The Radio Equalizer: Brian Maloney

06 April 2007

Don Imus, Racist Comments, Rutgers

ANOTHER MELTDOWN

This Time, Deranged Imus Finally Gets Media Attention






*** Update: Imus Suspended For Two Weeks ***

Are the demented ravings
of talk fossil Don Imus finally getting the attention they deserve?

Though his recent push for the bombing of Mecca was strangely ignored by the mainstream media, overtly racist comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team are generating public anger.

Your Radio Equalizer has long wondered why Imus, who turns 67 this year, gets away with the kind of extreme language that would easily sink Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly and others. How does he remain a mainstream media darling?

In fact, his latest episode caught the attention of WNBC- TV, The New York Times, Drudge and many others:


Imus Creates Firestorm With Rutgers Comments


NEW YORK -- Don Imus is creating controversy again.

On his "Imus In The Morning" show Thursday, he referred to the Rutgers women's basketball team as "nappy-headed hos."

He was talking to Sid Rosenberg with Sports Talk on the phone about the Women's NCAA Championship game.

Imus started out talking about the Rutgers team as, "some rough girls from Rutgers. They got tattoos," and then went on to call them "some nappy-headed hos."

He compared them to the Tennessee team, saying "The girls from Tennessee -- they all looked cute."

The conversation then went on to compare the game to "the jigaboos versus the wannabes." Media Matters reported that the show's executive producer, Bernard McGuirk, made that comment.

Imus has more to say about those remarks, according to the New York Times. Imus said people should relax and not worry about "some idiot comment meant to be amusing."


Memo to WNBC: there's a difference between a talk host "creating cntroversy" and one who mumbles, babbles and comes across like a deranged druggie. With the Kerry- loving Imus firmly in the latter camp, he's doing a great job damaging the medium as a whole.


UPDATE: Imus has apologized, but questions about his competence are sure to remain.

UPDATE: Could Imus lose his Boston affiliate?


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49 Comments:

  • By Blogger True Blue Liberal, at 06 April, 2007 11:52  

  • One can only imagine the nuclear detonation at the FCC should these remarks have been uttered by Howard Stern back in his terrestrial radio days. Selective enforcement, anyone?

    By Blogger Lanz, at 06 April, 2007 12:21  

  • I stopped listening to this clown back in 1992 when his show consisted of peddling his line of healthy chips and salsa, calling his new wife, and having his brother as a guest.

    This is selective enforcement all right- the FCC must think he is too senile or too high to be taken seriously.

    By Blogger Trickish Knave, at 06 April, 2007 15:10  

  • Let me say this to pruneface Imus--the better team in Tennessee DID win that game and the national championship--7th for the school in NCAA women's history.

    If Imus were to say something about Geno Auriemma (UCONN women's coach) and his players--I would be just as outraged as True Blue Liberal. I'll bet Mr. drug head never even SAW a women's college game--either in person or on TV!

    That being said I am more a fan of the college game than the WNBA, which has lesbians play in the so-called league according to Deb Schlussel--notably Sheryl Swoopes and some of the womyn (note the spelling) look more like MEN.

    Then again, there was something involving Penn State that made the news about their women's hoop coach being allegedly hostile towards a player's sexuality

    Guess that's Title IX, signed into law by Nixon by the way, eh folks? Imagine 1972, Vietnam a disaster, Tricky Dicky 2 years before Watergate ends his career and he caves to the feminists!

    There are exceptions to everything I know like Swin Cash of Detroit. Aside from looking beautiful, I read an article where she praised her mom for not aborting her.

    And some of the former WNBA stars are married (TO MEN OF COURSE)like Rebecca Lobo and Kara Wolters--both of whom now have children and are still involved with basketball--on radio and TV.

    But there has been a scandal with the league, namely when Anna DeForge of the Detroit Shock had a relationship with her then coach at the time Nancy Lieberman, one of the legends of women's basketball.

    In terms of Imus, though I have some advice--PERMANENTLY MOVE TO THAT RANCH IN NEW MEXICO AND DON'T EVER COME BACK!

    By Blogger The Real Bob Anthony, at 06 April, 2007 15:34  

  • By Blogger True Blue Liberal, at 07 April, 2007 11:03  

  • Gee whiz, everyone lighten up. Yes the show consists of sophmoric humor and poor taste at times. We watch every morning and love the interviews and musical guests. If the Catholics aren't screaming about Bernard's portrayal of "the Cardinal", we say the basketball girls should accept the apology and move on.
    Imus watchers in Wisconsin

    By Blogger Long-time RN, at 07 April, 2007 20:55  

  • It should not come as a shock that comments such as these are made in this day and time. What is shocking is that his apology is as indifferent and he truly believes that his statement was no big deal. The fact that his producer chimed in with the "jiggaboos vs. wannabees" lends itself to the herd mentality of those that work the show. If any in our society try to defend the insensitivity of those comments under the guise of free speech, then it is apparent to me and many others what you truly discuss at your dinner tables. I must add that it will do no good to try and convince me that Rappers say worse when the pockets of white record executives are being lined. The face of Don Imus is the same as that of the segregationists of the 50's and 60's he was just able to match it with his views verbally. Those views were seconded by those around him so don't just get rid of Imus. Destroy the whole herd.

    By Blogger c-kid43, at 07 April, 2007 23:19  

  • Just get over it. An offhand remark that is transformed into an opportunity for the weak, lost souls on the left to spew more of their politically-correct drivel. What's next, forcing all radio and tv shows to be tape-recorded, so libs can search their content for 'Correctness'?

    From a song that should become our new National Anthem:

    You drag it around like a ball and chain
    You wallow in the guilt; you wallow in the pain
    You wave it like a flag, you wear it like a crown
    Got your mind in the gutter, bringin' everybody down
    Complain about the present and blame it on the past
    I'd like to find your inner child and kick its little ass

    Get over it
    Get over it
    All this bitchin' and moanin' and pitchin' a fit
    Get over it, get over it

    By Blogger Serr8d, at 08 April, 2007 11:02  

  • and yet michelle malkin's website still says that the msm is ignoring the issue...

    By Blogger Justin, at 08 April, 2007 11:02  

  • and we know
    if michelle malkin says it...

