Racism? Don't we do real victims of racism a disservice by claiming that Imus's remarks are racist? They were insensitive and ugly, but racist? It seems to me that this whole thing boils down to Imus using words that blacks use to describe each other all the time without incident. When blacks call each other hos and pimps, it's OK because it isn't on national media. The second a white person says the same thing, Al Sharpton goes into Brawley mode.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The fact this guy wasn't fired immediately demonstrates the corrupt nature of corporatist media.

Cause fascists are welcome.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Imus comments were stupid, insensitive, but I agree with a previous poster, - not racist. Should he get fired, of course . . .many have lost their jobs and said less. But we all know he brings more listeners/viewers to broadcast than most any other personality.
Going on Sharpton ?? gimme a break, No one has ever made him pay for the Twana Brawley incedent. Imus must be brought to justice, but the only thing he understands is money, he should be fined sufficiently that it noticeably effects his pocketbook.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

....But this type of stuff is entirely predictable...the tolerance, indeed the active support of a collective racial self debasement mindset on the part of all too many Black Americans has facilitated this growing cacaphony of overt unabashed white racist hyperbole.
As I have remarked before , it was a pretty sure sign of things had started to 'go south' when an aging Italian portraying a murdering psycho/sociopath white cuban expatriate miami nouveau 'gangster' became one of the idols of a generation of black youth. Sorta' like a young 'sexed up' Arafat likeness becoming a matinee idol amongst zionist youth...Ain't gonna happen! :O)
Yes, Don Imus needs to go...no two ways about it ,absolutely.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Imus said something stupid, but you have to understand that he is a passionate advocate for progressive causes, many of which are of vital concern to the Black community. He spent countless hours of radio time trying to get Harold Ford elected in TN, runs a ranch for kids with terminal illinesses like sickle cell, and constantly beraids right wing personalities for biggoted behavior, to name a very few. When I heard the Rutgers comments I saw them as a slightly awkward attempt to be funny in comparing the appearence of Tennessee women, who were squared away, and the Rutgers women. It was of a stupid comment, but we could all imagine him making the same comparision between "dirt eating hippies" at Gonzaga and "Alter boys" at Duke. He made a stupid comment, but this was not a commentary on black women, but an attempt to make a women's basketball highlight interesting radio. I hope that anyone who has been truly upset by this, and you certainly have a right to be, will take a moment to review his history. The man was close to tears today trying to explain himself because the last ten years of his life have been spent championing progressive causes and politicians, granted in his somewhat rough "shock jock" manner, but he is seeing that destroyed by a momentary lapse in judgement. Like Joe Biden, destroying Imus would be a negative for the progressive community, and I hope everyone will give forgiveness a chance.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Why the Tawana Brawley reference? For more on this case and what the media will never report, go to WWW.REINSTATEALTONMADDOX.COM. Open your eyes and read more than what the media CHOOSES to report.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

For the past two years, to get my brain working before working the Internet each morning, I woke up at 3 am California time and listened with a headset to Imus while my wife continued sleeping.

While Don’s show was certainly entertaining, I always felt uncomfortable with the “Cardinal Keegan” comedy routine which gives new meaning to the word “tasteless.”

The obvious insensitive mindset behind the Catholic satire led to Friday’s flap and the I-Man’s subsequent, hand-in-the-cookie-jar, sup-sup, weepy-eyed apology this morning.

I don’t believe Don’s a bigot. But clearly, he's wandered off the farm of responsible radio broadcasting. Rather than be fired, the I-Man should do what Slick Willie should’ve done during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. QUIT.

Hugh E. Scott, editor of King-George.biz -- the only website with hardcopy proof of White House corruption.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I been watching Imus for awhile now. I so not feel he said this in a racist manner, if u watch his show, this is how they do everyone. If you are offended, don't watch. I personally hate a lot of their comments, but I also like a lot of what he says. this time, he offended a great group of woman. He really screwed up this time, and he knows it. He has apologized, and i feel he was sincere, which is more than bill oreilly or ann coulter has ever done. Imus dishes it, and he takes it....its part of his show. But most importantly is the good he has done. He donates time, money and his heart to helping kids with terminal illness. He takes to task all the lying politicians who come on his show, he calls them out right in front of everyone. I do no always agree with what he says or does, but we have become so damn politically correct that you can not say anything anymore. He did the right thing, he said he was sorry, he will make amends, he has learned to be more sensitive......and now can we please concentrate on what really matters. Believe me, Imus is not destroying this country, you can turn him off, but the lies the media feeds us everyday is. The jerk in the White house is. The people who are making this a huge issure are. Lets see what the players from Rutgers say. If they can forgive then we should. Do not let us get anymore divided than we are. Look what 'they' tried to do to Rosie, totally lied about what she said, and our freedom of speech is under attack.
peace to all.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

We can't just get rid of everyone saying things we don't like...what are we, Republicans or something?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I watched his show a few times years ago on MSNBC and it was so boring it made me want to hang myself.

