A Nuyorican Vision - Thoughts in Motion

Ok, so this whole week we have spoken about Imus, his comments regarding the Rutgers Women's Basketball Team, his firing from CBS, his simulcast being cancelled by MSNBC,racism, rappers, etc. So now the liberal in me is weighing in again.

One of the reasons why I was in the fence regarding the whole issue was because although I felt that Imus should be fired for his actions, I also felt "Well, what about the First Amendment?" During this time, my company's yearly mandatory Code of Conduct course was due. I am glad that I had put it off until then. What I realized as I went through the course is that although we are all protected by the First Amendment, we are also striving for a world of diversity. If I utter a racist and/or sexist word or comment in my workplace, anyone can take me up to Human Resources and make charges against me. It does not have to be directed to them or even have anything to do with them. All that needs to happen is that they overhear it; that's all. My company has proven this in the past too. I personally know 3 people who have been fired based on racist comments that were considered inappropriate to the company's diversity policy. And let's face it, we have all made a racist comment about one another. Not one person cannot say they haven't.

So, "Was Imus' First Amendment Rights violated?" No. As an employee of a large corporation, Imus knew that his company had a diversity clause. And large corporations clearly state what actions can be taken should you violate their diversity clause. It may include suspension or possible termination. So as an employee of CBS Radio, his actions was dealt with a dismissal. Now does this mean this is the reason he was fired? Of course not. Let's face it, the reason why Imus was fired was because the big advertisers were pulling out and demanding his termination.

I have heard a lot of people talk this week about First Amendment Rights and how we are becoming a society of censorship. Everyone agrees that Imus was wrong. What we may not agree with is whether he should have been suspended versus fired. But to confuse his firing with censorship is like comparing apples with oranges. It's ridiculous, so please censor your stupid opinions while in my presence.

This tribute video of Rachel Brice was created by one of her fans. Enjoy Rachel's belly dancing and "Snake Charmer" by Bassnectar & Kraddy. After seeing her dance you know why people say she is one of the best belly dancers in the world.

Enjoy!

Hmmm....Do I think Imus is a racist? I am not sure for I don't know Imus and have never cared for his show. But was his comment a racist one? For sure, no doubt about it.

What Imus does not and will not understand is that our youth is constantly bombarded with negative messages. They are constantly told by the "White" aka mainstream media that they are not worthy. This image of unworthiness, at times, are confirmed by some teachers, the police, society at large and sometimes, unfortunately, by their own family. The Rutgers Women Basketball Team had achieved a brief moment of acceptance, worthiness. For Imus to go and degrade these women was uncalled for and he should be held accountable.

I listened today to Al Sharpton's show. During the show, a caller told Imus he should be fired. Imus was peddling back and forth but finally used two key words which just sunk him even further, "You People". Now I am guilty of using the same words, "You People" and I pretty much mean it in the same manner which Imus was using it at the time. But I was told and it was brought home today that saying "You People" to African Americans is insulting. Something, I assure you I don't want to do. The caller and Al immediately repeated the insult. My question is how can we stop this type of racism from creeping out not only from the mouths of so-called celebrities but from their thoughts as well? I am disgusted as well that these nobodies then get on television or radio to offer their quick apologies. These apologies I feel is to ensure that the African American community does not picket their pristine offices and cause discomfort.

It saddens me to know that Imus has a huge following, just like Howard Stern. Two shows that I do not enjoy and therefore do not listen to. I can almost imagine many of Imus' fans laughing at his comments regarding the Rutgers women. At the moment and believe me I know a few people who personally love both of these shows, did they think or say "Wait a minute, that's unacceptable." Believe me, Imus will not lose his following. But these women did lose their moment. For today's news is not how Rutgers won but about Imus apologizing on the Al Sharpton's Show.

The Rutgers Women Basketball Team's moment of glory has been diminished to shine the spotlight on a white man's foot-in-mouth apology.

Update: Imus has been suspended by CBS Radio and MSNBC but he has not been fired. In today's world of satellite radio, even if he was fired, I would not be surprised if he ends up there. Also, at 6pm (EST), I was able to go to imusblog.com and listen to the entire broadcast of the Al Sharpton's show featuring Imus. That account is now suspended.

1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still. So He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goal and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.