People News
MSNBC severs ties with Don Imus
By Stone Martindale Apr 11, 2007, 23:11 GMT
On the Web
Latest Headlines in People
- 1. Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine clarifies Rick Santorum remark
- 2. Sienna Miller Is Pregnant
- 3. Kate Upton not liked by Victoria's Secret booker
- 4. Whitney Houston doctors in crosshairs, top addiction expert talks culpability
- 5. Careless World Album Listening Party at EMI Records in Santa Monica Pictures
Older Talkback
page: 1
God, gimme a break, Howard Stern has said much worse with less raised eyebrows from the public and media...grow up America and stop acting as if we live in glass houses.
I guess free speech is based on skin color.
Agreed - if comedians have to be this careful of what they say,
i am sick of this hypocrisy ........ all the black hip hop artists say all the bad things they want about women, and no one says anything.....give me a break...Al Sharpton cries the race card for everything.... personally i am sick of his racist attitude... black americans have become as racist as the people they complain about...i will rethink watching anything on this news channel...
This is ridiculous, but we've become a ridiculous society because we made the mistake of giving such a loud voice to 'the offended.' Imus shouldn't have apologized, it was funny. He deserves to be fired for his apology.
too bad rush, the dope head and o'reilly, the pervert don't get canned as well...lol
Where is the great Rev Sharpton and Jesse Jackson when all the rappers are making millions selling records about drugs, guns, bitches and hoes? I don't see him calling for a boycott on his african american rap buddies........... Please.
Take a joke for a joke.
All I have to say is,
MSNBC -
I have enjoyed your programming over the years including but not limited to-
COUNTDOWN
IMUS
THE MOST
But, as of these recent incidents that have ensued, I can no longer support your business by viewing your programs. I choose not to support any media franchise that chooses to silence free speech unjustly.
Thank you.
I personally think that Imus did the right thing in apologizing and asking for a meeting with the women of Rutgers. What more can a person do who has made a mistake? He honestly said he was wrong and apologized and tried to do the right thing. What is wrong with this country when we start to fire someone for a mistake? Didn't Jesse Jackson make a slur calling Jewish people Hymies? What happened to him - the whole country has turned upside down - Howard Stern who is an abhorrent person is held up to do no wrong. Imus has raised money for Kids with Cancer, Sycle Cell Anemia, SIDDS, and charities too numerous to mention. The reason he has been so famous is that people can identify with him - he is honest - he does and says things that are irreverant, but who hasn't - are we becoming a country where we have no tolerance of one another. I am really mad at MSNBC and NBC - but it is to be expected - most of the people associated with the networks are so biased and have so much coercion that they aren't free at all - And we say this is the land of the free - HA HA - you better watch it!
well if imus is gone so are we msnbc will have the lowest ratings hope he gets on another radio station elswhere or just relaxe and enjoy is life
Umm, excuse me, but Howard Stern has NEVER said anything racist in a malicious manner. Imus is a racist a$, and while I dont think what he said was terrible in this case, his history as a racist (calling a coworker a 'n-gger', among other things) makes this a case of karma. Imus is a dinosaur, a bigot, and deserves everything that he has gotten so far.
Bravo! Even in the land of 'free speech,' there are just some things you don't say.
Does this mean I finally don't have to pay for MTV or BET, ESPN or any of the other channels that routinely demean races and ignore womens feelings??? It should!!!!!!!
Its about time us as a nation treats all races as equals. The civil War was 150 years ago. We as a society need to address the black gangster rap as something just as hateful to women and African Americans. If we do not deal with the real issues we cannot grow as a nation.
