Your say: The Imus controversy
Radio show host Don Imus has been suspended for two weeks after making racial remarks on air about the members of the Rutgers women's basketball team.
The shock jock has apologized. But many feel that is not enough.
Was the radio host's suspension enough? Should he be allowed to stay on air?Tell us what you think.
posted by Mo at
11:58 AM
179 Comments:
This is absolutely ridiculous. People just need to get over it. He's a shock jock! He makes fun of everyone, all races, religions, etc. I think people are blowing this way out of proportion. I don't even think he deserves to be suspended, but whatever. Let him be suspended for 2 weeks and let's all move on! Come on now!
I don't listen to Imus so the only way I've heard of this is from the media. Personally, I think he is a jerk, but why is it not right for whites to malign blacks but it's okay for blacks to malign whites? I could care less if a black calls me Honkey or Cracker. Means nothing to me, but if a white "Shock Jock" calls a minority a disparaging remark, even if it was meant to be a joke and it's in poor taste, it's all over the news. I'd rather read about our troops leaving Iraq than Don Imus.
First of all, I think the media needs to pay more attention to our men and women over seas, that are fighting a true battle!
However, when it comes to Imus, worse things have been done and said in this country. Also, what about any stand-up comics and the comments they make(other than Mike Richards). I think the media is making this bigger than it needs to be. Why is it also ok for any race to say the same about their race? Start with inside first!
I would never listen to Imus. Never have. But listen to the late night shows. They all say things. To offend someone.
Also why doesn't the black community come up against Jessie Jackson, when he cheated on his wife = had a baby by his Mistress and tried to keep it hidden.
He is the one who should be ousted!
Oh, I forgot, he's black too.
Enough is Enough! Now Let's get back to what's really important! WHO IS ANNA NICOLE'S BABY DADDY??????
What about free speech? Our country was founded on the rights of all people to say whatever they feel. I think that he is a putz with no good sense but he showed us that with his comments. I personally will not listen to him and if everyone that found him offensive turns him off the problem will fix itself however, I believe that he has the right to broadcast his nonsense as much as I have the right to turn him off.
Absolutely nothing should have happened to Don Imus. The suspension was entirely too severe. Al Sharpton should be the one who should be fired. All Sharpton had to do was keep his big mouth shut instead of trying to start a storm of hate and name calling. Yes, Imus did call them "nappy headed hoes" but who doesn't call another woman a hoe or another disrespectful name?
If that was the Rutgers' team favorite rapper and that rapper called them a "nappy headed hoe" they would be mad for a second, then crying, then be on their knees or in the bed by the time their tears dry, but since it was a white man who made those remarks we want his head.
Since Imus made that statement, the people want his head, then the same should go for anyone who makes that statement, including black people. As black people, we should be looking at ourselves first and stop calling each other those names. When people of other races see that black women call each other "bitches" or "hoes" or "tramp" as terms of enderment, then other races feel that they can get away with that as well.
Lastly, I do not consider Sharpton or Jackson a black leader anymore because they do not represent the people, only themselves to get that television time. We need leaders who will not come out of the woodwork when something bad happens but leaders who know when to fight and when to calm any storm that may arise in any community.
I believe that the words spoken by Imus were deplorable, and an apology was in order to the women of the malicious statements. I believe it is up to them what is acceptable and what is not. As for the Reverend, who by the way became a Reverend at the age of 10 and never finished high school, I want to hear an apology from Al Sharpton. He has destroyed lives in the name of lies. He is an uneducated embarrassment for the black community. There is very little tolerance in my book for the pretentious actions of this self appointed speaker of our country's African American culture.
I am a black woman and I don't think what he said was enough for him to get suspended. I don't know how many times I've heard black women or men call other black women nappy headed hoes. I'm guilty of it myself. Its like when white people call each other trailer park trash. America is about freedom of speech and if you don't want to hear it..TURN IT OFF. Theres more important things to talk about like..WHOS ANNA NICOLES BABY DADDY!!