    By Blogger hashfanatic, at 08 April, 2007 23:44  

  • what a bunch of bullshit. Imus does more good and has a broader range of supporters than anyone on radio.

    he said a stupid thing. he is flayling himself as we speak.

    does he do every so much more good than evil? certainly. is he a class above or 10 classes above the likes of Rush, Sean, Savage, and the Fox Felons? God yes.

    and to that "true blue liberal" who somehow personalizes this to the 100s of 1000s Rutgers students and alums...IN YOUR DREAMS. You don't own this debate and it isn't about you.

    By Blogger hdhouse, at 09 April, 2007 07:35  

  • If he goes back to his daily diatribes about "war criminals" President Bush and Vice President Cheney old Imus will do fine on MSNBC-- the channel of mouth-foaming lunatics like Olby and Matthews. Then he'll be able to continue to bore the nation to tears with more mumbling suck-up interviews with JohnKerry, Harold Ford Jr. and leftist journalists.

    By Blogger Mr. Dart, at 09 April, 2007 10:50  

  • There are more important things in life than what some former drug head thinks or says. Or, is Imus only voicing what what most of white america thinks and is to scared to say? Yes I am black! Yes he went to far! Yes he did apologize. Don't kick him off the air just because you were offended. Imus has made me laugh more times that he has offended me. Someone does something or says something that offends me almost everyday. Get over it and lets do something about the real problems in life.

    By Blogger Tgr00ve, at 09 April, 2007 14:33  

  • The real problem is that America is full of racist and people that spend more time dividing us than bringing us together. The right, the left, when will we all just work together so that our kids don't have to hear or say hurtful things in the future. Everyone should stop accepting negative talk about the people we live and work with and get positive.

    By Blogger nisi, at 09 April, 2007 20:12  

  • When this simulcast was planned, both parties should have considered and factored the differences in the audiences, and should have practiced "common sense desretion" @ the very least for the broadcast.
    I would like to hear ONLY what Rutgers players think, from their point of views and opinions. After, these repeated derogatory comments were directed @ them.
    Zuuumie

    By Blogger zuuumie, at 09 April, 2007 21:24  

  • Yes, Imus shouldn't have made the comment, but he is not racist. Do you know how many good things he has done? Just recently he raised so much money for the new hospital in San Antonio, my home town. I am in no way saying that what Imus said was right, but how many African Americans get away with racist comments everyday? In their rap songs, they refer to woman as hoes, bitches, sluts, and many other derogatory names directed towards women. I have watched Imus every morning, and he should not be fired.

    By Blogger !!court!!, at 09 April, 2007 22:44  

  • UNFORTUNATLEY people seem to forget that the civil rights movement wasn't too long ago. Many of us live together and get along because we have to not becuase we want to. Some of us as open minded intelligent individuals who genuinely love all people. Don Imus is not 22, 25 or 30. He grew up in a time when being racist was still "trendy". He was probably raised by parents who were raised by parents who were racist I'm sure because at that time everyone else was. Whether he meant to be offensive or funny he did offend many people of all colors. Whether he will lose his job... we will see. People just need to realize that its like 2 steps forward and two steps back when things like this occur. We need to realize that we live in a predjudice world be it against shape size color or religion, we live in a world of people who are afraid of all things indifferent. Right now we have the same response to gay people and asian people but no one will stand up and speak about that either.. thats because its still trendy to call someone a faggot or china man or gook. Check back in 25 years we will be having the same conversation about gay and asian jokes. Asian jokes are the most silent form of acceptable racism I know of. People need to make it trendy to not be a closet bigot, and things will change. It starts with doing away with all fat black asian etc. jokes. That will never happen because we live in a world of shape color and depth... so be prepared for people to be less open about their racism but for these things to slowly phase themselves out of being spoken in public. I have a bi racial friend who easily passes for white...or hispanic. She always tells me about what ignorant white and black people do and say about each other behind closed doors, when they think she is "more white" or "more black" looking. They show their asses and say horrible things about her becuase they think she is not the other race.... unbelieveable. This is the world we live in folks.

    By Blogger shandalee, at 09 April, 2007 23:30  

  • Did anyone call on Stevie Wonder to comment on this? He used the term "nappy{" in his hit record "Living for the City". "Looking back at when I was a little nappy-headed boy."

    It's purely a stupid double standard, and "nappy" is a legitimate word describing the texture of the majority of black people's hair, and they know it. There is nothing derogatory about it. Have him on your show Al, and see what he has to say about it.
    You lost any credibility you had defending that lying girl who said she was raped and covered in feces by white men. You are now nothing but a pompous ass.

    By Blogger louisguys, at 10 April, 2007 08:20  

  • did someone just say that its alright for black rappers to make racist comments because white execs make money off of it? WTF?!?!?

    who cares if a rich white guy signed him it doesnt give this black guy free reign to say whatever he wants. What if a black rich ceo signed him? their are more and more of them and only more coming so that line as stupid as it is, has no credit and shows the double standard black people enjoy. Calling a white basketball team a buncha rich whities, or something else racist wouldnt even be given attention.

    By Blogger chezouff, at 10 April, 2007 08:25  

  • I think this whole thing has been blown all the way out of proportion. Now this has turned in to some free for all that will take away someones job! In a regular job if somethig like this is said they are just told to keep whatever bad comments to themselves. In this case his job is to deliver bad comments and make fun of EVERYONE! People have to get their heads out of their a&&es and give these grandstanding losers that thrive on others misery the boot. Yes, I’m talking about Sharpton and Jackson. The rest of the world that has jumped on the bandwagon just to prove a point and to get their particular adjenda heard should STEP OFF too!

    Fine, I don’t think that people are to be discriminated against but I also don’t think that 1 person should be hanged either. Right now the point that is attempted to be made is that it just doesn’t matter if you apologize for anything, no one wants to hear it. They just want to hear the footsteps on the unemployment line. Maybe it would be good enough to take away their citizenship and set them adrift on a raft.

    This will turn into something bigger and uglier. And thanks to these media hungry jerks we are going to make the separation between black, white, hispanic and the rest even greater. It is widely accepted that rappers and other entertainers of African American decent do use the words like “hoes” and “b$t*ches”. So if you want it to stop take them out of the public too otherwise SHUT UP AND ACCEPT THAT THIS MAN HAS APOLOGIZED!!!