I can't believe this guy is still on the air. He is so BORING. He has to say crazy things every now and then to create a controversy otherwise nobody would listen to him.

That's what people fail to realize, he's a shock jock masquerading as a political/social commentator.

Put him in the same realm as Howard Stern.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

"These people can't even wrap up genocide ... We've been hearing about this slaughter in Darfur forever -- and they still haven't finished.

The aggressors are moving like termites across that country. It's like genocide by committee. Who's running this holocaust in Darfur, FEMA?"

Ann Coulter

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Yes, Imus is a jerk, and I don't really care one way or another waht happens to him, but is his little joke worse than Bill O'Reilly's constant racist anti-immigrant rants? I don't think so, yet that jackass is still on the air.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

that's right. If Imus, Trent Lott, can't use racist slurs, the same goes to 50-Cent, Snoop Dogg and the rest of us!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

While "nappy-headed" has a racial african american connotation to it, why is it so easy to disregard the sexist remark, "hos"?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

LMAO!!!! That's the funniest thing I've read in weeks. All I've ever seen is a shriveled up old coke junkie. If he has a super masculine glow, I better start taking estrogen so I don't get that same glow.

:-)

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Who is left in the shock jock world? Nearly all of them have been fired for violating FCC rules or doing stupid stunts. I hear songs worse than "nappy headed hoes" on the radio and no one gets fired. Imus commented on tattooed basketball players representing a fairly prestegous university. Are the comments really about a group of people who let themselves go or about a culture that looks like they just walked out of prison?

Evidently what he said wasn't defamatory or else he would be sued. Trump can call Rosie O'Donnel an ugly lesbian and get airplay and keep his show. But a shock jock can't comment on a group of people's hair?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Yeah, okay. And I got whiplash when that kid on the tricycle hit my car from behind. Gotta love the melodrama.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I'm a freedom of speech advocate myself, but it goes both ways. People do have the right to say whatever they want. There are a lot of people in the mass media who offend me. I simply choose not to watch/listen/buy whatever it is they're puttimg out there. That's me. But the people they offend also have THE RIGHT to call them out on it and demand redress of their grievances. I think all you free speech advocates forget that in your haste to slap that evil "PC" label on everything. Freedom of speech isn't just a one way street--you can either heal with your words or hurt with them. This time Imus and his buddy hurt a group of women for no other reason than to be mean-spirited. That makes them no better than the Anns, Seans and Bills out there.

If anything, Imus should just step down and accept his punishment like a man and take responsibility for his actions. After all, don't conservatives always complain that liberals/progressives like to blame everything and everyone else?

And lastly for those who think his statements are okay because "black people use it", that's a crock and you all need to get a life because there are far more black people who DON'T. I certainly don't think Condeleeza Rice refers to herself as a 'ho'? I can't imagine that Colin Powell ever referred to himself as a "pimp". So no, blanket generalizations don't fly here. Just in case you're not convinced, check out this site and perhaps you'll see that not all black people are so accepting of being stereotyped:

www.abolishthenword.com

I hope you learn something from it.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

now if we can also get all this great antiracism energy focussed on the greatest obscenity we got going, the global war on terror, we can actually cut down on the slaughter of innocent humans......sticks and stones may break my bones...etc......what passes for mass media entertainment on TV by and large is a totally violent, mindless, hateful souless spewing of cultural emptiness reflecting a terminal spiritual sickness.....ugly Imus is a tiny pinprick in a seaful of imperious hubristic bushite middle east uncontrolled murder of innocent Iraqui citizens.....a totally unprovoked, disingenuously planned overt WAR CRIME....ok, fire Imus but retire the decider,too, as early as feasible.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

That the writer of the article is shocked, SHOCKED, that Tim Russert would go on a bigot (at best) or a racist's (at worst) show and say nothing, NOTHING, of "the incident." Why people harbor the naive belief that public figures are any less racist, sexist, homophobic, or prejudiced than the general population astounds me. If anything, public figures make more sense as bigots because, due to their (financial/professional) positions, they are protected from dealing with the real world (i.e. people that don't smell their shit and say its roses).

Personally, I thought his comments about being "nappy ho's" was insensitive, subtly racist, (amusing in an "Omigod, he's been listening to that 50 Cent again in the burbs!")but not that serious in the greater scheme of things. I mean, it's not like he's saying "Years ago, you would've had a fork up your ass" ala Kramer (something that did deserve all the negative publicity it got).

2 fo ya!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I'm not that shocked about the Imus statement he should go to counseling or whatever.

