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
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
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.
Freedom of speech is not the issue.We must let the station and sponsors know what we think about Imus. Yhese are youg ladies in college!!!Fire Him Now
He needs to be Kicked to the curb!
If he doesn't loose his job, then we should all wonder why!
he should loose his job!
People made remarks about Imus being a good person. People can do good things for a good cause... But it doesn't stop them from being racist.
I am a woman who is Black. Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson are not my leaders.
All should boycot the sponsors of his radio show.
Imus said stupid things that offended a lot of people, but they are taking it way too far. We all know he is racial insensitive, so can everyone please stop making such a big deal over this? Besides, he's just one man. Please remind me why we care about his opinion?
Imus should run not walk from his microphone and hang it up. Besides
that he don't even make a good (OLD)LONG HAIRED HIPPE
T C DOVER OH
Free speech seems to be free only when you say what certain people want you to say. If you don't like what Imus said then don't listen to him. Simple as that. I am so sick of trying to be politicaly correct that I have to be afraid to say anything.
Again this is the media blowing everything out of proportion!! I would imagine that over 90% of the people that know about it now, never heard Imus. This wasn't about race. It was about an ignoant man, past his day, trying to be funny and a shock jock. The fault for making this a recist issue is the Media in general. Now that we know who is Anna Nicole's baby's father, the media has to find something else to sensationalize.
Get over it huh? What is a "shock jock"? If it's what I think it is, a shock jock is a radio host who just might insult people with COMEDY, am I right???? What the hell did YOU find funny about Imus' comments? Was it funny because he made a racist comment about a particular race in America? It happens all of the time. Does that mean it's alright? I'm sick of it, and I'm not getting over it. Imus needs to be removed, and so does YOUR "suspect" attitude.
I am deeply saddened by the lack of understanding surrounding the Imus issue. Freedom of speech does not give one the right to use the air ways to spead racism and sexism.Just because one person or group does something does not make it right! Racism and sexism are wrong and unexceptable in any way shape or form!!Imus should be fired,and the sponsors of his show should be contacted.
Why is WKYC only refering to this issue as a racial issue in every teaser and run-up? The Rutgers team understandS this is an offense against ALL women. They are leading the national discussion about sexism as well as racism. WKYC script writers, catch up!
Imus’s comment was surely a sexist remark but not racist. Had this remark been made by a black person, we would not label it “racist”. His comment would properly be considered racist if it would have been hurtful coming from anyone, regardless of race. For example, a black person that only consider the “N” word to be racist when it comes from someone that is not black are themselves a racist.
I've read the mean spirited comments from white people. Other comments about Blacks being whiners and need to grow up, grow a thick skin, take advantage of opprotunities. These things may be true to some degree. Here is another truth... Most white people have never had to deal with racism so this enables them to be unconcious, and insensitive to the people around them and the people who are not like them.
Mike Trivisano said "if you don't like Imus, don't listen to him". Well, Mike Trivisanno, I DON'T like him and I DON'T listen to him. Matter of fact, I relish that certain time in the morning that I can turn him off. Nevertheless, if his damn mouth wasn't so big and ignorant, I wouldn't have heard him. He needs to shut up, and quite frankly....SO DO YOU. I don't like you and don't listen to YOU either. And you can shut up too.
Howard Cosell is one of the most recognizable sports commentators to this day, but that didn't matter in 1983 when a statement he made during a Washington Redskins game changed his life forever. It wasn't nearly as shocking as Don Imus' comment, perhaps it's time for Mr. Imus to step down, he is of retirement age.
Rob,
I think your Mammy is a nappy headed ho. How do you like that? Feels good doesn't it?
In 2007, I wear my afro with pride and dignity. You can call me nappy headed if you want to, cuz I'm sayin' it loud, "I'm Black and Proud" But don't call me a ho. Thems fightin' words! Women's organization all over the world and of every color should have Imus fired!
Much ado about nothing. Tell all the sleazy rappers who have made all sorts of disgusting commentaries on women in general far worse than what Imus has said. And, the rappers are African American idiots who've made their so called stories.