I've never heard of him before this and I must say I wouldn't want to hear of him now. That womans basketball team has risin to a pinical of perfection that all woman basketball team only wish they could reach. As a white person I'm ashamed of Mr. Imus and his lude remarks. No, I don't think he should be fired, however, I feel an apoligy is short of being really sorry for his racist remarks. I feel he should be made to follow the team wherever they play and call the game broadcasted over his own radio station. Only then, will he appreciate that these woman as not only athletic marvels, but very intelligent students of our future. TZ Lorain,OH
Blacks will use anything a white person says to their advantage. There are more important things in life to worry about than what a radio talk show host says.
Imus clearly spoke his mind. The problem with this is that it was offensive. Sometimes it is better to think before speaking.
Imus has been a racist for over 40 years and everyone who has ever listened to him on radio knows this. It would be great if he was finally was fired it.
Who listens to Imus anyway? Who cares!
LET IT GO OMG THIS IS AWFUL IF YOU DONT LIKE WHAT HE SAYS THEN DONT LISTEN
Dump the idiot in the trash can where he belongs
We need CARL MONDAY to do a proper investigation...
Grow up people!!! Its rediculous the amount of attention this is getting.And why is that everytime any one says anything negative about a black person this happens,but everday on t.v. & radio black personalities call us honkys,whitey,the man,crackers etc. and discriminate against white people on a daily basis and no one says a word.Maybe if we'd start raising a stink everytime they say something the'd see how stupid this type of thing really is...
What a joke, the black community is always looking for something to complain about. Imus being an A hole is nothing new..Don't listen to him if you are so thin skinned.
I say leave the guy alone. Why is there always a huge problem when it comes to race? Blacks can degrade women no matter the race and it is acceptable. When a white says something along the same lines, he is prejudice! He is entitled to his opinion, if we like him or not. It is the not a question of race, it is a comment produced by our society.
If Imus were Black, this would have been funny to everyone who is complaining. Listen to Chris Rock. Watch the movie, Big Fat Momma. Black folks: get a life, I am tired of you cry babies!!
I just want to thank Matt Lauer for this morning--if not for his one-sided remarks this morning--I may have blindly watched his news show--but instead I turned the channel and found a better news show to enjoy with my coffee and morning chores. Enough all ready--I would never have known about the remark either had it not been for the publicity by the media. Imus apologised--move on.
What happened to freedom of speech? The black community is ALWAYS looking for something to cry about. I am so sick of hearing the "woe is me".
I think it is just sad that anyone can say anything about anybody at anytime. No wonder our kids are the way they are. They see and hear adults taking trash and follow suit. I think that every adult should take stock in what they are saying and how they are acting. We need to set an example for our young ones, and this guy certainly does not need to be someone that these kids would want to immitate. Once words are out there, it is impossible to take them back. I am a white female, and I am so hurt by this. What if someone had said those exact words to his wife would he appreciate it, or would he want his grandkids hearing someone say those hateful words. We all need to set good examples for everyone and this certainly is not any way to do it. I feel sorry for the guy thinking that being a shock jock is the only way to make money. Was it worth it by hurting so many people?
Don Imus should be terminated along with Bernard McGuirk for there racists remarks. I don't think this should be brushed off as just oh they went too far for a laugh. Don Imus knew the minute he made the comment "nappy-headed hoes" he had put his foot in his mouth. This man has been on airways for over 30 years and this does not excuse him for his remarks. He should have known better just based on his 30 years of experience. Any other talk show host or even your everyday employee that would make such a remark would not have to worry about a being suspended but worry about being terminated which he should. Shock Jock or not the comments he made were not shocking or cutting edge. They were done right offensive. The comments were derogatory and offensive to women especially to black women. Do Don Imus and Bernard McGuirk feel all black women are hoes? And since Don Imus put the extra spin on Bernard McGuirk comment nappy-headed hoes. I will not support any radio or TV station that feel this is ok and will not support any advertisers who advertises during any airtime that this talk show host shock jock is on.
