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.
2 comments:
Al Sharpton needs to stand down... People like him are what causes todays problems in America... Hey Al, in case you forgot this is America! (refer to ammendment 1) If you are going to keep crying leave the United States. America does not have time for a cry baby girl like you. (Al Sharpton)
Well, Anonymus, I am not a fan of Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson. I still remember Jesse's comment regarding New York City being "a Hymie town." That comment still does not sit well with me.
Now with that said, do I believe that Al Sharpton's actions was what caused Imus to get fired, No. What caused Imus to get fired was that he made his "product", his show, a liability to the companies that hired him. When advertisers pulled their commericals and also threatened Imus' carriers with the fact that they will no longer spend advertising money in their company, both MSNBC and WFAN-AM radio had no other choice but to fire Imus.
What people don't remember or may not know is that Imus has been fired in the past. And it was for the same thing, comments that he made on air. Is this the end for Imus? Of course not. With the commencement of satellite radio, no one will be surprise when his show resurfaces. Not only will it resurface but it will do so uncensored .
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