As for the team being emotionally crushed = are they kidding? They're in a man's sport. Why worry that they are assertive - its too late.
I am a female who happens to be Black. Tell Imus, Sharpton and Jesse Jackson to go jump in the lake! Hi Romona! You are brown and beautiful! Thanks for not wearing a wig or weave, and representing the real sistahs in America!
I just saw the newscast about Imus and his 'racist' comments aboout Rutgers womens basketball team. How can calling some of the players 'nappy head ho's' be considered a 'joke'? What if I called myself a 'shock jock' and described Imus as being a 'over-the-hill, ugly, white, horse haired, son of a b----who is in dire need of a face lift'; said this over the air so his fans would hear me and then cover my butt by saying, 'it was just a joke; ha-ha'. What was said WAS NOT funny and it doesn't make a bit of difference who said it; black or white. This man(I use the word loosely) knew he would get away with this otherwise he would never said what he did over the air. He isn't stupid so this leads me to believe the station he works for was in on it to which means there is no way he is going to be fired----they probably gave him a bonus for it. Signed Outraged In Ohio
Imus will probably spend his two week suspension (with pay) on a coastal beach in Costa Rica, while sippin' on a cool frosty beverage!
How come black recording artists can use those words in a rap song and call it creative expression,but,when a person like Imus uses it,everyone gets their shorts in an uproar.Rev.Sharpton should be turning the other cheek if he is a man of God.He is a hypocrite.He is probably the biggest racist in America.Get over it.The next time a comic uses the phrase "cracker" or "honky" he better be kicked off a stage.It works both ways.
Is the Imus two week suspension with or WITHOUT pay? Makes a big difference, otherwise it's just a two week vacation.
We are being bombarded with too much "reality" on radio and t.v. and I think people are finally getting tired of it.......at least I sure hope so!
I wouldn't listen to him if you paid me, but unfortunately we've all been subjected to his idiocy on nationwide news. And don't think he isn't aware of that! I'd love to see him fired once and for all, but it will never happen.
Merry Christmas to the Clinton Campaign....to a political machine that thrives on racial divisions, this is the greatest thing that could have happened to remind us all how sympathetic the Family is the plight of the minority....at least the black minority.
By the way, what DID happen to all those white bigots running wild throughout the south during the last two years of Bill's papacy, the ones burning all the churches and spouting all the hate?
They did exist, didn't they?
I have read with great dismay the various comments already shared. This issue is not funny and finger pointing is a waste of time. Sadly, it appears that many are missing the point.
Imus is the purpose for this discussion, but not the cause. The real issue is whether injustice should be acceptable. Is it not our plight to encourage others to be intolerant of prejudice or intolerance? Are we not yet tired of causing this battle that continues the fight?
Imus misses the point by making this an issue about whether he is a good person who did something bad. Sharpten was right when he said that Imus had a responsibility as a voice that reaches the masses. He knows better and is no stranger to the laws that govern harrassment and openly obvious prejudicial statements. Those in the public eye have even more of a responsiblity to be cautious; because they influence. It does not matter whether you are a newscaster, radio personality, religious leader, polititian, sports figure.........if you are fortunate enough to be seen as a leader, you should behave accordingly.
The most important lesson we can teach our children is to accept diversity with respect and regard. To allow obvious prejudice to go unpunished is to say it is ok. It is not. Any person who disrespects the leadership roles they have been given should be asked to step down. A 10 day suspension is hardly enough. If Imus was genuine in his appology, he would step down without fighting. I know of his history, so I don't believe his apology is anything more than a selfish move on his part to save his employment.
This is not about finger pointing. There is enough concern to be discussed in every arena. It is about saying we need to make things different at our own levels. I don't listen to Imus and now I know I never will. I am not willing to say he is not a decent person. I am willing to say that he crossed a value line that should be unacceptable to this society. The damage his words caused will continue.......he is not a child or unfamiliar with right and wrong. He did not care.
I can tell you that out of the public eye, if we engaged in saying remarks such as his, we would be unemployed and rightfully so.