After all these years this type of behavior is still being tolerated and if he is not fired or even given the option to resign to save face. Then I will support picketing and boycotting any TV or radio station or advertiser who supports Don Imus or Bernard McGuirk actions. There is no way anyone can defend their comments as anything but racist. I am glad Reverend Al Sharpton and Reverend Jesse Jackson are still willing to take up the fight for our people and people of color. I listened to Don Imus half apology and this does not work for me. He is not sorry for what he said. He's only worried about his job. I hope that with enough pressure he will be fired or forced to resign along with Bernard McGuirk. Even if someone black made thes comment they should still be fired it still not appropriate.=
This is not Imus' first time being busted for being truly racist. While I don't agree with him, he is free to say what he wants limited by FCC vulgarity regulations. Just like the radio sponsors are free to choose who to do business with and may respond to his comments by pulling all funding. While Imus may have considered his remarks as a mistake, his biggest mistake was agreeing to be prosecuted by Al Sharpton on the radio. Like all other racists trying to save face in the public eye he was railroaded, dragged through the mud and made himself seem desperate to a man who never intended to accept his apology to begin with. Quite a sad look at whats truly important to this country.
Are we ever going to advanced into the future? It might be a beautiful thing, everybody is a person, not a color. So a comment was taken out of context, I am sorry. We can never move on if we keep holding onto the past. And I think the leaders should set the example instead of being the first one's crying foul!
I dont think Imus said anything worse than the rappers say....hoe this or hoe that...gold digger this or that...
I also would like to know where all this outrage from whites is coming from thinking that just because someone balck says something they should be able to say the same thing especially something that they no is racist in nature. I think as children we learn not to repeat everything we here because it can get us in trouble and I'm sure whites and black folks know this and so does Don Imus.
It's called FREEDOM OF SPEECH! Yes, I think he's a jerk, but he's a shock jock. I personally will have nothing to do with people who are racists, but come on, it's being completely blown out of proportion. He shouldn't have been suspended at all.
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In my opion I think this guy should be fired. In a work place you are not to judge one by the color of the skin and that is just what this guy has done. He was at work and he should have watched what he was saying. He judged these girls with that comment "nappy headed hoes" if it was a joke (which I dought) then he will know the next time to watch what he say. He was trying to make fun of these ladies and that was not called for. These women has accomplished more than his mother, sister, wife or daughter will ever accomplish.
... let's start at home first, our own camp!!
who is sharpton... and jackson... I don't recall voting them in as my spokesmen!!!
I don't like Imus so I don't listen to him. If you don't like what he says DON'T LISTEN TO HIM.
I'm tired of hearing all the political corect B.S. I don't even believe in equal money for womens sports. Thats the real joke here. It is a total waste of money that could be used better for EDUCATION, lowering tuition, etc. Mens sports bring in money. Nobody wants to see a bunch of ugly freak women play ball anyway. THAT is the point.
If that offends you, Too bad.
Seems to me Imus hit the nail on the head - they are a bunch of ghetto skanks and hos. If you don't like his remarks, too bad. Blacks bash whites all the time and I don't see the "Rev" Jackson and the "Rev" Sharpton saying anything about that.
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BINGO!!!!
I'm glad stuff like this happens in todays world to let you know racism will never die and wake of some of our black people to realize not all white folks have change and still dislike blacks and have low opinions of our accomplishments not saying we need their stamp of approval to excel in life.
What Imus said was mean, offensive and not at all funny. However, if he is taken to task for saying these things, so should people like Flavor Flav, Ludacris, 50 Cent, etc. If a comment is racist and misogynistic when said by Imus, it should also be treated the same if it is said by ANYONE.
You people need to get the "F" over it - especially the players thathave "great hurt" over this whole thing....you are freaking kidding me - this country tells us that It is OK for Jesse Jasdon to call New Your City "Hymieville" and then protest aginst what Imus said - not to mention that this appears to be racist....why? Becasue the media says it is - you people are nothing but mindless prey to the media and they know it! This is the idiocy that reigns over this country today - Imus apologised - said that he shoudl have not said what he said - but since he is a white man he does nto deserve another chane....but I suppose it is perfectly OK for 9 out of 10 black rappers to talk about killing white cops....unbelieveable.
You walk into any VFW and put a mic on some old guy parked at the bar this what they sound like! Imus should just admit it was in poor taste and move on, this whole "Im a nice guy campaign" has got to go!