WHAT I'M SICK AND TIRED OF IS OUR COMMUNITY. A LOT OF THESE LEADERS (especially the big name ones) DON'T BRING ATTENTION TO WHAT'S HAPPENING IN A LOT (or most) OF OUR COMMUNITIES (especially the inner-city). THERE IS BLACK ON BLACK KILLING YET THE GOD-DAMNED MEDIA WOULD RATHER TALK ABOUT SOME COUNTRY MAN (no offense) MAKING A "racist" comment (it was I'm denying) BUT IT IS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT WE CALL OURSELVES WE GO AROUND AND CALL EACH OTHER MONKEYS, BABOONS,APES ETC... WHEN WHITES (and Asians and all other minorities) DO THE SAME THING ONLY THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE TIME THEY DO IN INDOORS OR AWAY FROM US YOU'LL BE SURPRIZED THAT WHITES (and all other races since they don't deal with racism) MAKE RACIST COMMENTS IN FRONT OF OTHER "minorities" AND TREAT THEM LIKE THEY'RE WHITE 99% OF THE TIME. ALSO I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE PROBLEMS IN OUR COMMUNITY WE HAVE BLACK FATHERS GOING AROUND NOT BEING FATHERS IN EVERY OTHER COMMUNITY OTHER THAN OURS. IN A LOT OF INNER-RACIAL RELATIONSHIPS THEY'LL BE A FATHER FOR SOME REASON. WE HAVE YOUNG MEN GOING AROUND THINKING IT'S THE S--T TO WALK AROUND WITH THEIR PANTS DOWN. I LIVE IN THE GREATER BOSTON AREA AND THERE ARE SHOOTINGS EVERYDAY IN OUR COMMUNITYS IN MASSACHUSETTS (at least) THERE ARE NO HIGH-CLASS BLACK COMMUNITY'S WE CAN'T EVEN LIVE IN A GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD. YET THESE GOD-DAMNED FOOLS (our "leaders") (I don't believe in God) WANT TO INSTEAD GO AFTER THIS IDIOT. I'M NOT SAYING EVERY SINGLE THING THEY (leaders) DO IS BAD ESPECIALLY WITH THAT NYC THEY WERE GOOD PEOPLE FOR WHAT THEY DID. BUT 90% OF THE TIME ALL THEY WANNA TALK ABOUT IS THE WHITE MAN. YOU NEED TO LEARN THAT THIS WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD IS AGAINST YOU AND THAT THIS WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD PUT YOU IN SLAVERY. YOU ALSO NEED TO KNOW THAT 99% ALL OF THE WHITE RACISM IN TARGETED AT ONLY ONE RACE (guess ? clue: it's the one I've been writing about) AND PROBABLY 90-95% OF THIS WHOLE WORLD HATES YOU (me too) OUR LEADERS WANNA GO ON BET AND SAY THAT SLAVERY WAS A BIG DEAL (it was I'm not denying) BUT YOU NEED TO LEARN ABOUT SLAVERY. THAT'S ALL THAT'S ON MY MIND NOW.

Thank You.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Would someone please protest Rush Limbaugh and get that hate spewing drug addict off the air???

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Here's a great site: Old American Centurty: 14 Points of Fascism

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

the remark was tailored as a black referent. the hair description could only belong to a black. it was precise and it was a stereotype. then to add the ho part, which is used a lot on shows like sat. night live, you have a very neat and quick message. so , i do think it was racist. what else could you mean by it. the man has a show to run and this is his ticket. the audience as well has to be fed . i have watched the show in small bits and it is obvious who he is appealing to. a certain kind of wiseass male out there, a midcult figure who thinks he is special. imus himself assumes a kind of superman look with his big hat and cowboy attire. a marlboro man, except his wife makes him eat soy products. this entire situation is a big mess and with two candidates that are nontraditional , how will they make fun of them? the obama references in this article are extremely offensive. but this is how parts of male america works now. very sad.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Irrefutably IMUS's remarks were directed specifically at these black female basketball players...and what a description! "Nappy-Headed-Hoes!" ...which was Imus's response to his producer saying "hardcore ho's" ....he had to add to the "hardcore" characterization of the black female athletes with a racially derogratory statement...

(Disclosure Notice: I am a 21 year old, middle class, white, male, law student, etc etc...) Despite my background, I just cannot find it in me to forgive Imus...but I mean, as someone of partial Jewish ethnicity I mean i certainly wouldnt find it racist if he called me a "big schnawzed money fiend" and for my Irish roots I would not mind if he called me a "big trotter imbecile" ...I mean these words have no meaning right...

Words are insignifcant just ask Joseph Goebbels or any of the many lynchers in American history...racists know that words mean nothing...and "nappy head hos" certainly has nothing to do with race and these "hardcore black" athletes....

I am just speechless at the friggin dishonesty of all the white males on this board...it is morally repugnant to say that these words are not racial derogations and thus racism....please remember his "nappy headed ho" characterization was added on to the "hardcore" comment...you should be smart enough to appreciate the significance [message directed at the white klan...oops i mean clan]

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

As a black woman, I WAS personally hurt by Imus comment. I have dreadlocks so my hair is "nappy" (which for those who don't know, just means its how our hair grows out of our head, SANS the chemical straightners or weaves---sue me). Nappy like "kinky" is a strange word used to note the texture of Black hair, but is also derogatory in certain contexts. I don't say that I have "nappy" hair, that seems to add a substandard value to it. Why can't I just have "hair"? Afterall, studies have shown that Black hair is no different than non-Afro textured hair.