    By Blogger TC, at 10 April, 2007 08:56  

  • Don Imus's comments are his and his alone. Were they a cheap shot, yes, but what about all the cheap shots that black media/entertainers take. Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock to name a few. Do you see White activists stirring up and rounding up whites to make some headlines? NO! Have Sharpton and Jackson fallen from such a lofty level in life that now they are the ambulance chasers of peoples ill spoken comments. If you were insulted, change the channel.
    Is this Michael Richards Part II? Since when did we lose the right to speak our minds, good bad or ugly? I personally find Rush Limbaugh offensive but is there anyone out there trying to kick him off his job? Not me, I change the channel. Is anyone banning Rock/Chappelle from performing, using racial white slurs? How about a Mock Court to judge all the rap music that offends whites and women? When will we see a Miss White America beauty pageant? Everyone needs to just get over this or risk causing greater polarization over a stupid comment.

    By Blogger Mark's Rants & Raves, at 10 April, 2007 09:42  

  • "Theres this thing in America, where you watch TV and you agree, you watch TV and you dont agree, and you watch TV and change the channel." I am pretty sure that applies to radio too. Its called right to free speech, and it is nothing new. So long as he did not slander or make and statements that specifically violated some constitutionally protected rights, then people just need to shut the fuck up and mind their own business.

    By Blogger matt w, at 10 April, 2007 10:54  

  • Don Imus referred to the Rutgers women's basketball team as "nappy-headed 'hos" AFTER the show's producer, Bernard McGuirk, called the team "hardcore 'hos." Is the insult in "'hos" or "nappy-headed"? No one seems to be upset by the "hardcore 'hos" comment, so I'm assuming the outrage is over the girls being called "nappy-headed" regardless of the "'hos" title.
    This whole ordeal is pathetic. When I was in high school in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, black students (rather being African American, Jamaican, Haitian, or whatever) used the term "nappy-headed" CONSTANTLY. They were always going on with stuff like, " You're all nappy headed you need to get your hair permed" or just flat out calling each other "nappy-head", as in "Hey you.. nappy-head".
    Im white. I am not racist.
    My fiance is a curly red haired Irish guy. If he doesnt use a super conditioner daily... you wanna talk about "nappy-headed".
    This whole thing is stupid. Its not even insulting at all. The term used was a common term. Blacks use it all the time. I wouldnt get all outraged over being called "nappy-headed". I'd be more upset about being called a "'ho", but then again I'd get over it knowing its just some stupid radio show commentary. They're trying to turn this into something that its not. It's like if someone went on the show and called me a "potatoe eating Irish 'ho". I LOVE POTATOES!!
    I think things have just gotten so politically correct and adjustments have been made so as not to insult so many people that people have to come up with new reasons to be insulted and claim some sort of nonexistant racist crime.

    By Blogger McKagan, at 10 April, 2007 13:48  

  • Don Imus' comments were outrageous and inexcusable. A two-week suspension is not enough, in my opinion. We've got to send a strong message that such intolerance and bigotry cannot be tolerated on public airwaves.

    By Blogger Les Jacobs, at 10 April, 2007 17:15  

  • don imus has done more good for children with cancer ,sids,and many other charities in the last year than anyone reading this will do in their lifetime. and anyone who actually listens to his program will know that he is not a racist. i suppose he runs martin luther kings " i have a dream speech" in its full content every year because hes a racist. this is a good man who made a stupid remark, get over it you whining bunch of politically correct crybabys

    By Blogger miked, at 10 April, 2007 20:57  

  • I understand that what he said was offensive, but if you don't like what you hear turn the station. I have children and I censor what they listen to and maybe everyone else should try this method if they don't like it. Everyone gets on the racial comments about black. When any other ethnic background has comment made about it that is alright? This is FREEDOM OF SPEECH a CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT, if you don't like it than go live somewhere else. I am not saying I agree with what was said but, I have heard more black people refer to each other in this term and it was not considered an issue. Is there a double standard? If there is than that ethnic group should let everyone else know and they should not refer to others as Bitches and Hoes, Cracker, Honky, Spick, Towelheads, Wop, Casper and Beaners. The Reverends (Preachers) have forgotten what the Bible said "forgiveness" and maybe they should practice what they preach. If they continue to make it an issue than they must preach a different Bible than the rest of us read. In simple terms he made a mistake, he is human and has apologized and if everyone (Black, White, Hispanic, and Asia) can't recognize this than they must be God, because we are not perfect. Everyone needs to stop wearing their heart on their shirt sleeve.

    By Blogger RealityGirl, at 11 April, 2007 08:36  

  • Blog: 4/11/2007
    Imus comments
    Pastor Flo’s Perspective


    The "shock jock" style of radio talk hosts has finally given us a true indication of just how insensitive we as Americans have become. While it is obvious that bigotry, racism and sexism plague our society, we often times” ignore it”, call it "funny" or try to reduce the impact of these harmful thoughts and words. As far as I am concerned this is a lack of integrity on the part of Don Imus. It appears that his words are simply a reflection of his inner thoughts. What was meant to be "entertainment", “funny” and a “ joke”, wasn’t funny at all. In fact his remarks were insulting, insensitive and embarrassing to all parties., especially himself. This type of behavior is intolerable, and someone must take responsibility starting with Imus,
    Should he be fired? Not necessarily! Because there is no responsibility without accountability, Imus, must be held accountable for his words. ( After all this isn’t the first time his “words” have been racist, sexist and bigoted). While he has made a public apology, he also needs to apologize in person to the women of Rutgers basketball team and staff. (which I understand has been done) He also needs to be required, (mandated) during his suspension to attend extensive diversity training that intentionally deals with racism and sexism. In order to restore his character he needs to see the impact of his words in a live setting, with women, people of color, rich and poor. If he refuses, then termination is in order.
    As a person in the public eye, Imus will have an opportunity to demonstrate what an apology with “teeth” looks like. By taking seriously what it means to atone for one’s wrong, people might get a glimpse of humility, up close and personal. While this type of training might not change his heart, it will change his "mouth", and it help him to respect women and people of color or at least examine himself.
    Perhaps this is just what we needed, a wakeup call to see just how sexist and bigoted our society really is. I don't care who does it, referring to women by derogatory names is demeaning and disrespectful. Who makes these types of comments, whether they are comedians, talk show personalities, radio personalities, or any person in the eye of the public, it’s barbaric. As a civilized nation, we should value the humanity and dignity of all people.