I'm glad stuff like this happens in todays world to let you know racism will never die and wake up some of our black people to make them realize not all white folks have changed and some still dislike blacks and have low opinions of our accomplishments not saying we need their stamp of approval to succeed or excel in life
Imus knew exactly what he was saying he just forgot for a moment where he was. I hope this little slip does cost him his carreer. I sorry and this good guy routine won't fly and I hope this situation escalates to a level beyond MSNBC and the Radio Stations his views are aired on. I hope the advertiser are aware that Imus may have created a racial fire storm and he's in the middle.
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Imus must have been ready for retirement to say something so stupid makes no sense to me but he should be fired to avoid what may seem like the network and radio staion he works for support this type of behavior.
I did,nt even hear that Imus even said that about the rutgers team.Second I did,nt even know of him realy until now ,so i guess it helps him out in the long run to geting on talk shows or any tv to make money.Further more try listing to 107.9 in the morning and Russ Par and his team have a daily horascope that degrade black poeple doing all sorts of things and as a white person it does,nt seem right but must be because there making money craking jokes about it every day.
I am absolutely appalled at some of the posts. I teach a class on cultural diversity & racism. This is EXACTLY what I am trying to teach the students NOT to do. ENOUGH!!! We CAN NO LONGER justify this mindset anymore with excuses of "they" call us this..or "they" call each other those names, so what's the big idea.
The BIG IDEA is the lessons we continue to teach our children regarding bigotry and lack of respect for our fellow human beings. Remember when we were children and our parents would say " if your friend would jump off a bridge, would you do that also?"
When do we stop using racial slurs, gender slurs, and other disrepectful terms for each other? Hatred starts with words and we continue to perpetuate such things by our laisse fare attitudes.
ANYONE who uses a degrogatory remark towards another person should be immediately called out. Silence is a form of approval. All "shock jocks," comics, or degrogatory tv should be eliminated. When the 1st Ammendement was added to the Constitution, I doubt that this type of "speech" is what our lawmakers had in mind.
Skinhead, Neo-Nazis, Black supremacy groups, Christian liberation groups, the KKK and other hate groups all use this type of language to continue and encourage people to their "cause."
Have we become so ignorant, so disrepectful, so UN-Christian, Jewish, Islamic, or of other faiths, to NOT follow the mission of ALL religions to "Love One Another?"
I ask how many people who say that we should "lighten up" attend church every Sunday and have an opinion of themselves that "they're good?" How would you like it if it had been YOUR daughter referred to by Imus? (or are we so uncaring that it wouldn't have made a difference?)
Perhaps we all need to do some soul searching to discover WHY we are NOT appalled by this!
When do we say enough?
Nappy headed hoes??? Where is the racism.....there are people in this world that have nappy hair and aren't black, arn't there???
Imus got carried away in the moment.The two week suspension is enough.I believe that he truly is sorry for the comment.
The controversy is stupid. Leave Imus alone. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are just trying to justify their jobs. They do not speak for all blacks. If it wasn't for these ridiculous controversies that spring up now and then, both Sharpton and Jackson would be pumping gas or bagging groceries somewhere.
He shouldn't have been suspended in the first place. This is utter hypocrisy. This guy's been abusing everyone for his whole career and he makes one comment that these the professional race baiters Sharpton and Jackson don't like and all of a sudden he gets suspended.
Rubbish!
As a African-American woman I felt offended by Imus' remarks, but I also felt that if I do not want to hear what he has to say I can just tune to another station. Howard
Stern has done ni**er jokes and Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are not organizing protests of him. I cannot get up in arms everytime some ignorant human being says something about another race/religion/gender/etc. Personally, I'm more offended by various other issues affecting the Black community that are more relevant to quality of life than some stupide radio personality. I believe his humor was in ill taste, but not malicious in nature. Sharpton should be more focused on issues that affect Black America more prevalently, than crucifying one person who was just doing his job.
This is what I learned in school..
sticks and stones may break my bones, but name calling will NEVER hurt me. Oh and I have Nappy hair!