How come when black rap artists use those words in a rap song it's called creative expression,but,when a person like Imus uses them,everyone gets their shorts in an uproar.It's free speech.Rev.Sharpton,being a man of the cloth,supposedly,should turn the other cheek.He is nothing but a hypocrite.Next time a comic uses the phrase "cracker" or "honky",he better be raked over the coals the way Imus is being taken to task.
>>> To 'anonymous' whose comment was posted at 2:08. The movie was called 'Big Mommas House' not 'Big Fat Mama'. Get it right fool! Signed 'Outraged'
I Think that this whole thing is getting out of control.
Being raised as a Black child in a predominantly white school, my mother told me "Sticks and stones may break your bones but Words can NERVER hurt you". Also, by stating that A (white) man can offend us and make us "victims ?!" by saying "nappy head" Makes us look like the racists, Since i'm not offended when my friends call me the same thing. When Brian Gumble Said "The Lack of Blacks Makes Olympics Look Like a GOP Convention" Why didn't he have to appologize? I think we're being a little one-sided.
I just think its crazy how African Americans can call White people crackers,and all sorts of other things without any punishments, but let a white person even say 1 thing about them and its Al and Jesse to the forefront. Actually i'm just tired of it all, and i think ALL racial comments should stop!
When Al Sharpton referred to New York City as Himey Town, no one made a big deal about it. I'm not a racist, but why is it, when it concerns something with a black person, it gets talked about for weeks and months and turns into headline news?
He called the other team cute and they were predominately black. There was only one white girl on the floor. Both teams only had one white girl on the floor. He was just saying that they looked like thugs/men compared to the other team. It wasn't meant to be racist, just funny. I think he stuck his foot in his mouth, but he apologized so everyone should chill. Jesus forgives you when you ask for it so we should forgive him. Why is it that two men of GOD won't forgive him?
Enough is enough already. I too think that this is absolutely ridiculous. There are many more important issues that we should be concerned about in this world. Let him be suspended for two weeks; he should not lose job. AND, let's put this to rest and get on with the more important issues. As I said, enough is enough
I thought we lived in AMERICA the USA where there is Freedom of speech, if Al Sharpton did not have to aplogize for him "himey town " racist remark & the man's life he ruined many many years ago by a story from a 15 year old girl who said 4 white men raped her, then she admitted she made the whole thing up, & Al Sharpton ruined the prosecuting attorny' s life, with no apology , then why does he go on & on about what Imus said? Al Sharpton is the BIGGEST hypocrite out ther & shame oh him!
Imus was a jerk when he was in Cleveland and he still is. The amazing thing is that anybody cares about what he says and particularly the media treating his stupid comment like it was the third world war. Nightly News devoting its first ten minutes to the reaction at Rutgers??!! I couldn't believe it when there are so many important things happening in the world.
Imus should be banished from the airwaves, but being a "Shock Jock" he is doing his job:being a perpetual jerk. Now it has cost him 2 weeks-a drop in the bucket for him, I'm sure. I don't know a soul who listens to him.
I understand if people are upset at his comment. But what I can't accept is why they seem to be excessively attacking Don Imus after he has gone on show after show to apologize. The bible says he that he that has no sin cast the first stone. It also says judge not that ye be judged. Asking for the man to be fired is putting ourselves in the position of a judge. We can cleary discern that what was said was not politically correct, but to go after the mans job. Let's not forget that Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have had their own misdeeds that they have had to acoount for. What if we did not forgive Jesse Jackson when it came out that he committed adultery. Should the church had stripped him of his status as a minister of the word. Or comments that he made in the past. Further more if you going to go after people this strong, then start aggressive trying to boycott the rap community that use hoes and the b word in their music. Or are we going to look at this issue in a one sided manner. Also forgiveness means to let go of the situation. I am a young black male for the record. The bible says blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Having said all if this, the next time Al or Jesse or any other black leader makes a mistake I will definitely take note on how they react when they want someone to forgive them. Further more there are more pressing issues that we need to address in the black community and in the world. Like getting our troops home from, creating more jobs for poverty stricken people, etc. The man apologized. Forgive him and start taking note to your own misdeeds.