    By Blogger Reverend Floretta L. Watkins, at 11 April, 2007 12:53  

  • "STICKS AND STONES WILL BREAK OUR BONES BUT WORDS WILL NEVER HURT US" HE SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS WORDS.But if you dont like it dont listen to the bone head. anyone who would lower themselves to using racist remarks i.e rev. Al and his buddy Jesse J. and just about every rap artist white or black should be floged. we live in a country where fredom use to mean something freedom of speach, freedom of religion, but to often these days aour freedoms are being taken away a little at a time. we as americans should stand up for what is right and remember what this country was founded on THE BIBLE virtualy all our laws and rules in this country are from THE BIBLE. i dont believe i have ever read or heard of any evidence of JESUS walking around calling anyone a nappy headed HO. come on people lets get back to what made this country what it is today READ THE WORD OF GOD THE BIBLE because lord knows we all could use his help. B.I.B.L.E (basic instructions before leaving earth) thats what it stands for. Don Imus will have to pay for his hurtfull words when he is judged by GOD. not here on EARTH.

    By Blogger trusttheword4life, at 11 April, 2007 13:28  

  • What ever happened to Freedom of Speach in this country? I don't agree with what Imus said, but to make such a gigantic deal out of it just doesn't make sense. It wasn't a nice thing to say, but no one died from it. If you don't like it, don't listen to his show, and don't buy from the sponsors. To make this into some type of hate crime is way out of line. I wonder if anyone else remembers the phrase...."Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me"??

    By Blogger time for a change, at 11 April, 2007 13:31  

  • I just turned 66. Never really listened to Don Imus, but he's just "one of the inept, irelevant old people that still work." Cut him loose and let him go shovel real B.S. on his ranch in New Mexico.

    Bob S.
    Eugene, OR

    By Blogger Bob S., at 11 April, 2007 15:15  

  • I would like to post a comment with the following question to Iman and his misdirected follower's who are spending their time defending his comments. Does Iman have any nappi headed hos on his staff, as his accountant, on his legal team, as his financial advisor, manager, agent, faith advisor, pastor, personal assistant, travel agent, personal shopper, real estate agent, business partner, personal pilot, lawn service provider, next door to his home? My personal guess, no! Maybe one nappi headed male who has yet to make a public comment, better known as a nappi headed house _____, Iman can fill in the blank. The girls did not deserve his unconscious comment. Take his show off the air? I don't thing will send a strong enough message to the world that words are powerful. He and his producer should be forced to hire &/or partner with some professional nappi headed hos, who more than likely interviewed for positions with his organization(s) in the pass and were not hired because of the color of their skin or the texture of their hair. Rapper talk crazy but they hire individuals who are qualified, nappi headed included! Iman's actions speaks louder than the words he spoke as well as the practiced appology. Hit him in the heart as well as his pocet.

    By Blogger thaxter, at 11 April, 2007 15:36  

  • I would like to post a comment with the following question to Iman and his misdirected follower's who are spending their time defending his comments. Does Iman have any nappi headed hos on his staff, as his accountant, on his legal team, as his financial advisor, manager, agent, faith advisor, pastor, personal assistant, travel agent, personal shopper, real estate agent, business partner, personal pilot, lawn service provider, next door to his home? My personal guess, no! Maybe one nappi headed male who has yet to make a public comment, better known as a nappi headed house _____, Iman can fill in the blank. The girls did not deserve his unconscious comment. Take his show off the air? I don't thing will send a strong enough message to the world that words are powerful. He and his producer should be forced to hire &/or partner with some professional nappi headed hos, who more than likely interviewed for positions with his organization(s) in the pass and were not hired because of the color of their skin or the texture of their hair. Rapper talk crazy but they hire individuals who are qualified, nappi headed included! Iman's actions speaks louder than the words he spoke as well as the practiced appology. Hit him in the heart as well as his pocet.

    By Blogger thaxter, at 11 April, 2007 15:37  

  • I would like to post a comment with the following question to Iman and his misdirected follower's who are spending their time defending his comments. Does Iman have any nappi headed hos on his staff, as his accountant, on his legal team, as his financial advisor, manager, agent, faith advisor, pastor, personal assistant, travel agent, personal shopper, real estate agent, business partner, personal pilot, lawn service provider, next door to his home? My personal guess, no! Maybe one nappi headed male who has yet to make a public comment, better known as a nappi headed house _____, Iman can fill in the blank. The girls did not deserve his unconscious comment. Take his show off the air? I don't thing will send a strong enough message to the world that words are powerful. He and his producer should be forced to hire &/or partner with some professional nappi headed hos, who more than likely interviewed for positions with his organization(s) in the pass and were not hired because of the color of their skin or the texture of their hair. Rapper talk crazy but they hire individuals who are qualified, nappi headed included! Iman's actions speaks louder than the words he spoke as well as the practiced appology. Hit him in the heart as well as his pocket.

    By Blogger thaxter, at 11 April, 2007 15:38  

  • Some things are better left within the Black community, because of the history that comes with it. Like for example the N word.

    As far as Blacks having knappy hair, that is a sensitive issue and has been made so because of White people putting down the physical features of Blacks for years. Some Black people walk around with their hair au natural and it's beautiful. They are not ashamed of their knappy or kinky hair, because it's a part of what makes them. Then ofcourse there are the great majority that relax their hair to make their knappy hair more manageable, there's nothing wrong with that. It's just a sensitive issue and any statement about it from an "outsider" is going to be frowned upon, because they can't relate or have no bond over the issue like Black people or Latino people do.

    Sometimes you just shouldn't go there, and the kinship within the Black community is very very complex and closed. When White people or any other people try to penetrate it by using Black terminology or talking about Black issues or situations without a deep and solid knowledge of the history and pain if any, there WILL always be a problem!

    By Blogger Energist, at 11 April, 2007 15:56  

  • It is unbelievable to me the amount of attention Don Imus' comment is getting. If a black man had made those same comments this would never have made any news what-so-ever! It is not like he used the "N" word. Even that in itself is ridiculous, the fact that I, in a free country, must only use the first letter of a word for fear that someone will take offense to it. Imus was never racial specific. If someone called an overweight man a "Greasy Haired Gigolo" would that upset them? It might. If they called that same person a "Fat Pig" would it upset them? Your darn right! Why? The second example is a direct attack on their person.