It's truly wonderful to see that we, as citizens are able to express our views and opinions feely regarding anothers views that were expressed freely. I've followed Imus for a long time and even own "1200 Hamburgers to Go." Do I agree with everything he says? Absolutely not. We are now living in a world where free speech is constantly threatened and just because someone is offended at something someone said, that's immediate grounds for dismissal. It's not just for radio personalities, it's for you and I in the workplace. Say something rude and you're done. End of Story.
I have to share this with you because it gave me pause when I saw it. I was watching Whoopi Goldberg on TV this morning. At the end of the program, she told three jokes. The first two were parrot jokes and were as benign as bening could be. The third, she warned, would cause "Controversy in the Community" and she wasn't kidding. She used the "N" word in the punchline of the joke. Personally, I thought the joke was hilarious. The audience was a mix of black and white folks and the black people were shocked that she said it, but laughing. The white people were trying like crazy to stifle thier own laughter. Whoopi posed this question: "Why do you find this joke funny? Or why does it offend you? I think it's a funny joke."
I think Dennis Leary said it best: "Life's tough get a f***ing helmet." We need to have thicker skins and start worrying about more important things. Yes, we need to treat each other with love and respect, but we have much more pressing issues in our world that what one guy who used to prank call the Ty-Dee-Dy-Dee Diaper Service looking for a diaper for Baby Huey says in a rant. Leave him alone. Move on. Change the station and get your helmet.
Who cares what Imus says .... everytime he goes low on the ratings he does something to spice things up ... worse has heen said and nobody cares ( or should care) ... that's show biz !! I am a retired cop and if I had a nickle for everything bad that has been said about me or police in general - I would be a milionaire !!
I think this is so stupid. People should accept that he recieved his punishment, and let it be at that. He's the shock jock, doesn't people know what shocking mean?
He said he isn't like Mel Gibson or Michael Richards. Is that because he crucified them for their comments?
Mark - Canton
anonymous,How can the words of one man destroy the dignity you have for yourself. "sticks & stones can break bones but words can never hurt you."
If you don't like what he says, tune to another station. If he loses his audience he will lose his job.
What Imus said was stupid and insensitive, but I can't take any of this seriously until people are up in arms about the profanities dealt out by rappers and others of that genre, no matter what their race. Enough is enough.
The way I see it, the solution to this is simple. If people would just stop listening to radio personalities, such as Imus and Howard Stern, then no one would care what they said. The public is responsible for making these two men important and famous. So, the public is at fault.
If those exact same comments were made by any Black media personality, like Al Sharpton or even Al Roker, they would have been fired before the next station break.
Then, msnbc gives Imus what amounts to less than a tap on the wrist. A two week vacation, wups, I ment suspension.
Imus was wrong to say what he said. period, end of discussion. he has taken his licking, gone on the radio show for that joke Sharpton and been abused for 2 hours. he's being suspended and offered to meet privately with the young women he was speaking of. those idiots Sharpton and Jackson need to quit pouring gasoline onto the fire and just let it die out, and the media needs to quit giving those two mediawhore bozos the airtime they so obviously crave.
I am a white female and a graduate of The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers...class of 1975. During my 4 great years at Rutgers, sports was not our forte, but we supported our teams. This year the mens' football team and womens' basketball team have excelled and I am so very proud of them. Imus should be sanctioned for his outrageous bias and ignorance. This was a year for Rutgers to revel in its sports accomphishments...not to be demeaned by a racist fool.
Meg, Akron, OH
Are we seriously getting worked up over something that's happened over and over through out the history of our exsistance??? Somebody said something that someone else doesn't like. BIG DEAL! On your 6 O'clock report a lady said "What about our right to be happy? What about our right not to deal with hatefullness?" Answer: YOU DON'T HAVE THOSE RIGHTS GAURENTEED TO YOU! Right to say what you want, however, is fully granted to you. On a piece of paper. In ink. That is all that needs to be said. Everyone can now get back to living life.