I couldn't believe my eyes. I watched as NBC Nightly News spent ten minutes on the words of an inappropriate shock jock. We have men and women losing their lives in Iraq, and we spend that much time on national news interviewing everybody that was offended by the remarks. I felt like I was watching a rendition of the "Jerry Springer Show," not the NBC Nightly News. Has NBC dumped what has been excellence in journalism for the likes of this? If they continue this path, I will stop watching NBC news after 35 years of having done so. Shame on the network for giving this nonsense so much national attention.
I guess since I'm not white and not black, my opinion doesn't count. Americans and especially "black leaders" need to realize that the majority of the world is neither black nor white. Hispanics, Arabs, and Asians don't exist in Al Sharpton's eyes. Who is the real racist?
It's all about ratings. Always has been - always will be. We're all just feeding the monster at this point. NBC and CBS are laughing behind the "suspension" screen. Can we just move on now?
The FCC has rules about foul and abusive language over the air. As an Amateur Radio Operator, if I used the language that is used by many talk show hosts including Imus, I would be tracked down by the FCC and fined. Yet, talk show hosts get away without any rebukes. A two week suspension is rediculous. Let's see the FCC enforce the laws that are on the books and take appropriate action - fines and/or jail time.
After all, why did Howard Stern move to satellite - no FCC oversight.
Maybe it would be a step to help our population learn to respect others!!!!!!!!!!!!
An Amateur Radio Operator
I think a double standard is being applied here. Imus's comments were wrong and inexcusable. How ever I've heard worse from blacks about whites. If the black rappers and comedians would lose their jobs for racist comments then I would be more supportive of their (the black leaders and spokesmen)position AND they would have more creditability. As long as this remains a one way street we WILL have racial prejudice.
I don't understand why it's alright for black "Rap" artists to demean women, and glamorize violence, but when a white male makes a comment regrading blacks, he's criticized. With the high unemployment rate in the black community, coupled with black on black violence, low graduation rates, teenage pregnancy, etc, I believe that the black community should focus it's attention on correcting the wrongs among their own instead of looking for a scapegoat with the white race.
The Halfrican nation should move to Africa, maybe they would be happy then. And the destruction of American values would end. Ive had it up to here with the cry baby crackheads who are ruining our country by taking away freedom of speech.
http://www.blackcollegewire.org/voices/031014_ghettopoly/ghetto_card.jpg
Get over it if they took care of their hair they would not be called nappy haired. IT WAS JOKE THE ONLY ONE WHO SHOULD LOSE HIS JOB IS REV AL OH WAIT HE DOESNT HAVE A JOB! GO FIGURE
I think that Imus should meet these women in a public forum and get to 'meet' them face to face. Really find out who they are. Their hopes and dreams, favorite childhood memory, what they love on their pizza and their number one movie of all time. Maybe just maybe he, and others like him who think it's okay to be biggeted for a buck would realize just how much their ignorant comments can hurt other human beings.
Does anyone rememer Gary Dee, full name Gary Dee Gilbert. When he was on WTAM (1100) and WHK (1420) he made the same kind of remarks and the "black community" thought it was funny or humurous (pardon the mis-spelling). I'm a "honkey" so while it was somewhat humurous to me, I can understand how a remark like that would be somewhat raceist. Jesses Jackson, "Hyme Town", Al Sharpton "Twanny Brawley" and the Duke's LaCross Team Incident's are much more "raceist" and are lies rather than what Imus said. I didn't hear the black community going after Jackson, Brawley or the stripper in the Duke incident. GET A LIFE, TURN ABOUT IS FAIR PLAY!!!
Who is raceist???Whites are not allowed to have W.E.T (white entertainment television), A White Miss America Contest, no do we have The United "White" College Fund!!! Why whites would be crucified for these types of organizations, yet it is OK for blacks. I am sick of double standards. I think I will start a Miss White America Contest!!!!
