Did Anyone Hear Don Imus' Comments?

[Mitchell]

This isnt posted anywhere, so I'm not sure who has heard about it. There is an uproar going on currently about comments that radio DJ Don Imus made on Friday, about the mostly African American Rutgers University Women's Basketball team. According to the article I read, and as has also been admitted by Mr Imus himself, Don referred to the players on the team as "Nappy Headed Hoes".
In spite of Imus' on air apology today, for this comment, Don has sparked outrage, as Rev.'s Al Sharpton, and Jesse Jackson, have both stated that they plan to stage protests, for the purpose of pressuing Imus' employers to fire him.
Imus' comments are dispicable, no doubt, and I wanted to post this to get feedback from the members about what they think should be done about him.

Mitch

 

[the wiz]

I hate to say you mostly will not receive much feed back on this; not because people are or are not racist, but due to the fact that most people born before 75 trying to stay as far away from this subject as possible (you know like ignoring the 800 lbs gorilla in the room). and most people born after 76 don't see the big deal, it's just freedom of speech.


I personally would like him to make these comments in the ladies locker room, or better yet let him to come to STL with that bullshit

We wouldn't have to worry about his stupid ass anymore.

 

[Mitchell]

I see your point. I realize that this subject is an extremely emotionally charged one, given it's nature. I just figured that, given the controversial subjects posted in the P and R, that I would post this, and see if I got any reaction, and if so, what kind.

Mitch

 

[drew70]

I'm confused, Mitch. You're asking what should be "done about him" as if he's committed a crime of some sort. What do YOU think should be done about him? Jail? Public Execution? Beheading?

I know you're a big supporter of having those in authority controlling what people are allowed to say. They might get away with this kind of censorship on an Internet forum but out in the real world we have this thing called Freedom of Speech. If the government put a stop to public speech that was stupid and hateful, The View would be off the air and Bill Maher would be in prison.

You ask what should be done about Don Imus? Simple. Reach out, and turn the radio dial to another station. People have the freedom to say what they will. You and I have the freedom to ignore them.

 

[maniactickler]

Personally i hate the man, but he has the right to say what he feels. even if its inappropriate things like what he said. his punishment is that hes letting people know hes a piece of crap.

 

[Mitchell]

Drew, I see your point. That being said, I do feel that a penalty of some form should be levied on him. There is "free speech", and then there is "too far". While I realize that the public radio airwaves are not like the TMF, nor should they be, I think there is a certain amount of decorum that should be exercised. After all, Howard Stern has been fined by the FCC for saying sexual things, and making comments, so..
In my view, I believe that Imus should be fined, and maybe suspended, for say, a couple of weeks, or a month. His apology might serve to smooth over the situation. That being said, it may not.
I know you probably disagree with me, Drew, but this is just how I see it.

Mitch

One final point: Actually, especially lately, I am not in agreement with having people in authority control what we say. I have changed my position on this. That being said, I realize that, in the case of the TMF, this is how it is, and, if I want to stay here, I need to accept that.

 

[His Divine Shadow]

There is "free speech", and then there is "too far".

The trouble with that statement is that someone or someones has to decide what is "too far." One person's too far is not another's. Was what he said not in the best taste? Most probably. But, in the end, I'd have to side with Drew. If you don't like what he says, you don't have to listen to him. Starting down the road of banning certain types of speech worries me as being a slippery slope indeed ...

 

[drew70]

Mitch, while I do disagree with imposing a penalty, I'm nonetheless pleased and encouraged by your change in attitude toward speech regulation. Way to go, man.

 

[Mitchell]

Drew, I'm glad you approve.
An update on this: I was just listening to Lou Dobbs Moneyline show on CNN, and Mr Dobbs reported, that he had received word ,that MSNBC has suspended Don Imus for two weeks for his comments.
Appropriate? Probably so, in my view.

Mitch

HDS: I do see your point. You are essentially subscribing to the Larry Flynt theory. Any of us who saw the movie The People Vs Larry Flynt, know that Woody Harrelson, as Flynt, when responding to criticism about his Hustler magazine, said:" If you dont like Hustler magazine, dont read it". I guess the same can be said of Imus. It will be interesting to see if Imus' ratings are affected by this situation.

 

[RobAce]

A lot of people say STUPID things. But when someone like Imus has a job where speaking is their "bread and butter" they have to remember that while you can say what you want...there are standards and if you say something boneheaded, racist or contriversial, you have to be prepared to pay the piper.
He is certainly allowed to have these feelings and make these comments, but someone who has been on radio as long as he has should know by now what can be said and what shouldn't be said.
I had not heard that he was suspended for 2 weeks and checking msnbc.. the link is here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17999196/

they have suspended showing the simulcast of Imus in the Morning on MSNBC for 2 weeks starting April 16th. He still will be broadcasting from his radio base, WFAN owned by CBS.
I understand the decsion they are making...its more of a slap on the wrist really.
But then again they are pushing the start of the off TV suspension because on Thurs and Fri Imus is doing his telethon for his Tommrrow Children's Fund which supports his ranch for underprivledged kids and the CJ foundation for SIDS research, both worthy causes.