I was even more offended by the fact that he used the word "ho". How does this middle aged white man even know this word! I hate how people think that all black people go around using these terms, its disgusting! Also, you all need to understand the wars that we have within the Black community against a SMALL portion of the entire worldwide population of Blacks that use words like nigga, nappy, ho, "good hair", "pretty skin" (light skin), pimp etc. Most of us are just regular folks, and so when all this baggage is laid on our steps every now and then its a shocking reminder that, get this: even if we want to assimulate or BE 'CLEAN AND ARTICULATE', people like Imus and Michael Richards (Kramer) remind us that....nope, sorry your still Black and we just thought we'd remind you.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Oh yeah and hurricane Katrina too.


Furthermore, whenever an incident like this happens, people act like we're over reacting. Has anyone even thought of the fact that these are YOUNG girls in college? We're so busy philosophizing over "was it racist" when a group of young ladys have been PUBLICALLY degraded. AGAIN just like with Katrina imagine if this was an all white basketball team from Nebraska, complete with blondes. Racism is a hot potato that society is always somehow casually throwing back towards the victims. "Black people are too sensitive", "Well he supported Harold Ford, he can't be racist" "There goes Al Sharpton again".....DUDE! Thank GOD for Al Sharpton, without him and Jessie, no one would have our back! No one would PUBLICALLY and unequivocally stand up for Black People. If you can think of anyone else, on that scale, let me know.

In conclusion, please don't come on the Alternet board and act like what Imus said was anything less than sexist and racist. And don't say how "Imus messed up, but he's progressive". Typical response of the type of white liberal who is hopelessly unaware of his/her own priveledge by virute of being white.


Sincerely,

Just another "angry" black woman.

p.s. its a shame that in the 21st Century, Black women feel as though they can not wear their hair naturally in a professional setting. People have been fired for having Afros, dreadlocks and cornrows, yet these are THE most natrual styles for blacks and apart from braided hair extensions, the only styles that don't involve chemically burning your hair every two weeks.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Poor neanderthal Don Imus. He just doesn't know the proper terms to express racism and sexism in modern society in order to win liberal acclaim rather than condemnation. He should have said, "Young African American women today are more promiscuous than girls of other races and girls of the past due to lack of comprehensive school and after-school behavior education programs, and young women slavishly follow corporate media dictation with regard to destructive hair styles and fashion." That's how leftists say "nappy-headed ho's."

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Has anyone noticed that CBS has a HUGE contract to broadcast the NCAA tournament online??

Yes, indeed. Those who stand to profit by the NCAA College (albeit men's) basketball phenomenon are unwilling to stand up for the very players that they profit from and fire Mr. Imus. What is up with that? If I could just find a way to actually contact CBS corp... but they are well concealed behind their fortress.

Please take note! If they will profit, Imus must pay! If Imus does not pay, CBS must not profit!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Below is an email I sent to MSNBC this morning. It is my intention to encourage all to boycott MSNBC and Imus corporate sponsors until he and his producer are terminated.

A 2 week suspension is simply another slap in my face! Is this the best that you can do?
Imus and his producer should be terminated immediately! Until they are, I will boycott
your channel and your sponsors. Additionally, I will immediately begin a campaign to
encourage others to do so as well. Since you obviously do not care about the behavior of
your so called "Stars", maybe the sponsors will when it hits their bottom line.

Ann-Marie Moore MD
Just another "Nappy Headed Ho" to you.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

It's safe to insult women, and even safer to insult black women. It's incredible to me that this man has any kind of established place in public life. What a joke. What a tragedy. He panders to all the white men whose insecurity and denial is driving our whole country down the toilet.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Calling young, successful, strong women (daughters, sisters) whores? Describing them as "nappy-headed?" The comment was both sexist and racist. It was also hateful and incredibly hurtful. That should be enough to get this Imus idiot off the air. Every decent human in America should boycott his sponsors until he's gone.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

This is America. People have the right to say anything they want, no matter how stupid or insensitive. Does it really matter what one stupid disk jockey says?

And who are Sharpton and Jackson to criticize anyone? Sharpton has made some anti-semitic remarks in the past, and doesn't everyone remember Jackson's infamous "Hymietown" remark?

If Jesse and Al really want to help black people, how about speaking out for the people of Sudan, where slavery still exists and the death toll is reaching 400,000.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I'm a 26 y/o African American male, right now my hair is in afro style. I'm trying to grow it out to get dreadlocks.

First of all, let me say, I'm 100% for the 1st amendment. Even knowing the history, and how it wasn't always guaranteed to certain groups, etc. So let Imus or anybody say what they want to say, but people should be aware of insensitivity words can have on groups. But thats part of the "BEAUTY" of America, more or less.