    Granted "Nappy Headed Ho's" would be something that, when said, would be pointed twards female African-Americans. However, who made that saying up? Not Don Imus I'm sure. Listen to the millions of Rap and Hip Hop albums that are in circulation and many other forms of media available and you will hear those words uttered not by Don Imus, but by blacks. Not only those words but ones that should be more demeaning and outraging to the black community. But you don't see a big outcry about it, and none of them get suspended or fired. Why?

    People in this day and age have nothing better to do than worry about and make a big stink over anything and/or everything that comes along. The companies that have pulled their sponsorship, in my opinion, are cowards! They should have stuck by their sponsor and backed him all the way. Instead they let society dictate them fully. Freedom of speech is not something that people hide behind when they say something inappropriate, it is the very fabric that this country was sewn together on. If the man said something that was direct and it was blaitently obvious that it was racial, i can understand the outcry. But to jump on him just because he said something that people of black color say constantly themselves is flat out wrong!

    On another note, let's also keep in mind that we are talking about "words". I do understand that many years ago before any of us were born there were some bad mistakes made by the white community, and even later on there were stupid decisions made resulting in seperate drinking fountains and toilets. Racisim still ufortainately exists today. But now we're in sort of a reversal situation of what happened to the blacks. Now we are condeming a man who said "words".

    If we are ever to get to a point were racism no longer exists, we must stop targeting insignificance and focus on the ones that burn crosses and perform hate crimes. How many hate crimes went under the radar of the media while this witch hunt has been going on?

    By Blogger Tom, at 12 April, 2007 02:28  

  • I find it funny that Chris Rock, Bernie Mac and every other black comedian can make fun of white people by calling us "Crackers" and other recist names and that is ok but, you call a team that includes some white girls "naooy headed hos" and the whole world explodes. The inequality of our country is very ironic. We are telling ourselves be careful around black people because they are sensitive but, black folks can be as derogatory as they want to be towards white americans. Why is that?

    By Blogger Unknown, at 12 April, 2007 11:15  

  • Hi everyone, I started a petition for those who support Don Imus. I will be sending the final petition to CBS & MSNBC I have started a petition for those who have been outraged by the firing and persecution of Don Imus. This man has apologized publicly to those affected and to the nation. He made a bad joke with bad taste and was punished for it by being tar’s and feathered in the media. Now he has lost his program on ye ole liberal machine MSNBC. I am trying to get word of the petition out so we can show America that we forgive and support Don Imus. If they persecute one they should persecute all......

    The link to the petition is http://www.petitiononline.com/imus2007/petition.html

    Show your support and please Sign.

    http://www.myspace.com/supportdonimus

    Thank you,

    By Blogger Lazy Thoughts, at 12 April, 2007 18:17  

  • I appreciated another radio host's opinion on this, this host is African-american by the way unfortunately I can't recall his name, his opinion was that the comments made by Don Imus were of a sexist nature primarily. My question is this...if this comment is so offensive, explain to me why it's Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and the NAACP raising such a commotion and not Women's Rights activists? Not once in the massive news coverage have I noticed a large feminist movement to remove Imus from broadcasting, the movement has been solely backed by the NAACP. The comments are "racist" in all the headlines, as if Don Imus didn't even mention anything about "ho's". If the comment is *that* offensive, other's would be on the Anti-Imus bandwagon. And for anyone to justify the double-standard that Imus isn't allowed his free speech to refer to anyone as a "nappy-headed ho'" by pointing out Imus's background of growing up when racism was dominant in American society is showing a discrimination to Imus that is on par with the discrimination they're protesting against. Which raises one final question: If you're unoffended by Chris Rock explaining the difference between "a black person and a nigga'", why should Imus's comments phase you? Hypocrites, the lot of them...except the captain of the Rutgers team. I believe she has a good objective understanding and a very unifying desire to see something positive come out of the ordeal...and no, a mob of offended people wanting Imus's head on a platter getting something like what they want does not count as positive.

    By Blogger Xhan-Jo, at 12 April, 2007 22:25  

  • Also, in response to Kitten55's comment regarding that "some things should be left in the black community"...is that not an advocation for segregation and inequality? The color barrier is such a double-standard, and its backing goes against everything that the US Constitution, and furthermore, Martin Luther King Jr. stood up for: That everyone is created equal.

    By Blogger Xhan-Jo, at 12 April, 2007 22:42  

  • The larger problem with this incident is that it perpetuates a mindset that is quietly alive and well among the majority in our world. Secondly, I am convinced based many the comments made that again white america does not want to accept its ugly history. This race of people has demoralized, criminalized, belittled, and demeaned a host of other adjecitves many different ethnic groups. You think that you can come, go and do as you please, attach a few humanitarian efforts to it and people should just go with their life and accept what you have to offer because after all you are doing us favor by letting us participate in your world. Yes the problem has existed and lived so long and now the fruit of those wicked seeds are forever looming in your face, you cannot deal with the real you. It is not what is external that defiles a man but that which is internal. Yes Imus has done lots of good, but good acts of service does not substitute the real intentions and expressions of his heart. You want all of this to stop it must first begin with white america having a change of heart. Will that occur, probably never, so the end result will be a perpetual fight for the dignity of mankind. So instead of you, white america, telling others and blacks specificly to get over it or as the politician recently stated, "blacks need to get over slaavery", why don't you consider this option? Why don't you cultivate a repentant heart and change your elitist way of thought!

    By Blogger voice-n-wilderness, at 13 April, 2007 08:32  

  • So rediculous. "Overtly Racist". Everyone seems to aggree on this. I don't. It was a joke that referred to a possible trait about the black race. Is Tennessee all white? Not from what I've seen. Its pretty apparant he was talking strictly about Rutgers players, in a satirical sense, (He said Tenn. was cute) not the black race.

    You're all weak minded sheep. Think for yourself. You're on some sort of PC crusade.

    Funny points some posters brought up: Someone stated defenders of Imus would use the "Free Speech" defense. Noone they wouldn't, we're not talking about an illegal act here, sheep boy.