Three cheers for the young women of the Rutgers basketball team. They are handling the Imus show's disgusting remarks with dignified concern. I am raising my black children to be fine Americans who will rise above the likes of Imus and Sharpton, et al. Anyone who thinks that "jokes" that degrade anyone has no respect for human life and is totally confused as to why we're on this earth. Artisic freedom should not be at the expense of others.
What about that poor-excuse for a female Rosie ODonnel who can say whatever she wants about our men in uniform and our president? I guess that's acceptable behavior? God forbid you say something about a black person's hair, but it's OK to say false demeaning statements about our country's leader and/or soldiers. All I hear is how blacks want to be treated equally, yet every time they get a chance to seperate themselves and bring attention to themselves, they do it. I think they should listen to a very classy black citizen, Bill Cosby, and maybe they would be better off...
You people are amazing hypocrytes...you say, "let us hear from you" and then you don't post the comments...probably because it contains criticism of you. WKYC is a JOKE! You make news you... don't report it. You are worse than Fox and that's pretty bad. Adios!
some people must have never listend to rap music before,i've heard some very bad things, allot worse then what Imus has said!! you don't hear anything about that, SO GET OVER IT
If Imus was some big sports person, I would say the team has a right to be upset. The team is giving him way too much credibility and face time. If he was family, or a friend you could be upset. He is an old radio talk show host trying to get back into business. Why are you giving him any of your time and wasting ours? This is his job to create controversy and say stupid things! And shame on the coach! You were assaulted?! I think that is disrespectful to all the people out there who are actually assaulted. You got your feelings hurt...who's the bigger more responsible side, because at this point I sure can't tell. You can't go to court over name calling. Name calling happens in the school yard. Grow up...both sides!
Get over it people. Why is it OK for blacks to be so racist againt the white people? Its ok for Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle (to name just a couple of the RACIST BLACK people out there) then someone says something about you guys and OH NO....the world must end?? GET OVER YOURSELVES. Why is it ok for black people to clearly hate white people so much and say what they say but its not OK for a guy who demeans people on a daily basis??
Maybe the white people should get a group together and EVERYTIME a nasty remark is made about us, we'll get our group after you!
As a parent of a female student athlete,I know the dedication it takes to get where those Rutgers girls made it to. They are outstanding FEMALES ,period.No one even knew what Imus said till the race baiters got involved. Sharpton/Jackson are in the business of keeping the pot stirred,they need the white/black thing to keep going or their out of business.Those poor girls/coach are exhausted from their b.ball season and now their being exploited for personal gain. As I,v always told my daughter, consider the source. Imus,Sharpton/Jackson are silly old men trying to hang on to their youth. What they learned then is not relavent now. Their hurting people to keep themselfs in power.
I owe WKYC an apology...you did post my remarks afterall.
Sorry, but that doesn't change my view on the NBC, WKYC, Fox and the media in general. You just go on and on and on and on and on and...
No one has mentioned how Imus supported the black candidate for the Senate from TN, Harold Ford. He had him on numerous times...praised him over and over and couldn't have been more supportive. Ford is now nowhere to be found in this controversy...talk about hypocrytes! How come no one has reported "this side" of Imus when talking about him being "racial." You guys are just amazing hypocrytes...you just want to "make news."
How can you feel sorry for these poor abused gifted women athletes when thousands of black children are being killed and starving to death everyday in Africa...it's just amazing how selfish and pathetic blacks are in the USA...but hey, they always have a crutch...they can blame it on my prejudice.
I fear this is the end of Imus. He will no longer be able to be the synical and funny commentator he once was...making fun of people and himself. Advertisers know this and it will be the end. So congratulations Negroes on your victory.
I know one thing...I am sick of blacks and their self pity...they should be angry with god for who they are and not with everyone else.
Ok, here it goes.
Most White americans have been walking on eggshells with thier tails between thier legs trying not to "Offend" anyone by saying the wrong thing. Anytime African-Americans say demeaning/ degradng comments about whites they try not to raise a fuss, because they ARE trying to let the racisim go...