Again, he has the right as any of do to say what we want, stupid, racist or whatever...but you have to ready and accept the consequences of such actions.
I dont think what they are planning to do is enough, but I think listeners, advertisers and activists will add to the suffering....and embarassment.

Rob

 

[Tickle Fiend]

From what I've heard, this isn't the first time he's made comments like this.

 

[General Zod]

I am NO fan of Imus...I've heard him on the radio maybe ten times in my whole life, and wasn't inspired to listen anymore.

But I'm getting a little sick of this hypocrisy. Rev. Sharpton jumps on his high horse and starts bitching...that jerk has said nasty things about Jews and white people for over 10 years.

Apparently he can say whatever he wants, but Imus makes a comment about those black basketball players (which was mean-spirited, by the way) and he should be fired??? The guy apologized. Where's Sharpton apologizing for all the times he's ripped Jews a new one?

Give me a f***ing break. 🙁

Just goes to show that it's ok for some people to be racist

 

[RobAce]

OK, now that Ive read another 2 media releases on this, it seems both MSNBC and CBS are suspending him for 2 weeks. Starting on next Monday. So he will not be on the air at all.

And yes Imus had said stuff like this before...calling the NY Knicks "chest pumping pimps" and things like caliing Colin Powell "a sniffling weasel" and Gov Richardson of NM a "fat sissy".

And yes it is ironic that Sharpton who slurs others expects Imus to be fired, but then again...what job does ol Rev. Al REALLY hold....nothing he could be fired from.

Rob

 

[Iggy pop]

Drew, I see your point. That being said, I do feel that a penalty of some form should be levied on him. There is "free speech", and then there is "too far".

Unless the government gets involved this is not a free speech issue. Personally, I would never would have heard his comments if people had just ignored Imus or change the station. It was until I hear it later on other radio stations, that I actually learned what he said. I then heard it from other people who asked me if I had heard what Don Imus said? You see I do not listen to Don Imus, so I do not care what Don Imus says, and if you don't listen to Don Imus then why do you care what he says? If you are a fan of Don Imus, then why are you?

 

[Mitchell]

Iggy, I'm not a fan of Don Imus. I'm not saying that I've never listened to him in my life. I did, some time ago, when I lived in NY, a couple of times, and, I might have stopped at his TV show once or twice while channel surfing.
Yes, of course anyone has the option to turn him off. I am very liberal when it comes to "free speech". That being said, I still feel that his comments went too far.

Mitch

 

[Iggy pop]

Iggy, I'm not a fan of Don Imus. I'm not saying that I've never listened to him in my life. I did, some time ago, when I lived in NY, a couple of times, and, I might have stopped at his TV show once or twice while channel surfing.
Yes, of course anyone has the option to turn him off. I am very liberal when it comes to "free speech". That being said, I still feel that his comments went too far.

I understand you disagree with what he said. All I am saying is that I don't watch or listen to Don Imus, and certainly after these comments I do not plan on starting. If it was not for people saying, "Did you hear what Don Imus said" then I would have never have heard these comments. This really does not effect me in any way.

 

[asutickler]

If Imus has offended enough of his listeners to drop his ratings significantly, he's probably done for. If his ratings stay about the same, or even improve (due to the hype and controversy surrounding this whole episode) then he will probably remain.

Then again, if Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson can whip up enough of a furor to get people to actually boycott the show's sponsors (in significant numbers) then Imus is probably done regardless of ratings, unless he can find someone willing to purchase the lost advertising time.

I don't listen to the guy, but I know that he seems to thrive on controversy... Its tough to guess what will actually happen.

 

[CitY of MicA]

My feelings about this really echo a number of things already said in this post. I guess I fall somewhere in between many of the opinions being expressed. I do feel strongly about freedom of speech, and, to this end, don't think it's a bad thing that certain people who make stupid comments retain their positions. It might be disconcerting to see everyone who did so be canned. But as Rob said, there is a consequence for making racist comments. It's more about money and free markets, as represented by advertisers in this case, then about free speech.

One of the problems for Mr. Imus is that his comments were not only racist but directed toward college students. I think if we hear from the Rutger's students at whom the slur was directed, it will only magnify this. Another problem is, as was the case with Michael Richards, clips of the comments are up on the internet for all to see.

Despite the controversy, I would be very surprised if Imus was actually 'kicked of the airwaves' for his latest comments (fired and not picked up by another station). Oh- and for the record, those are some pretty awful comments.

 

[maniactickler]

Maybe hes just stirring things up to get ratings.