    Another poster stated they're not surprised this would happen "in this day in age". How old are you? This day in age is about 100 times as listener friendly as it was 30 years ago. This wouldn't get a second though. Worse comments were spewed daily.

    Hey, I have no problem with racial sensitivity. But this is an overt attack on any thought that doesn't conform to the PC world of Sheep we live in. I'm much more sensitive to the digusting thoughts of almost every poster above me than I am the term "nappy headed hoes". Its talk radio. Its meant for satire. Its meant to be entertainment. Quit trying to turn my world into a padded white room, sheep.

    By Blogger gbear, at 13 April, 2007 10:59  

  • So rediculous. "Overtly Racist". Everyone seems to aggree on this. I don't. It was a joke that referred to a possible trait about the black race. Is Tennessee all white? Not from what I've seen. Its pretty apparant he was talking strictly about Rutgers players, in a satirical sense, (He said Tenn. was cute) not the black race.

    You're all weak minded sheep. Think for yourself. You're on some sort of PC crusade.

    Funny points some posters brought up: Someone stated defenders of Imus would use the "Free Speech" defense. Noone they wouldn't, we're not talking about an illegal act here, sheep boy.

    Another poster stated they're not surprised this would happen "in this day in age". How old are you? This day in age is about 100 times as listener friendly as it was 30 years ago. This wouldn't get a second though. Worse comments were spewed daily.

    Hey, I have no problem with racial sensitivity. But this is an overt attack on any thought that doesn't conform to the PC world of Sheep we live in. I'm much more sensitive to the digusting thoughts of almost every poster above me than I am the term "nappy headed hoes". Its talk radio. Its meant for satire. Its meant to be entertainment. Quit trying to turn my world into a padded white room, sheep.

    By Blogger gbear, at 13 April, 2007 11:00  

  • I am white and not one bit ashamed of it. Just be the best person you can be. I live and grew up in Boston, MA. I am 1 of 7 children. My dad is a retired Boston Publice School teacher. My mother returned to work parttime when the youngest was in school. My mother wanted her children to have a catholic/christian education. We attended 8 yrs. of Catholic school before attending Boston Public High Schools. Try rearing 7 children on a teachers salary back then. My dad worked 2 side jobs and teaching Summer school just to provide for his family. He also, was working on his doctrine in History. Nobody gave my parents anything. They worked extremely hard for everything they have. This carried over to their children. Nobody is going to just give you anything, nothing is free, you want it, you earn it. (So how is the white man keeping the black man down).

    This all comes down to ethic, manner and respect. Growing up we had to speak proper english. We weren't allowed to use curse words, ethnic slurs or take the Lords name in vain. We were allowed to use Please, May I,Thank You, Your Welcome, Excuse Me, Hello(not hi),Mother(not mom, mommy, mamma) and Auntie____, Uncle____ before each name. We were taught to hold the door for the person behind you, bend down and help pick up what the person near dropped, offer up your seat to another(especially a woman), Sir, Maam or Miss were to be used, help the neighbor carry their bundles in the house, help the neighbors shovel their walk, etc. These became such common place that you didn't think twice about it.

    I brought my own children up knowing these values. Over the years it has become a constant battle of reminders, only to hear nobody else does, so why should I. Nobody treats me with respect. It upset my husband and I when in Kindergarten I(age 4) when helping out in the classroom in the Boston Public School to hear some of the Black children already using racial epitats. To me this comes from home. It wasn't being taught in school.

    Over the years my children would tell me that they were called Honky, white girl, white boy, white bread and now cracker without being allowed to throw racists comments back. Until oneday my son was so upset, I told to say I don't go around calling nigga(er), so don't be calling me cracker. When my son had had enough he told the other student to shut up nigga(not what I told him to say) the black student became upset and outraged. Another black student came to my sons defense and told the other student, why you be so mad, you just called him a cracker white boy.

    Please lets go back to teaching our children the manners and respect at home and try to make this world a little less hateful. Fivelights stands for 5 bright shining lights. That's how many there are in my family.

    By Blogger lala59, at 13 April, 2007 14:43  

  • well turn about is fair play Imus dogged howard stern for years about his mouth ad look what happened this fool of a man lost his show due to his big mouth, and honestly, why did he have, did you ever listen to it it sucked CBS must have deaf people running the place its the most boring show I ever heard at least he went out with a bang. and to all you sexy rutger basketball women i am single hae a great job and thinkyou all look great and very healthy and would take you all out to eat anytime

    By Blogger max, at 13 April, 2007 17:55  

  • well turn about is fair play Imus dogged howard stern for years about his mouth ad look what happened this fool of a man lost his show due to his big mouth, and honestly, why did he have, did you ever listen to it it sucked CBS must have deaf people running the place its the most boring show I ever heard at least he went out with a bang. and to all you sexy rutger basketball women i am single hae a great job and thinkyou all look great and very healthy and would take you all out to eat anytime

    By Blogger max, at 13 April, 2007 17:56  

  • Who cares if Imus has blacks, women, asians, arabs, persians, ect employed. Get rid of affirmative action, its over. Where are the "Caucasian Journalists" Why do we allow all black groups but not all caucasian groups. Black gangs are reigning in terror on our country, the violence, drugs, pimping, ect is an insult to their intellegence and beauty. We should direct our energies to fight these problems. Black representatives like Oprah, Condie, and Al Sharpton serve to divide and furthur seperate the human race. They stand behind their color of skin and refuse to join the human race. Imus will return somewhere somehow showing us ourselves, making us laugh at ourselves, putting up a mirror for us, black, white, conservative, liberal, apathetic.

    By Blogger Singing Tree, at 14 April, 2007 13:43  

  • Below is the best article I've read yet about the whole Imus issue!
    ___________________________________

    Author: Shaun Powell
    SPORTS COLUMNIST

    April 11, 2007, 9:58 PM EDT

    In retrospect, outraged people shouldn't have united and screamed "blank you" to Don Imus the last few days. No, instead, we should've stuck out our hand and said, "Thank you."

    We should feel indebted to a shriveled, unfunny, insensitive frog for being so ignorant that he actually did us all a favor. He woke society the hell up. He grabbed it by the throat, shook hard and ordered us to take a long, critical look at ourselves and the mess we've made and ignored for much too long. He made us examine the culture and the characters we've created for ourselves, our impressionable young people and our future.