Imus in the morning is the same today as he has been for over 20 years. The comment was not good, in fact should not have been said, but it was not directed at the black community but the female community. The white girls on that basketball team were just as upset as the black ones as they well should have been, but the media has totally blown this out of proportion. He's been suspended for 2 weeks, let it go. He feels as bad about what he said as anyone because he knows he was wrong. He is going to meet with the basketball team in an attempt to explain himself and make ammends the best he can. Let's not hang the guy. Like Trivasano said, "if you don't like what he says, don't listen" and that is as true as it gets.
Blacks routinely call each other those names, and it's considered a joke or a term of endearment...so how is this different? Being offensive is Imus' entire platform. Turn him off! I do!
I do not think that Imus was right in what he said. And... these young women should be recognized for their accomplishments on the basketball court, not for a radio show comment. It still seems to me that there is a double standard in this country, in which, it is wrong for this white man to make such comments, but a black rapper can make disgusting comments in their song lyrics that are disturbing and as equally offensive to women. Where do we begin to eliminate racism in society if it is not equal on all of our parts?
I would like to start out by saying that I am not a racist at all. The whole Don Imus story has been blown out of proportion! I myself am not a fan of Don Imus at all but for once will actually stick up for him on this matter. It is considered wrong for a white person to say anything about an African American, but the second an African American says anything refering to a white person it is ok. Is there a white history month? Is there a White Entertainment Television? Is there any "all white" awards? Is there college for only white people? The answer to all of these questions is simple, NO! You may ask why, the answer is because then it is considered racist! Our society needs to realize all of this
It's disingenuous to say this is a free speech issue; we curtail our freedom of speech all the time, via the law (slander, libel) and via the market (think Michael Richards will work much in the future?). Imus has a very large microphone, and if his racist and sexist remarks are unaccaptable to enough people, who make enough noise about it, he'll be fired--and good riddance.
I'm behind Don 100%. If he was fired for saying something so stupid then they better take most of the personalities off of black radio and BET for some of the stuff they say, but I guess if it is directed towards whites then it's okay.
I am concerned that the perpetuation of this "news" item will continue to anger people and cause more dissention among us.
It is unfortunate that one person makes a stupid comment, then it is blown up by the media. One bad apple does spoil the whole bunch, and we all pay the price.
I think it shows that the white community is tired of the black community turning everything into a racial issue. All they want is their air time and the media is giving it to them. The black community is causing problems for themselves and trying to blame the white community when we tell the truth.
If you listen to other radio stations they said alot worse things about the team.
They bring it on themselves and I am really tired of it. Everything is not about racism.
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I think the suspension, while appropriate is just too late. The networks should have reacted immediately. Not only because of the racist nature of the comments, but because of the offense to those young women. They deserved respect not condemnation of any kind, especially to be called ho's.
Mr. Imus then tried to shift the blame onto the African American communtiy by saying that our men have degraded us for years so why the indignation now? Well, he's absolutely right. We have rappers and comedians and other entertainers living in million dollar homes and riding on private jets on the heels of three words...bitch, nigga and ho. It just needs to stop. Otherwise we have no credibility. Why should any of us, black or white have valid permission to use any of those hateful words.
Give Imus a break. He's a shock jock for !@#$%^'s sake! He apologized. We all say things at times we wished we hadn't said. Who died and made Al Sharpton God?
I think the whole situation is sad, that in this day and time people still don't care that what they said and offend others. The first thing u wnat to say is FREEDOM OF SPEECH that freedom didn't mean being hatefull and racist just for the ratings. It was stated that is be blown out of proportion, would it be out of proportion if black person said it about a white team? If this has been going on for many years than my God it need to not stop now. FIRE his butt.
I think all the media attention this story is getting is completely unnecessary. I watched this morning's news, the rebroadcast of the said comments and even listened to his side of the story this morning. I do not believe that this is a race issue. If anything Imus was insulting the femininity of these women. A simple apology would have done fine, but now everyone who feels the need to drag his thirty-some years of a career around in the dirt is doing so. There are more serious and important issues that we, as a society, should be focusing on. Instead of constantly looking for an opportunity to become victims ourselves we should realize that we are overlooking those who are really in need.