Its true, the word "nappy' is specifically geared to black people. "Kinky", very rarely in my circles anyway, is used as well sometimes to describe a "typical" black person's hair. The funny thing is (this I guess is the legacy of racism in America) that both "nappy" and "kinky" hair can have negative connotations. "Nappy" specifically, coming out of a non-black person's mouth. Sometimes curly is used I guess as the politically correct way to describe a black person hair, but personally I had assigned that name to Hispanics/Latinos usually, and white people as well. I guess maybe wavy hair could go to Hispanic/Latinos and maybe Asians. And see this is the cunundrum in describing people's hair I guess.

The other thing is blacks themselves in the U.S. use the word "nappy" in a degrading fashion unless their in a beauty salon or barbershop......like "you ole nappy hair fool". I've personally, never heard someone call me a "handsome nappy haired gentleman", and I've never called a black woman a "sexy nappy haired queen", even if they have dreadlocks or braids! Which goes back to my point of the dual nature of the word "nappy", blacks would rarely use it to describe themselve regardless of the hair style unless they are degrading or picking on another black person. Matter fact, when I''m watching the lame ass morning shows, like the "Today Show" and they have a segment on hair, they always tend to frame African-American hair as "curly". I mean if you go to the Dominican Republic or Brazil, you can find dark skin people who would never call themselves "negro" or "black" and may or may not have "curly" or "kinky" hair. I can only speak from the African-American context of course.

The fact is for a white person to use the word is like acid. Its stupid, corny, and hypocritical I know, but thats the legacy of this other "N" word. Maybe it can be embraced and loved by all...lol....I don't know.

And yes, as a HipHop fan, with all its dual glory and negativity, I've rarely heard the word "nappy" used. Ironically, there is a semi-popular rap group called Nappy Roots from Kentucky. On their second CD, they have a song called "Nappy Roots Holiday" which talks about the Governor of Kentucky literally proclaiming September 16, I believe, to be yes.......Nappy Roots Day. I guess it was done, because they are decent and more or less positive rap/hip hop group, and the 1st one from Kentucky to get national/international notoriety. So yes, some rap artists, use the word ho like its a space bar on keyboard, and people love it. Even though it degrades women generally, it specifically is usually aimed at black women.

I say all this to say that what Imus said was hurtful and racist in the sense that he described the Tennessee team as pretty, but then used the ....Other "N" word + hos......to describe 18-22 y/o black college females. Now if he had called Tennesse a bunch of "straight haired hos", would there have been a backlash like this. I don't know. But the fact that he used both and he happen to be white, will of course bring out the senstive nature among blacks and the PC police. Again, I support the 1st amendment, but there are thing that if said by certain people will get you in hot water. I don't think he should be fired either, but now he knows to watch his mouth a lil more. IknowIknow. Blackcomedians say all kind of crazystuff. Whatcan Isay, its the legacyof U.S.history.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

It seems to me that every time something like this happens (and it happens often) we end up turning it into being about Imus, or Michael Richards, or Joe Biden, or whomever, rather than being about US.

Imus's comments were tame compred to the myriad sexist, racist, ____-ist comments that I hear every day from my 18 year old students, the media, and people on the street.

It seems that Rev Sharpton et al, are missing a bigger opportunity. Instead of implying that Imus' firing will make the world better for women of color, how about pointing out that while this man clearly supports the issues concerning women/people of color, he still holds some clearly dangerous stereotypes (for lack of a better word) about them. This is probably no different than anyone posting on this site, nor for the greater American public. The only difference is that Imus said them on air.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I have and they are not kind. I remember someone much older than me and black calling me plenty of racial names. Didn't hurt my game but I did lose some respect from this government worker (a mail man). I didn't call for him to lose his job.

You show up on television and you will be commented about how you look. Mike Tyson got out of jail and nearly everyone distance themselves from him. Why? He didn't call anyone racist names did he?

What about OJ Simpson? He was found innocent in a criminal case. Why are people distancing themselves from him?

What about Michael Jackson? He has been accused of child molestation and people still come out to support him or hear him sing.

I don't like Imus, never have. And I like him less that he doesn't stand by what he says.

Ho isn't much different than being called a dick. If I called V.P. Cheney a dick do you think he would be offended? Bald headed dick. You could call that whole administration something similar to that and it wouldn't be defamatory.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Protests should only be the start. Press releases are one thing, writing letters to sponsors of the Don Imus show will be much more effective.

I was part of a grassroots anti-racism campaign in New Jersey in 2005, launched in reaction to a radio shock jock who made racist remarks on air. We inundated the station and its advertisers with e-mails and letters and, in the end, got him to apologize on air. He's been more tame ever since.