    Had Imus not called a bunch of proud and innocent young women "nappy-headed hos," would we be as ashamed of what we see as we are today?

    Or, to quote Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer: "Have we really lost our moral fiber?"

    And our minds as well?

    I'm not sure if the last few days will serve as a watershed moment for this MTV, middle-finger, screw-you generation. Probably not, according to my hunch. A short time from now, the hysteria will turn to vapor, folks will settle back into their routines, somebody will pump up the volume on the latest poison produced by hip-hop while Al Sharpton and the other racial ambulance chasers will find other guilt-ridden white folks to shake for fame and cash. In five minutes, the entire episode of Imus and his strange idea of humor will be older than his hairstyle. Lessons learned will be lessons forgotten.

    I wish I were wrong about that last part. But I doubt it, because any minute now, black people will resume calling themselves bitches and hos and the N-word and in the ultimate sign of hypocrisy, neither Rutgers nor anyone else will call a news conference about that.

    Because when we really get to the root of the problem, this isn't about Imus. This is about a culture we -- meaning black folks -- created and condoned and packaged for white power brokers to sell and shock jocks like Imus to exploit. Can we talk?

    Tell me: Where did an old white guy like Imus learn the word "ho"?

    Was that always part of his vocabulary? Or did he borrow it from Jay-Z and Dave Chappelle and Snoop Dogg?

    What really disappointed me about that exhausting Rutgers news conference, which was slyly used as a recruiting pitch by Stringer, was the absence of the truth and the lack of backbone and courage. Black women had the perfect opportunity to lash out at their most dangerous oppressors -- black men -- and yet they kept the focus on a white guy.

    It was a tremendous letdown for me, personally and professionally. I wanted Stringer, and especially her players, many of whom listen to rap and hip-hop, to take Nelly to task. Or BET. Or MTV. Or the gangsta culture that is suffocating our kids. They had the ear and eye of the nation trained upon them, and yet these women didn't get to the point and the root of the matter. They danced around it, and I guess I should've known better, because black people still refuse to lash out against those black people who are doing harm to us all.

    Honestly, I wasn't holding my breath for Sharpton or Jesse Jackson, a pair of phony and self-appointed leaders, because they have their agendas and financial stakes. I was hoping 10 young women, who have nothing on the line, who are members of a young culture, would train their attention to within the race, name names and say enough is enough. But they didn't, and I was crushed.

    You should walk around the playground and the elementary and high schools today and listen to how young black people speak to each other, treat each other and tease each other. You'd be ashamed. Next, sample some of their CDs and look at the video games they're playing. And while you're at it, blame yourself for funding this garbage, for allowing your kids to support these companies and for not taking a stand against it or the so-called artists making it happen.

    Black folks, for whatever reason, can be their own worst enemy. The last several days, the media had us believe it was Don Imus. But deep down, we know better.

    Copyright 2007 Newsday Inc.

    By Blogger Tim, at 16 April, 2007 13:22  

  • Don Imus is no more a racist than Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson but he's funnier. I'm sorry to read so many comments suggesting he's a washed up shock jock and I'm happy to read comments in support of free-speech and 'creative license'. It was just a stupid joke and most of those who believe Imus should have been fired have probably never seen his show and only opined based on what they were told to think by the airwave reaction. This is a good article in response to the misdirected hoopla:
    COMMENTARY
    Imus isn’t the real bad guy
    Instead of wasting time on irrelevant shock jock, black leaders need to be fighting a growing gangster culture.
    By JASON WHITLOCK - Columnist

    Thank you, Don Imus. You’ve given us (black people) an excuse to avoid our real problem.

    You’ve given Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson another opportunity to pretend that the old fight, which is now the safe and lucrative fight, is still the most important fight in our push for true economic and social equality.

    You’ve given Vivian Stringer and Rutgers the chance to hold a nationally televised recruiting celebration expertly disguised as a news conference to respond to your poor attempt at humor.

    Thank you, Don Imus. You extended Black History Month to April, and we can once again wallow in victimhood, protest like it’s 1965 and delude ourselves into believing that fixing your hatred is more necessary than eradicating our self-hatred.

    The bigots win again.

    While we’re fixated on a bad joke cracked by an irrelevant, bad shock jock, I’m sure at least one of the marvelous young women on the Rutgers basketball team is somewhere snapping her fingers to the beat of 50 Cent’s or Snoop Dogg’s or Young Jeezy’s latest ode glorifying nappy-headed pimps and hos.

    I ain’t saying Jesse, Al and Vivian are gold-diggas, but they don’t have the heart to mount a legitimate campaign against the real black-folk killas.

    It is us. At this time, we are our own worst enemies. We have allowed our youths to buy into a culture (hip hop) that has been perverted, corrupted and overtaken by prison culture. The music, attitude and behavior expressed in this culture is anti-black, anti-education, demeaning, self-destructive, pro-drug dealing and violent.

    Rather than confront this heinous enemy from within, we sit back and wait for someone like Imus to have a slip of the tongue and make the mistake of repeating the things we say about ourselves.

    It’s embarrassing. Dave Chappelle was offered $50 million to make racially insensitive jokes about black and white people on TV. He was hailed as a genius. Black comedians routinely crack jokes about white and black people, and we all laugh out loud.

    I’m no Don Imus apologist. He and his tiny companion Mike Lupica blasted me after I fell out with ESPN. Imus is a hack.

    But, in my view, he didn’t do anything outside the norm for shock jocks and comedians. He also offered an apology. That should’ve been the end of this whole affair. Instead, it’s only the beginning. It’s an opportunity for Stringer, Jackson and Sharpton to step on victim platforms and elevate themselves and their agenda$.

    I watched the Rutgers news conference and was ashamed.

    Martin Luther King Jr. spoke for eight minutes in 1963 at the March on Washington. At the time, black people could be lynched and denied fundamental rights with little thought. With the comments of a talk-show host most of her players had never heard of before last week serving as her excuse, Vivian Stringer rambled on for 30 minutes about the amazing season her team had.

    Somehow, we’re supposed to believe that the comments of a man with virtually no connection to the sports world ruined Rutgers’ wonderful season. Had a broadcaster with credibility and a platform in the sports world uttered the words Imus did, I could understand a level of outrage.