If A White American says something as remotely innocent as
"The pot calling the kettle BLACK"
there is an African-American behind them Screaming "RACIST" (Omarosa // The Apprentice).
If the African-American community would stop throwing the "race card" so freely, Maybe we can all get this race thing behind us and get back to "United We Stand" A phrase we all seemed to forget about after the media stopped making money on it.
We all need to realize there are two(2) colors...
Blood red and
Money green.
Think
To the parent of the female athlete, nice comments (and funny)! I am a white parent with black children, and we do not say derogatory things about any group of people, no matter what the group is. There is no respect in this country anymore; I'm reading so many ugly, hateful comments in this thread. If everyone would be more respectful, our problems in life would be fewer. I'm glad that my children are respectful and kind. They are well-loved by everyone, and they will be successful in life no matter what they choose--just like the young women on the Rutgers basketball team.
It's absolutely ridiculous that this is being so blown out of proportion. The guy made a stupid comment and apologized. Who hasn't said something they later regret?
Maybe people won't let this die because Imus is a white guy. I don't agree with what he said, but I also don't agree with things Jesse Jackson has said in the past.
The black community is hammering Imus, yet it accepts Jackson as its face. The same Jesse Jackson who, in 1984, called Jews "Hymies" and New York City "Hymietown" during a conversation with Washington Post reporter. Oh, but that's apparently ok because he didn't say it about blacks.
Good thing double-standards don't exist in our country!
Anyone that thinks this is the worse thing that can happen to someone or some group really needs to get a life and see what is happening in the rest of the country and world. Imus has the right to say what he wants and not be villified for something that was a bad joke. Politcal correctness is going way to far too many times just to try to protect someones feelings that may or may not have been hurt. The so called do gooders need to focus on something really important but this is just easier so thats what they focus on. The people so upset with this need to get a life and and get a backbone and worry about something thats really important
Get a life! Political correctness has gone too far. Mr. Imus does not deserve to be fired. He is a satirist, and people who follow him are aware of this. He may have gone over the line in making the remarks directly in refference to the girls basketball team, but get over it. Recall the old saying--"sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me"
This is insane!
What about Stevie Wonder?
Does the song "I wish" ring a bell?
He uses "nappy headded" in his lyrics!
He is a staple/icon in the music community and a legend! You do not see him getting ridiculed about these words!
Everyone needs to lighten up before we can't say a thing to anyone! Its your rights being revoked - and freedom of speech.
Imus spoke his mind.
I have heard African Americans say even more ridiculous things about white folks than this.
We need new management! This is getting old! Double standards are becoming the way of life.
I can't wait for my generation to take control!!!
There are many people like Mr. Imus who believe that Black people, no matter their accomplishments, are still hoes and pimps. Dr. Condelessa Rice to these people is a hoe and Barack Obama is her pimp. Go figure!
Do you know how many soliders were killed in iraq last week yet, we know what imus said two weeks ago. Where is the real story?>
I think that the publicity and the media have made this into an issue. Had this story not been run in every major media outlet, only the people who tune in to Imus (I believe it is about 3 million on MSNBC )would have been talking about this and the subject would have been dropped. Instead a big deal is made over what this "Shock Jock" said. As many of the posts say, why is it offensive when Imus says it, but not when the rappers, etc., say it?
Okay, everyone take a minute and think back. What person hasn't made or laughed at a joke at the expense of the mentally retarded, the mentally ill; fat, ugly, white, black, asian??? WE ALL HAVE!!! Don Imus is a knucklehead but the only difference between him and the rest of us is is that alot of people were listening. We will never like or understand others that are different from ourselves...we barely tolerate each other, make fun of each other's way of life but being able to express our insecurities in public and private is part of a free society. Comments like these can be made in this country without fear of reprisals because of our military - these are the people we need to be supporting and concerned over; not Don Imus, Anna Nicole Smith, or any other piece of crap that the media insists we be interested in. We, as a country, can decide how important we are going to make this
- look around you...there are so many more important things we need to worry about!!!!