Here’s the website I set up for those who want to learn how to run such a campaign. It includes sample letters sent to the show's sponsors:
CeaseRacism.blogspot.com

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Tie him to a pick-up truck and drag him around town. And I'm a white guy.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The women (five of them freshmen!) of that team outclassed Imus completely. They were so impressive, and so much more well-spoken and mature than Imus.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Imus has gone on the air attempting to excuse his conduct.
He says he's truly sorry and then contradicts this false apology with:

1. I'm a good person

2. Black rappers invented these terms

You call this an apology?

1. Labeling yourself as "good" is totally self-serving.

2. Blaming others is a weak excuse

It's a self-serving denial of his inner racism.

This guy doesn't even know how to apologize after a chance for reflection.

Can him and his Producer!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Donning the unfortunately popular and fashionable garb of moral indignation and topping it off with that reified worship of Social Darwinist "individualist competitive spirit" rife in this country and passed on by mother England is reaching proportions of dangerous degrees. Plural majoritarianism is important, but one must not forget larger issues like tyranny or plutocracy (more to the point a new revised version of a kind of theological or even metaphysical fascism in this "culture" of ours - using Mussolini's definition as a base-line).

There are deep and murky themes these past few days. Perhaps it would be a great thing in this all-too-current situation to ponder notions of scapegoating and retribution (this latter a cultural plus these last few decades).

Imus has repeatedly insisted on his personal meeting with the offended team at Rutgers and repeatedly acknowledged his lapse and its offensiveness on the episode. Parenthetically, he has also brought attention to the truly immense proportions of hypocrisy wafting across our PUBLIC airwaves - hopefully, each ponder these things first on their own personal level.

Polls have shown a MAJORITY of USA people believe in the narrative of Armageddon. There seems to be a deeply cultural and ideological commitment to antipathy to humanism and the Enlightenment - a very deeply rooted and dangerously reactionary ethos among us.

Before rendering opinions about others and taking on mantles of indignation, it would do as all well to dust off the long unused part of our brains that reasons and considers the possible relations between a sound-byte and our own cultural and ideological atmosphere.

I agree that "enough is enough" - it has been for quite a few decades now. Moral indignation and judgment of each other are a responsibility, not a pastime or some competition for infallibility - we are ALL fallible. History shows much about absolutism - we haven't yet learned. We are past the Rubicon, this is a properly fascist country we now live in. Or Jamestown and the witches writ national. Its time to do some thinking.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

White people need to learn that it's never, ever okay to talk like black people.

Just because Snoop Dog and 50 cent rap about "knappy-headed ho's" doesn't mean it's okay for us white folk to say the same things in polite company.

I've long suspected that some black folk use this language in the presence of white folks to sucker us into using such language ourselves. Then they can point their fingers at us and call us racists, and ruin our lives if they can.

WE CAN TALK LIKE THAT BUT YOU CAN'T WHITEY!! NANNY NANNY BOO BOO, NIENER NIENER NIENER!!!

White folks who make the mistake of talking like 50 Cent are just plain stupid and naive. Don Imus isn't just a bigot, he's a foolish bigot.

I remember a candidate for Texas attorney general who was way ahead in the polls until he called Booker T. Washington a "great black ("N"-word deleted), uh, I mean a great black American" at the Texas NAACP convention. His Democratic opponent capitalized on the gaffe and won in a landslide.

Black leaders gloated, "well the word got into his vocabulary somehow." But did he hear the "N" word at a KKK rally or a Richard Pryor concert?

After Richard Pryor visited Africa, he announced to his audience that he would no longer use the "N" Word in public, because "it's only a word that we use to describe our wretchedness." But he was a class act, after all. Gangsta rappers would do well to follow Pryor's example.

Too many of us ignorant white folks (I' talking to you, Don Imus and Rush Limbaugh) can't tell the difference between how folks rap back on the block in Compton and what whitey can spout into a microphone.

White folks best mind their Ps and Qs, or the double-standard police'll hunt you down.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Anyone that has anywhere in their article that they put Spike Lee as there model citizen, totally discredits everything they have ever written. Spike Lee can look into it but not these two white embeciles. Is this racist? I would be offended for if I were white. I can never see how any black person would want to have Spike or Jackson or Sharpton as there leaders or the ones that stand for what they believe in. These guys are scum of the earth, out for money and only money. Just like Imus. If they can do everything upto incite a riot they will for money and fame. You should do a little research in someones life before you put them in as your comparisons of someone who is educated, experienced, and wise. If you have looked into them and still think this look harder with glasses on or your standards are very poor. You are right this guy is on the air because he makes the corporation money. Unlike liberals I believe this all for both sides. Rosy like Imus is on the air because they draw ratings. When they cease to make money they will be thrown to the side because the radio or tv station could not put up with their hateful or just ignorant views. I do not know if this guy is racist anymore than if you are racist. What he said sounds like a stupid white guy trying to fit in by saying what a lot of black people on TV and radio say all the time. He is being confused because although the liberals try to say that hollywood is what real americans want, it is not.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

All of this talk about Don Imus' racism is well founded. I mean, I'm a little surprised that it's just happening now, because he and his idiotic cohorts have said far more incendiary things over the years.

