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.