I abhor the treatment of these very class women...and I will protest in my own way. I will find out who advertises on the Imus show and refuse to patronize these businesses.
Please explain to me why it is ok for blacks to call everyone and their brother all kinds of offensive names but its not ok the other way around. Someone throws that race card up 1 more time and I am going to SCREAM. Shock jock or not we have gotten so politically correct we are on the borderline of losing all our freedom of speech. JUST LET IT GO!
This is totaly ridiculous nonsense. There are far worse things that people need to focus on instead of what some person says in bad taste. We as a world have serious problems that need addressed and the media feels it important to focus on things like this. I think there is a large double standard in regards to what white people are allowed to say and what Black peoplea re alowwed to say. These black rappers can call themselves these horrible names and have no regard for their appearance to the rest of the world right? So why are so many people making such a big deal out of a middle aged white man that said something about them in bad taste. He said he is sorry and that is not good enough for the black radicals that basically want him hung for everybody to see. This world is totaly backwards in these regards. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? Whatever happened to forgiving and moving on instead of making an ugly situation far worse by not letting it go. We have a long long way to go to become a truly free an understanding society in our country and the rest of the world.
WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS IN THE WORLD , AND ALL THE BRUTALITY AND KILLINGS IN OUR GREAT SOCITY THAT WE NOW HAVE,AND ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE MILITARY WHO ARE PUTTING THERE LIFES ON THE LINE, AND ALL THOSE POOR SOULS WHO GAVE THERE LIFES TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY SO THEY CAN HAVE FREEDOM,IF THIS IS ALL THEY CAN COMPLAIN ABOUT, WHAT A SAD WORLD.THEY MUST THINK THE WHOLE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND WHAT SOME STUPID PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THERE OPINION OF SOMEONE, AND THEN WE HAVE TO USE THE RACE CARD. WHAT A GREAT SOCIETY WE HAVE.WHY DONT SOME OF THEASE COMPLAINERS SIT BACK AND SMELL THE ROSES, AND BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE AND THANK THE PEOPLE IN THE MILITARY FOR FIGHTING TO PROTECT YOUR RITE TO EVEN SPEAK.TRY TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE,IF YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.
Get over it already. Imus is no different then any other shock jock or comedian. Everyone has made fun of someone else. The media has completely blown this out of proportion, and there is no difference from Imus saying "nappy headed hos," then the media saying it 100 times in an hour. This does not deserve being fired let alone being suspended. If this deserves punishment then what about carlos mencia on comedy central who uses the expresion "dee dee dee" when talking about something someone did stupid. This makes fun of the mentally challenge. Get over it.
Granted, it IS insulting and hurtful when someone speaks a racist or similar remark, whether direct or indirect. BUT, we have SO MANY OTHER PROBLEMS here in America that are more important to address, such as affordable health insurance, record numbers in our jails, dying domestic industries/offshoring jobs abroad, underemployment, etc. etc., it really is ridiculous when so much time and energy is spent discussing and addressing the IMUS issue! We Americans need to be more concerned about REAL issues that impact us more than this overblown nonsense!
VOTE FOR SANJAYA, AND VOTE OFTEN!!! VOTE FOR THE WORST!!! YEAH BABY!!!
I can't believe that people are so up in arms about this. Let's just face the fact that if you are not black you better watch every word you say. You will be judged by your words. If you are black you are free to say whatever you would like. Doesn't matter if it is racist against whites or Asians or Latino's. Just to remind everyone there is not one race in this world that was not a slave at some point in history. Get over it all ready. Learn to move forward because all you are doing is holding your entire race back. Imus is paid to shock and entertain. Not every joke is funny. You don't like his show don't listen. I will no longer support any company that pulls their advertising from the show. (never listened to the show, never plan too) These companies are cowards. Freedom of speech. We let celebrities berate and insult our President in public and it is ok. He wasn't inciting a race war. Get over it!