That said...what bothers me more is the lack of an outcry over the most underreported story in the American media - a story that truly illuminates the continuing struggle over racial and economic inequality in this country:

According to the Centers for Disease Control, AIDS is the #1 cause of death for African American women between the ages of 25-34.

That this story is not on the front page of every American newspaper on a regular basis is shocking to me, and a true indication of how irresponsible the mainstream media is.

Some other deplorable facts:

- African Americans comprise 50% of new AIDS diagnoses, despite the fact that they only represent 12% of the population.

- African American women account for 67% of new AIDS cases among all American women.

Don Imus offended me, too....but these figures positively disgust me, and the fact that they are barely reported or discussed by any of our media elites or so-called national leaders is even more deplorable.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Any bets that if Imus is fired, he won't be on Fox Noise as a regular within days? Angry white males are sooo upset one of their heroes is in trouble for insulting people that don't look just like they do.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

eewww!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

...what does it mean? HMMMM, I think if you know the answers you are a biggot.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I-Day +8
7:15 PM EST.....MSNBC Has zapped him altogether!!!!!
Gone...No suspension....Gone
Remaining Mop up operation :
But it did not end calls for Imus to be fired from the radio portion of his program. The show originates from WFAN-AM in New York City and is syndicated nationally by Westwood One, both of which are managed by CBS Corp.
Bruce Gordon, former head of the NAACP and a director of CBS Corp., said before MSNBC's decision Wednesday he hoped the broadcasting company would "make the smart decision" by firing Imus.
"He's crossed the line, he's violated our community," Gordon said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "He needs to face the consequence of that violation."
Gordon, a longtime telecommunications executive, stepped down in March after 19 months as head of the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, one of the foremost U.S. civil rights organizations.He said he had spoken with CBS chief executive Leslie Moonves and hoped the company, after reviewing the situation, would fire Imus rather than let him return to the air at the end of an unpaid two-week suspension beginning next Monday.
A CBS spokesman, Dana McClintock, declined comment on the remarks by Gordon, who is one of at least two minorities on the 13-member board.
Let's wrap this up.......
...Paris by May.....Then we can regroup for Operation:
'GlenSav'.... :O)

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Has anyone ever noticed and taken offense at the vitriol and hate spewed forth by the personage of one Rush Limbaugh ? Michael Savage?? Ann Coulter?? No racism and hate speech from these popular losers !! Not at all. No reason to get all indignant as they foul the airwaves with their unchecked degredation of all that is center or left of center in this country. Black folk beware...your condemnation of Imus is deserved, but ill placed. Look to the real hate radio subhumans and throw them out along with Mr. Imus if you want any real satisfaction.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

and who says that Dr. Moore's idea of boycotting sponsors won't work?

But in the end I think that it was the stellar demeanor of the Rutgers women's basketball team that prevailed.

Nice work Rutgers--you won the National Championship without firing a shot.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Does anyone remember the Tawana Brawley case in Upstate New York? Rev Al made his claim to fame by falsely accusing a man (Steven Pagones) for a rape that never happened. According to the Associated Press, Sharpton and Brawley's lawyers asserted "on 33 separate occasions" that a local prosecutor named Steven Pagones "had kidnapped, abused and raped" Brawley. There was no evidence, and Pagones was soon cleared. Sharpton then accused a local police cult with ties to the Irish Republican Army of perpetrating the alleged assault. The case fizzled when a security guard for Brawley's lawyers testified that the lawyers and Sharpton knew Brawley was lying. A grand jury investigation concluded in late 1988 that Brawley "was not the victim of forcible sexual assault" and that the whole thing was a hoax. The report specifically exonerated Pagones, and in 1998 Pagones won a defamation lawsuit against Sharpton, Brawley, and Brawley's lawyers. Sharpton was ordered to pay Pagones $65,000. Johnnie Cochran and other Sharpton benefactors subsidized the payment.
Rev Al ruined this man's life by calling him out as a rapist and a racist in the public. Mr. Pagones was a highly regarded NY Prosecutor with a blossoming career before Rev Al publicly defamed him. When it was learned that it was all a lie and a hoax Rev Al refused to apologize to Pagonis stating “why should he apologize for believing this girl.” While Imus may have been inappropriate Reverend Al Sharpton is a hypocrite and a liar. There is no one more prejudice than Rev Al- his total disregard for what he did to the families of the white men he falsely accused is living proof of it.
Imus is a radio personality, not a newscaster. I don't even like him and I think this is outrageous. What really kills me is Rev Al Sharpton's insistence that Imus apologize, get fired, never be employed again... over saying something that was supposed to be funny and was not intended to be taken seriously, when he himself refuses to apologize for ruining people's lives and careers.
Do yourself a favor and Google Tawana Brawley