Once again the news media has managed to make a big deal from nothing. The blacks are angry for being black, they don't like who they are and will use every opportunity they can to take out their anger on white people. Remember how they cheered when OJ was found not guilty. It's okay for a black man to murder two white people but a white comic can't joke about some hefty tatooed basketball players. And have you ever listeded to Rap music? Blacks feel past discrimination gives them a "free ride and I'm sick of it.
Thanks for mentining the sponsors who are running away from Imus. I and many others will be running away from them!
Imus ridicules and makes fun of EVERYONE including himself for crissakes!...he's has the unusual talent of being a cynic and comic and commentator all rolled into one. It what he does...get over it!
I don't think what Imus said was right but please. Enough is enough. They want to make a big deal over this. "they" say worse about each other."n---er this", "ni---r that" What about the crappy rap. Will they make all the rap singers say an apology for all the profanity and obsenity that they use towards each other.
Please Get a life and Deal with it.
The Public is giving Don Imus and the radio station the publicity that makes them money. If the comment went without notice, he would have received no attention. It was in bad taste, but what do you expect to come from him? It is his job and he does it well, no matter how distasteful crude and rude he is. He wouldn't be on the air for this long if he didn't.
Black people need to quit whining. I'm sick of the double standard. Black comedians can make fun of white people all they want, even make racist remarks, and it's wrong if we do just because some were slaves two hundered years ago, boo hoo. i got news for ya, all races were slaves to someone at sometime, not just you. quit whining. Bring Imus back. Since when is nappy headed racial anyway.
He should be fired. He's offended your audience. I find his comments offensive. People in his position or in your position, work for the people. Our opinion is what should count, not comments like "if you don't like it, don't listen to it" as was said by one of your discjockies that was quoted on your news program. If the audience doesn't like it, it should not be said or broadcast. Otherwise you will lose your audience. Take responsibility, what you say DOES have consequences.
Lots of folks are suggesting that because others make similar comments (rappers, shock jocks, comedians), we shouldn't make such a big deal out of Imus's comments. It might be worth mentioning, however, that Imus's show enjoys a legitimacy that those mentioned do not, in that he frequently has political and cultural heavy-hitters on his show for serious interviews and discussions. With power and privilege comes responsibility.
BE REAL
I KNOW WHAT IMUS SAID IS WRONG. BUT WHY NOT SAY THE REAL ISSUE. WHY ALL THIS TATOO STUFF THESE GIRLS HAVE. AND WHY SHOULD THEY USE THE BASKETBALL STAGE TO MAKE SUCH A STATEMENT WITH ALL THE YOUNG DAUGHTERS WATCHING.
BE REAL. IF ITS OK FOR ALL THESE SONGS THAT MANY OF THESE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE BUYING IS TALKING ABOUT KILLING POLICE AND RAPEING AND DRUG USE IS OK. THEN IMUS SHOULD BE LEFT ALONE WITH HIS STUPID REMARKS.
I am sick of all the political correctness. Guess what this is America where freedom of speach applys to everyone idiots and intellects alike. If you don't like what Imus said there are 2 knobs on the radio...one to change the channel the other to turn it off. Get over yourself everyone!
Racism rears its ugly head once again. A lot of comments can be made about this matter. The actions of Sharpton and Jackson... Why haven't any women's organization spoke out on this matter? Why does the Black community get so upset when their own kind degrade and disrespect their communities in the media? Does firing Imus solve anything? I think Americans in general are racists. Whether its race, class, gender, religion. How can we not be prjudice or racist? Racism is an American institution. America was built on racism, which helped to make America become the super power that it is today. We all are socilized to be prejudice and racists. Americans, we need to admit that we are a racist society, maybe then we as people can start to take responsibility, heal and make a change. I would have more respect for Imus if he had said, "Yes, I am a racist, and I know I need to change in my heart, my attitude and my behavior", other than showing his arrogance and apologizing.
Two weeks suspension is a slap on the wrist.