 

[drew70]

I've never been a fan of his. To me he always sounds like he's on some kind of heavy medication and seems to often struggle with simple speech. In my opinion somebody who has that difficult a time articulating has no place in the entertainment industry. If he's gone tomorrow, I won't miss him. But I refuse to condemn the man for failure to conform to political correction.

 

[Ace Riley]

I see your point. I realize that this subject is an extremely emotionally charged one, given it's nature. I just figured that, given the controversial subjects posted in the P and R, that I would post this, and see if I got any reaction, and if so, what kind.

Mitch

I don't see where he needs to apologize to be honest. Making a sexist insult and dissing their hair (Nappy isn't exactly racist to african americans solely, I'm Puerto Rican, it's an insult but neccesarily a racist one?)

Even then, racism these days is taken way too out of context. I'm not saying people should 'get over it', but they sure do need to control their emotions. Especially if they weren't born during the years racism was prelavent.

I'm sorry, but if I got into an outrage everytime someone called my people a bunch of lazy wetbacks, I'd be less of a man and more of a color.

I have a name, I have a home. Who gives a shit what someone else thinks?

People shouldn't have to apologize for their statements if it's an individual thought. If someone wants to worship the devil, and wear white cone hats that's his perogative to get his ass whupped if he so desires. It's not a crime, let him deal with the consequences and leave the salty tears out of it imo.

 

[tickledorange]

Nope, never liked political radio talk shows , but it was pretty funny when Howard Stern was compared to him years ago, and then Stern beat him in the ratings.

Did anyone else see that TV Funhouse a few years ago that featured a superhero called Distractor, and whenever the country's political people were in trouble politically, they would call on Distractor to make entertainers say/do something stupid just to distract people from the crises of the world? Everytime something like this happens, I always think of that.

(Oh, and there's a thread about this already in P&R. Thanks. )

 

[the wiz]

The trouble with that statement is that someone or someones has to decide what is "too far." One person's too far is not another's. Was what he said not in the best taste? Most probably. But, in the end, I'd have to side with Drew. If you don't like what he says, you don't have to listen to him. Starting down the road of banning certain types of speech worries me as being a slippery slope indeed ...

You became a MOD also? damn they let anyone in. except me 😀

 

[the wiz]

I am NO fan of Imus...I've heard him on the radio maybe ten times in my whole life, and wasn't inspired to listen anymore.

But I'm getting a little sick of this hypocrisy. Rev. Sharpton jumps on his high horse and starts bitching...that jerk has said nasty things about Jews and white people for over 10 years.

Apparently he can say whatever he wants, but Imus makes a comment about those black basketball players (which was mean-spirited, by the way) and he should be fired??? The guy apologized. Where's Sharpton apologizing for all the times he's ripped Jews a new one?

Give me a f***ing break. 🙁

Why do everyone thinks Al Sharpton or Jessie Jackson speaks for all the African-American community. True they have done some good things for the community in the 60's and 70's. but their or not our Lord and master, they're like russ limbaugh they have a right to their opinions.

If the media view them as spoke person for our community than the media is at fault.
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Why do people feel free speech mean you have the right to do or say anything you want without being held responsible. They should be conscientious to ones action and words; just no matter what they are radio stars, or some bump in the street. You do not have the right to insult anyone without paying the price. Personally I like the old school method no courts, or police just a trip to the hospital with it all said and done.

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I head people on CNN state the term Nappy Head Hoe originated from the Black community; I strong disagree with this premises. True we use the term, sparingly but it did not originate from us.
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Lastly people wonder why he should be punish, we had a incident about 3 or 4 years ago, where two hip-hop DJ was fired because they made a statement, right after a white cop was killed by a black teen; (the teen felt that police didn’t take his late 9 yo brother illness seriously resulting with him dying a short time later). The comment wasn’t about the cop being kill but how to protect yourself from them. The police associates became enrage and voice a boycott on the radio owner (clear station radio: a black own company).

In 1991 – 1992 Arsenio Hall (than on CBS) made a statement about president bush in the height of his TV Night show. They terminated his show within 1 week. Now, Jay Lino make remarks about bush nothing happen, Letterman make remarks about bush nothing happen, Hall make a remark show cancel.

So, yes he should be cancel

 

[Iggy pop]

In 1991 – 1992 Arsenio Hall (than on CBS) made a statement about president bush in the height of his TV Night show. They terminated his show within 1 week. Now, Jay Lino make remarks about bush nothing happen, Letterman make remarks about bush nothing happen, Hall make a remark show cancel.

So, yes he should be cancel

Arsenio Hall was canceled in 1994 because of low ratings. Arsenio Hall was syndicated and not on CBS, but he was aired on many CBS stations. This was until Letterman moved over to CBS, and Arsenio was then dropped from many of those stations. Arsenio Hall certainly was not cancelled after a remark said about Bush.