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

CBS Corp. makes about $20 million a year in advertising from the Don Imus show. The only way they're going to consider dropping him is if they see their bottom line being affected. If you found his comments offensive, please write to the head of CBS and complain:

President and CEO Leslie Moonves
CBS Corporation
51 W. 52nd St.
New York, NY 10019-6188

-Lester Gesteland (CeaseRacism.blogspot.com)

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

What is sad is the fact that as these girls sit in thier dorm, discussing how they have been "affected" and let down by this, thier favorite Rap Artist will be playing in the backround calling them the same name and Worse!!! And they will Never notice... I was awake and watching when Imus made his "ill thought comment"...but I for one think, if Rap Artitist can do it, if School Children passing by my home twice a day can call each other that and Worse.... well. Then firing him is too far.
Wake up and listen to Yourselves folks. What's good for the goose....is good for the gander.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

6:50 PM EST CBS has zapped Imus

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Think about the exact words Imus said that got him fired.
He's a choir boy compared to the crap on radio and television. Maybe CBS will reinstate him. I can't help but wonder what this is really about. Thanks, ANNA

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

It was disproportionate to fire him and good people feel it in their gut.

Unfairness breeds discontent and hatred, not healing. It was a huge mistake to push the man over the edge while he was profusely apologising, pushing him over the edge for reasons of historical slurs by a whole race no less.

Making an example of him for all the sins of other white men feels terrible in my gut. Haven't we learned that deterrence by example punishments saps community? This mob mentality to hold Imus up as an example, is at the very least, stabbing at our community.

Race relations will suffer for it, I'm certain of it. There'll be enough future snide remarks made in private company about people of color to make heads spin because of this.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Blatantly lied upon by someone seeking money.

Incriminated by someone seeking office

Banished by a university seeking abmonishment

Defamed by poverty pimps seeking notoriety

Threatened by a terrorist group (Black Panthers) seeking revenge

advertised by every media outlet in the country for months seeking sales

Thier lives ruined, we ponder the impact of a few crass words by a shock jock.

Where is thier apology, and the demand for it?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Go figure the hypocracy in Imus getting busted ( as he deserved) but hip hop crap/rap continues to get a pass while it continues to defame and de-humanize women and blacks ad-nauseum.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The fact that Don Imus got fired is nothing more than the "Chickens coming home to roost" (Remember Malcom X speaking about President Kennedy when he was killed).

Please read this article with an open mind because we are discussing some racial problems that still exist in this country.

White America and mainly the white man has made many laws and rules in america that has come back to haunt him and cause him alot of pain and suffering. The reason I say the white man mainly is because he is the one who made the laws and rules to keep his own white woman oppressed and as a second class citizen.

So now think back to some of the laws and rules that were written by white america just to keep black people in america separated and oppressed. Many of the laws in america has been written and re-written to catch the black man in his web of racism.

Please keep in mind the racism that blacks in america have lived with after white europeans crossed the boarders of america and killed millions of native american indians. They stole the land from the indians and then had the guts to call the stolen land "The United States of America".

Remember the white man stole this county from the native american indians. After europeans arrived in this county this country was never united. That was one of the main reasons there was a Civil War. So as we talk about racism and chickens coming home to roost please keep an open mind.

I will give you a few incidents that has happened in this country in the past several years that are good examples of the "chickens coming home to roost".

1. The white man decided to sue OJ Simpson in a Civil Trial even though he had been found NOT GUILTY by the court system. This created a civil case feeding frenzy in america and now look at all of the white people who has been sued in civil trials since OJ Simpson. Many of these white people would have been able to keep all of their money and riches if they were not so hungry to change the laws just to go after OJ Simpson for killing a white woman and man.

2. When Justin Timberlake pulled back Janet Jackson's top and exposed her breast the country went crazy and started making all kinds of laws and penalties for those who crossed the line in media and television. Janet was "blackballed" from appearing at any future Super Bowl events. Remember around this same time the country was in a feeding frenzy over her brother Michael Jackson. The white media in this country made so many laws and penalties targeting Janet Jackson that it has now caused Don Imus to lose his job. The censorship chickens have come home to roost.

3. The white man changed his steroid rules just because Barry Bonds was getting ready to break Babe Ruth's homerun record. This steroid rule has now brought many of baseball's white heros crumbling down. During the 1970's and 1980's baseball was approxmately 30% black. Now today in 2007 it is approxmately 8% black. Now that the steroid rule is in place don't be surprised if in the next ten years baseball will again be approxmately 30% black. The reason is that if you know baseball at the high school and college level, you will find out that the majority of the white players are taking steroids just to improve their performance and make the team. This has led to a decline in black players who otherwise would have made the team. Remember black players are naturally gifted in the areas of speed, jumping and running and the majority do not take steroids. With the use of steroids the white ball player can compete and win a spot on the team. Since there will be testing for steroids you can expect a decline in the performance of white baseball players leaving the position to be filled by a naturally gifted black baseball player. History will show you that I am correct.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]