Whatever happened to "Freedom of Speech". So the guy said something really stupid, everyone, and I mean everyone has made a stupid statement before. They are making a Mountain out of a Mole Hill. The Rutgers Girls Basketball Team accomplished something rather awesome, go with that. Move on. I can't believe that they honestly feel that what this person said has scarred them for life. I think that's taking it a little over board. Al Sharpton and
Jessie Jackson need to get a job and a life. If we continue to let them speak then we continue to always have a black & white problem. Things will not get better between the blacks and the whites as long as we have Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson defending the blacks. Let's get back to work and move on.
The IMUS Factor
I-Ignorant
M-Moron
U-Useless
S-Stupid
And, All of his followers !!!!
To the 4:36 am writer,
If the Ms. America pagent hadn't been exclusive to WHITE women for 50 years, there would have been no Ms. Black America. B.E.T. would not have been in existence if all three of the big national networks had included people of color. When I grew up there were LEAVE IT TO BEAVER, DR. KILDARE, BONANZA, and MY THREE SONS. Believe it when I tell you there were no Blacks in Beaver's town, no Black doctors working with Kildare, no blacks out on the ranch, and I guess there were no definately no black young boys in that family of three. (Or no other family for that matter as far as television was concerned) Now, there are a few programs that have black characters, but you best beleive there is an average on 1 per show, unless the cast is ALL Black. Don't you think that if you don't include all, then the rest of the people left out of the mainstream programming, should get their own shows? Think about it while you're up in the middle of the night. W.E.T. is on all of the networks.....aren't you watching???
Don Imus is a shock jock alright...look at his face...VERY shocking!!! The FCC should fine all stations carrying his show and he should be FIRED IMMEDIATELY!!!! Without references and severance pay! This kind of thing needs to stop NOW!!!! People think they can do or say anything and then claim it was a joke. Well we're NOT laughing!!! There was no reason for his DISGUSTING comments against those innocent girls. Since it took so long to issue a so-called "apology" we KNOW it's not sincere!!
Where do you think he learned or heard the term nappy,ho?Why can some use the words and others cant?We have gone too far in this country and now the caucasion race or the non-athletic crackas,need to stand up for our rights before its to late.Mainly the ones defending Imus on here but not in public.The comment he made was ignorant,thats his choice.Even more ignorant that he lost his job and the people are whining and making it to big of a deal.everyone should be treated equal.
Two week suspension was reasonable, firing of Don Imus by both MSNBC and CBS is over the top!An offhanded remark by Imus cost him his job and removed one more choice from our airwaves.
Hey everyone....there's an elephant in the room and no one is talking about it! The elephant is racism and it is perpetuated by Blacks in America.
Who publicly called for the firing of Don Imus? Al Sharpton, Jesse (NY=hymie town) Jackson and I am sad to say Al Roker among others. Google the term "Black Associations" and you'll understand what I mean about Blacks perpetuating racism in America. There are at least 75 "Black" associations in existance -- Black Yoga Instructors, Black MBA's, Architects, Actuaries, Psychologists, Accountants, Business Owners, etc. Then there was the "Black Yellow Pages", Black Miss America Pagent, NAACP Image Awards, United Negro College Fund -- I could go on and on....
How do you think the Black community would react to caucasians creating segretated associations? Not favorably -- I'm sure Jackson and Sharpton would be all over that! I am a second generation Italian American. Both sets of grandparents came to America in the 1920's and could not speak English. They learned the language, worked hard and encouraged their children to do the same. They faced discrimination but rose above it to make a good life for their children and grandchildren. Personally, I'm tired of Blacks crying discrimination and playing the "race card" at every opportunity. None of the other races in America have multiple segretated organizations to whine and complain everytime someone says or does something they don't like. We just move on. We may individually choose to boycott a product, or not purchase a newspaper or change the channel. We exercise our freedom of choice without limiting the choices of others. Wake up Black America! If you want to reduce racism, start with yourselves. Eliminate "Black" organizations and work together with all Americans to make this country peaceful.
I would have thought that CBS and MSNBC would have had more class than to hire a "shock jock" in the first place. What were they thinking?
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