major issues that we have ourselves (our plank).
So here it is in a nutshell, don’t throw all the blame on Mr. Imus. Please think critically and honestly about the contribution that the black community is making to the way that others view us. And as I black person, I am going to try harder to make sure that the things that I say and the things that I do represents my race in a manner that brings respect. Please join me.
Imus is known for making outrageous comments about all races. And in times past, he has never received all this publicity. Calling other women hoes and B@$$@ is accepted in the black/urban culture. And because it is accepted in black/urban culture, we co-sign for others (people from other races) to address us by those vulgar names. I believe prominence plays a big factor. If the rapper Eminem would have said the same thing in one of his song lyrics, the black community would not have a problem, and maybe they would have found the comment hilarious. But because the person was a middle class white man, we (black people) now have a problem with what was said.
On the IUP campus, some African-American students made a presentation on abolishing the N word. A comment that was said during the presentation that I love so much is we are destroying ourselves. Often times we experience racism and narrow-mindedness within our own race. WE SAY FOUL THINGS TO EACH OTHER!!!! And if we want to effect change in the way that people view us, we must start correcting inside our race.
When I think of this issue, this scripture comes to mind. It is in the book of Matthew chapter 7. (Hah I did get all spiritual) It says:
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay
no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
We are able to notice all the bad things that others do, and the things that others do seem so monumental to us; but the things that others do is really sawdust (or some thing small) compared to the major issues that we have ourselves (our plank).
So here it is in a nutshell, don’t throw all the blame on Mr. Imus. Please think critically and honestly about the contribution that the black community is making to the way that others view us. And as I black person, I am going to try harder to make sure that the things that I say and the things that I do represents my race in a manner that brings respect. Please join me.
IMUS
Talking about this man and his idiotic comments gives him exactly what he wants. I do not think he made the comments just to get publicity because I don’t think he is that smart. But he has a history of making ignorant statements without repercussions. His two week suspension is a joke, just like him, just like the station that writes his checks, just like the people who listen to his show. He deserves whatever happens to him just like the guy who wrote the book on the IRA member helping the police.
Focusing on this small man's small voice is a step backward in dissolving racial barriers and conflicts. We hit the snooze in the morning; we cringe when the sirens fly by; we likewise choose the media we take in. I don’t listen to racist shock jocks; I don’t listen to rap. This country will be focused on racism as long as it loves to hear about it. Do me a kindness, turn it down?
Imus comment
What Imus said is egregious and despicable. His remarks are not only racist, they are sexist, as well. But I'm a little confused.
I am not a listener of Imus', so I can only go on what I've heard about him. From what I understand, this is his "style." He is a "shock" jock. Being outrageous and obnoxious is what he does and, apparently, his viewers have come to expect it from him. Vulgarity is his claim to fame and he is no stranger to scandal. He makes a living by stirring controversy. And maybe I am giving him too much credit, but sometimes being "out there" is a very effective means for communicating a message that is, otherwise, ignored. It's not my way, but sometimes, the most productive way to expose the absurdity of certain views and actions associated with them, sometimes the only way, is through a flagrant demonstration of the very opinions/behaviors you are attempting to deter.
But shouldn't Imus be able to defend his actions if that is the case? Is there a method to his madness? And are all of his loyal listeners really just racist and sexist? Why doesn't he make his case? Why has he so easily folded under the pressure? Maybe there is no redeeming value to his message and he really doesn't have anything of value to contribute, after all. If so, he deserves to lose his job.
I am not a listener of Imus', so I can only go on what I've heard about him. From what I understand, this is his "style." He is a "shock" jock. Being outrageous and obnoxious is what he does and, apparently, his viewers have come to expect it from him. Vulgarity is his claim to fame and he is no stranger to scandal. He makes a living by stirring controversy. And maybe I am giving him too much credit, but sometimes being "out there" is a very effective means for communicating a message that is, otherwise, ignored. It's not my way, but sometimes, the most productive way to expose the absurdity of certain views and actions associated with them, sometimes the only way, is through a flagrant demonstration of the very opinions/behaviors you are attempting to deter.
But shouldn't Imus be able to defend his actions if that is the case? Is there a method to his madness? And are all of his loyal listeners really just racist and sexist? Why doesn't he make his case? Why has he so easily folded under the pressure? Maybe there is no redeeming value to his message and he really doesn't have anything of value to contribute, after all. If so, he deserves to lose his job.
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