To me, the whole issue being raised is, does freedom of speech out-trump persdonal responsibility? When does my "right" to be offensive become liable, or slander? Is the need we all share to harden our own hearts as humans so we are NOT offended when certain phrases are used? Or is the need we have to think before we speak, willfully putting a brake on our tongue because of active and sincere respect for the feelings of others? (For instance, mine. I am a middle aged WASP, but Mr. Innes' speech offends me, because his cleverness plays upon the base instincts not the higher ones of human behavior)
ANother consideration..will we ever decide what we want of our media? Do we want interest, entertainment at all costs, or this choice available to us at least, and thus encourage Mr. Innes and such programing to thrive in freedom? Or do we want safety, knowing our public airwaves will not embellish facts and remain within some bounds of good taste?
Before any reprimand of Mr. Innes by his employers will communicate anything of importance to the rest of us, a station will have to make their answer to this particular question - the role, or responsibility of the media - consistently clear; a commitment born out in ALL of their hiring, firing, and programing choices. My middel class WASP skepticism will not hold my breath,
OF COURSE THE PEOPLE OF CLEVELAND AND SURROUNDING AREA WILL SAY GET OVER IT. AFTER ALL THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST PREDUJICED PLACES IN THE COUNTRY. IT IS ALWAYS SO OKAY WHEN BLACK WOMEN ARE MADE FUN OF. UNLESS THE SHOE IS ON THE OTHER FOOT, YOU CANNOT IMAGINE HOW THOSE POOR GIRLS FELT AFTER WINNING A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. JESSE JACKSON'S BEHAVIOR DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS. I AM SIXTY TWO YEARS OLD AND DON IMUS IS SIXTY SEVEN. HE THOUGHT LONG AND HARD WHEN HE MADE THAT STATEMENT. ONLY AN OLD RACIST WOULD EVEN KNOW WHAT A DEROGATORY REMARK HE WAS MAKING. ALSO, HE EVEN TRIED TO BE HEP BY CALLING THOSE POOR GIRLS HO'S. IN HIS AND MY DAYS THEY WERE CALLED WHORES. HE SHOULD BE FIRED. THE FCC SHOULD BE MOVING ON AN ACT LIKE THIS. LOOK HOW QUICK THEY MOVED WITH JANET JACKSON'S WARDROBE MALFUNCTION.WHAT IS FAIR FOR ONE IS FAIR FOR ALL.. IT IS AKLWAYS MOVE ON AND GET OVER IT WHEN IT IS SOMEONE WHITE MAKING FUN OR HURTING BLACK PEOPLE'S FEELINGS.
Imus should be sued for libel because once you defame an individual or group of individuals using a media broadcast, you have grounds for a lawsuit, with possible punitive damages.
I want to know if his 2-week suspension includes no pay? I have yet to see that question addressed.
Womens' Empowerment Movement Organization of Cleveland
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Imus only said what a lot of White men think about Black women in general. That's why what he said is not a big deal to them.
If is not about race then STOP making comments that pertain to us or to any other race. Don't make stupid jokes about things people can't change. Think before speaking. Have respect for other races and for yourself. The bible state that in Proverbs 18:21, "death and life is in the power of the tongue." Something we all should remember.
What the hell are you people thinking? The very LAST person I would have asked for any opinion about anything in the world is Mike Trivisonno,the biggest blowhard in this city.I wish he would be on the unemployment line with Imus right now...Trivisonno has said a lot of not so kind things about a lot of things and people,but WTAM will never take a stand.Why? Ratings mean money.
In America... People have freedom of speech and freedom of choice. I choose not to listen to Imus, R. Kelly, rappers and the media in general.
He shouldn't have said it, but he apologized.
End of Story -- 'nuf said
I cannot believe all of these IGNORANT comments coming from N.E. Ohio! In case you don't know, IGNORANT means lacking education or knowledge. Most of the feedback that I've read must be from people who couldn't possibly know how Imus' comments hurt black women. Actually, if you are a woman of ANY color, he disrespected YOU TOO! I guess the people here are just like people all over America.....if it doesn't involve YOU, then it's not important! Walk a mile in my shoes and maybe you will learn something. I'm tired of discrimination in all forms, and unfortunately,I experience it everyday in Ohio. Including today, while reading most of these ASININE AND RACIST comments! You all are just as bad as Imus. He spreads hate and will continue after his two week vacation. Keep your ignorance and no doubt you will spead hate too. You already have.