The Imus Contradiction
Eric Scheske over at The Daily Eudemon links to a commentary on the whole Don Imus conflict which I likewise think is right on point.
I don’t agree with what Imus said, but I wholeheartedly support his right to say it. People, even radio talk show hosts (for the record, Imus is by no means a “shock jock” as the media have labeled him), have the right to say stupid things, whether those things are offensive or not. Imus did not break any FCC regulations in making the comments that he did.
At the most, he (maybe) crossed some [invisible and movable] line.
But, if we label him a racist because of what he said, then we have to likewise label Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Vivian Stringer as racists for targeting a white man for saying the same things that blacks glorify ad nauseum in rap and hip hop.
As for Imus’ comment itself, it is a perpetuation of the kind of devaluation of the human person that is prevalent in our culture today. Women especially are degraded and debased to sex objects; and girls are taught to “give in” to this objectification. That is really what makes Imus’ comments so heinous.
However, the reality of the matter is that if Jackson and Sharpton hadn’t made such a big deal about it, Imus’ words would have scarcely been heard.
[tags]don imus, radio, jesse jackson, al sharpton, racism[/tags]
Someone in the Rutger female athlete’s acquaintance would have mentioned it, and those women would have felt hurt and offended, as they should. And Imus should apologize to them (and some dough to prove it was more than words wouldn’t hurt.)
The context implied that “nappy” women of color are not as attractive as “non-nappy” women. And calling a woman a “nappy ho” is not really funny to those of us who are women and have ethnic hair.
While he broke no law, he crossed a line of basic human courtesy, and an apology is warranted. I think Jesus and Mary would agree, and Paul and Peter, and an assortment of saints. The women stated they are offended, he owes them an apology and, I think, a bit of restitution.
And then I think they ought to forgive him and move on. I do believe in the restoration process–one is made aware of wrongdoing, one apologizes, and forgiveness is given and accepted. I don’t want Imus to be shunned forever. I’m not calling him an outright racist (though the context of his statements hint at something, though, I may be looking too much into it. Dunno.)
I figure that’s a Christian methodology that works well to keep a society functional.
And I know if it was my daughter, young and bright and working hard on an athletic team, that if some famous man called her those names, I’d be outraged. Or if my daughter took after her dad–fair, Germanic looks–and someone called her an “albino Nazi slut”, I would take just as much an offense. Those girls belong to someone, and they got called, essentially, to paraphrase, “ugly black whores.”
Yeah, that is not acceptable. In any way. Reconciliation processes are called for.
Mir
Mirtika said this on April 11th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Those women have every right to be offended, as do all women, not only black women despite the reference.
Although, I don’t think they are owed anything beyond an apology. That he never makes such a reference to women, or more specifically black women, in a derogatory manner again should suffice to prove his words.
That said — as one who has never listened even once to Imus, I’m far from a defender — in a society that tolerates such references from others, the singling out of Imus is itself racist.
I can turn on MTV at nearly any time and hear such language and worse being floated across the airwaves. Rappers make millions of dollars off such references, along with videos to back up their messages.
With such references so prevalent, it makes no sense to demand anything more than an apology from Imus. And I believe even a suspension was too harsh.
But, I also believe that all such references are wrong; it doesn’t matter who you are. It would be nice if Jackson, Sharpton and others would, like Bill Cosby, stand up and demand that CDs, DVDs, etc from artists, comedians and others be removed from store shelves. I would like to see those with some strong influence speak out against those companies that sign and promote such garbage.
If they did, maybe then their charges and accusations would actually have some legs.
Matt said this on April 11th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
I’m not into rap, but I know that there have been folks, black and white, calling for the end of such language in cds.
Difference: A generic reference to bitches and hos in a song is different from a direct use of a term that’s aimed at a PARTICULAR group of women. It’s in the realm of slander. Real people getting called, essentially, sluts with bad hair.
I’m not demanding or asking for a court to order him to pay. I think he SHOULD OFFER To pay as a tangible sign that his apology is real. To just say a thing is easy. To break into your bank account until it hurts speaks volumes.
Some people get lots of moolah from a slander suit. Don Imus slandered those SPECIFIC gals, while idiot rappers just use a lot of F words and obscenities in general for effect. Both cases, bad. One case, a specific offense, and I recommend atonement in monetary form.
Mir
Mirtika said this on April 12th, 2007 at 12:04 am
Difference: A generic reference to bitches and hos in a song is different from a direct use of a term that’s aimed at a PARTICULAR group of women.
So, slamming and degrading all women is acceptable, just don’t get too specific?
I don’t buy that. I think it all filters quite equally into perpetuating a mindset that is racially and sexually degrading.
In fact, rappers and comedians actually have a larger audience than Imus; which means that they are having a greater influence on the culture and the mindset than a single radio broadcaster could ever have (not to mention that he’s practically unheard of in a number of major markets).
Matt said this on April 12th, 2007 at 9:09 am
[...] This was part of my basic point on the the Imus thread. [...]
CatholicSphere » No “get out of jail free” card? said this on April 12th, 2007 at 9:57 am
It is different. If you say women are sluts, I can think you’re an idiot and a misogynist, but I am not personally targeted.
If you say, all the women in X household are sluts (and X is MY family), then I can sue your butt for slander, because you’ve made it personal.
Imus made it personal.
Mir
Mirtika said this on April 12th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Mir, I accept your point.
What I don’t accept is that one is more acceptable than another.
Again, I’m not defending — nor was it my intention to defend — Imus’ comment.
Matt said this on April 12th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
Pat Buchanan Quoted Ann culter thus: “Those girls were not fair game”. I agree with that.
It is ‘normal’ comedy to use such rough references and phrases, but it adds nothing positive to the culture. So let’s rejoice that a small step was taken. Imus was definitely a ‘Shock Jock’, in fact he was the original. I laughed and appreciated his crass humor, but maybe I shouldn’t have. Granted, his show was much more than shocking humor, and there was some intelligent discussion, but he depended on shocking and irreverent humor, including mocking religious figures and insulting guests and famous personalities.
Most people probably knew it was ‘all in good fun’ and could take it, but it is still lowest common denominator and slippery slope crass fun’ poking unwelcome in polite company.
Yes, Matt is right, there is hypocricy aplenty. But it is a start to a new dialogue. After all, as Winston Churchhill said “Hypocricy is Vice’s Homage to Virtue”.
I would be uncomfortable and defensive if the Government took steps to apply censorship unevenly, or with a liberal bias, but, if Imus has a legal right to say Anything (because he certainly has no moral right) then MSNBC, NBC, CBS and his radio syndicate have a right to improve the culture and the state of the airwaves and to fire him. It’s not objective, or ‘fair’ so to speak, and we all know there is far worse going on, but it’s a start we should welcome.
Michael Smerconish (a fake conservative from Philly) will be less course and rough while still succeding in having an interesting show. Check him out all this week on early morning radio or MSNBC simulcast. He will probably replace Imus.
Timothy Brophy said this on April 25th, 2007 at 3:19 pm