    But an hourlong press conference over a man who has already apologized, already been suspended and is already insignificant is just plain intellectually dishonest. This is opportunism. This is a distraction.

    In the grand scheme, Don Imus is no threat to us in general and no threat to black women in particular. If his words are so powerful and so destructive and must be rebuked so forcefully, then what should we do about the idiot rappers on BET, MTV and every black-owned radio station in the country who use words much more powerful and much more destructive?

    I don’t listen or watch Imus’ show regularly. Has he at any point glorified selling crack cocaine to black women? Has he celebrated black men shooting each other randomly? Has he suggested in any way that it’s cool to be a baby-daddy rather than a husband and a parent? Does he tell his listeners that they’re suckers for pursuing education and that they’re selling out their race if they do?

    When Imus does any of that, call me and I’ll get upset. Until then, he is what he is — a washed-up shock jock who is very easy to ignore when you’re not looking to be made a victim.

    No. We all know where the real battleground is. We know that the gangsta rappers and their followers in the athletic world have far bigger platforms to negatively define us than some old white man with a bad radio show. There’s no money and lots of danger in that battle, so Jesse and Al are going to sit it out.
    To reach Jason Whitlock, call (816) 234-4869 or send e-mail to jwhitlock@kcstar.com. For previous columns, go to KansasCity.com


    COMMENTARY
    Imus isn’t the real bad guy
    Instead of wasting time on irrelevant shock jock, black leaders need to be fighting a growing gangster culture.
    By JASON WHITLOCK - Columnist

    Thank you, Don Imus. You’ve given us (black people) an excuse to avoid our real problem.

    You’ve given Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson another opportunity to pretend that the old fight, which is now the safe and lucrative fight, is still the most important fight in our push for true economic and social equality.

    You’ve given Vivian Stringer and Rutgers the chance to hold a nationally televised recruiting celebration expertly disguised as a news conference to respond to your poor attempt at humor.

    Thank you, Don Imus. You extended Black History Month to April, and we can once again wallow in victimhood, protest like it’s 1965 and delude ourselves into believing that fixing your hatred is more necessary than eradicating our self-hatred.

    The bigots win again.

    While we’re fixated on a bad joke cracked by an irrelevant, bad shock jock, I’m sure at least one of the marvelous young women on the Rutgers basketball team is somewhere snapping her fingers to the beat of 50 Cent’s or Snoop Dogg’s or Young Jeezy’s latest ode glorifying nappy-headed pimps and hos.

    I ain’t saying Jesse, Al and Vivian are gold-diggas, but they don’t have the heart to mount a legitimate campaign against the real black-folk killas.

    It is us. At this time, we are our own worst enemies. We have allowed our youths to buy into a culture (hip hop) that has been perverted, corrupted and overtaken by prison culture. The music, attitude and behavior expressed in this culture is anti-black, anti-education, demeaning, self-destructive, pro-drug dealing and violent.

    Rather than confront this heinous enemy from within, we sit back and wait for someone like Imus to have a slip of the tongue and make the mistake of repeating the things we say about ourselves.

    It’s embarrassing. Dave Chappelle was offered $50 million to make racially insensitive jokes about black and white people on TV. He was hailed as a genius. Black comedians routinely crack jokes about white and black people, and we all laugh out loud.

    I’m no Don Imus apologist. He and his tiny companion Mike Lupica blasted me after I fell out with ESPN. Imus is a hack.

    But, in my view, he didn’t do anything outside the norm for shock jocks and comedians. He also offered an apology. That should’ve been the end of this whole affair. Instead, it’s only the beginning. It’s an opportunity for Stringer, Jackson and Sharpton to step on victim platforms and elevate themselves and their agenda$.

    I watched the Rutgers news conference and was ashamed.

    Martin Luther King Jr. spoke for eight minutes in 1963 at the March on Washington. At the time, black people could be lynched and denied fundamental rights with little thought. With the comments of a talk-show host most of her players had never heard of before last week serving as her excuse, Vivian Stringer rambled on for 30 minutes about the amazing season her team had.

    Somehow, we’re supposed to believe that the comments of a man with virtually no connection to the sports world ruined Rutgers’ wonderful season. Had a broadcaster with credibility and a platform in the sports world uttered the words Imus did, I could understand a level of outrage.

    But an hourlong press conference over a man who has already apologized, already been suspended and is already insignificant is just plain intellectually dishonest. This is opportunism. This is a distraction.

    In the grand scheme, Don Imus is no threat to us in general and no threat to black women in particular. If his words are so powerful and so destructive and must be rebuked so forcefully, then what should we do about the idiot rappers on BET, MTV and every black-owned radio station in the country who use words much more powerful and much more destructive?

    I don’t listen or watch Imus’ show regularly. Has he at any point glorified selling crack cocaine to black women? Has he celebrated black men shooting each other randomly? Has he suggested in any way that it’s cool to be a baby-daddy rather than a husband and a parent? Does he tell his listeners that they’re suckers for pursuing education and that they’re selling out their race if they do?

    When Imus does any of that, call me and I’ll get upset. Until then, he is what he is — a washed-up shock jock who is very easy to ignore when you’re not looking to be made a victim.

    No. We all know where the real battleground is. We know that the gangsta rappers and their followers in the athletic world have far bigger platforms to negatively define us than some old white man with a bad radio show. There’s no money and lots of danger in that battle, so Jesse and Al are going to sit it out.
    To reach Jason Whitlock, call (816) 234-4869 or send e-mail to jwhitlock@kcstar.com. For previous columns, go to KansasCity.com

    http://www.kansascity.com/182/story/66339.html#recent_comm

    By Blogger Unknown, at 17 April, 2007 17:37  

  • I know this happened a few months ago, but I just have to comment. I am sick at some of the people who attacked Imus. Like Al Sharpton. They are the true racists. They allow blacks to talk like that (anyone heard any RAP). But if a white talks like a black, they are racists? Whenever anyone looks at anyone with race in mind, they are racist. Plain and simple. I don’t listen to Imus. If Imus were black, would there be any controversy? I think what he said was stupid and disgusting, but for all the racists to come out and attack him for being racist is hypocritical. Either attack all for taking like that, black or white, or just shut up.

    By Blogger Voice of reason, at 16 July, 2007 12:41  

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