Look at this crackerbarrel. Not one of you have any idea what Freedom of Speech is, do you? The Constitution doesn't guarantee you the right to say anything you want, anytime you want. Federal Broadcast regulations further limit what you can say and when you can say it. Imus has been playing this game for years, and finally got called on it. He's not sorry for what he said, he's only sorry for the consequences it holds for him. Sharpton and Jackson HAVE condemned rapper's lyrics as well, you just weren't paying attention when they did it. Imus is an old tool who needs to be hung out in the shed, and if the crackers miss him, they can always get a chuckle from dope addicts like Rush Limbaugh.
Give me a break. The only reason he got canned is because he said it and he's WHITE. There is a double standard here. Blacks look the other way when it's a black person saying anything racist.
signed,
Don 'Whitey' Hoe
MSNBC can take a nose dive for this crap. Keep Imus on. Hell, he's the only thing worth watching in the morning. I say we put Sharpton and Jackson under the microscope. Can't do that though b/c they're black.
how come any other race can say what they want but white people have to walk on broken glass how many times have you heard the word whitetrash cracker honkey?? white people dont cry about it ..get over it people there just WORDS QUIT YOUR CRYING if you think about it the white man help alot of people think about your race and what it would be like if we never import the slaves look at your people now
Everyone should take a 'chill pill'.
We have become a nation subject to the Tyranny of the Sensitive.
Al Sharpton can repeatedly call whites by various ephemisms, (such as 'cracker' and 'whitey', etc.) and no one complains.
Don Imus makes a comment using the same three words as can be heard in hip-hop songs broadcast nationwide, or on Comedy Central, or at the Apollo, or he's called 'racist'.
Give me a break.
Don Imus and his wife spend more money and personal time, per year, on terminal ill kids of all races, than Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson have spent in their whole life.
Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson should just shut up.
True integration will occur when no one reacts to words because of color, but instead because of rules of decency and decorum.
I read one of the comments that said Howard Stern has said much worse. I agree he has and thats why he should be fired also. Our society should rid itself of these classless people. Surely with all the talented people we have in our country we can find someone who knows how to talk and act. These people are so unflattering to our people and our society. We can do so much better and I think we should rethink what we consider entertainment. It is long over due.
He made a very hurtful statement about group of people who are not public figures. Many people in the Black community do not like or support the rappers who degrade and insult women, but this is a separate issue. All the marching, talking and protesting does not mean a thing - but advertisers pulling their support from the program speaks volumes.
Those of us who were offended but enjoyed Imus in the past now officially have no reason to watch their almost unwatchable programming. He done wrong. You make it worse. Please make it up to the scikle cell anemia foundation when Imus loses the capacity to sraise the money he has in the past.
Rev. Sharpton, I don't wnat you to feel you have to critique nonwhite people; how about doing something for charites like sickle cell, etc. something other than advancing your own spotlight?
Maybe Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton will take the AM spot on MSNBC and the ratings will soar. What a joke!!!
Hey Rev. AL. Why don't you go down to N. C. and apologize to the boys at Duke who's lives have been ruined by lies from the black woman accusing them of rape. No, that's ok with you - but instead you all run your mouth with the race card. This is a tragedy to all children with cancer that go to his ranch. Where will the money come from now to support this cause. He did not deserve to be fired. I hope you are satisfied.
Fire the real racist clown Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson.
Serves the jackass right....
I will never watch MSNBC again!!!
I will no longer support MSNBC. Thanks for the memories but I have to move on now. How dare you fire Don Imus. He said he was sorry and a 2 week suspension was appropriate. Rappers, Black Comedians, Black Athletes ALL use the same words Imus used. MSNBC officially stinks.
I guess this isnt a free country anyway, bush can make us do what he wants whether we like it or not, its like living in russia, no freedom that i can see, the whites in this country have to take a back seat to all the other races anyway, what about all the mexican jokes and rap music, why doesnt someone stop that crap , just my opinion
I will not watch MSNBC again. They let the black rappers spew all kinds of racist slurs, but fire the white that apologizes.
BOYCOTT MSNBC
I will be severing ties to watching MSNBC as well.
Good for MSNBC! The Rev Al Sharpton is a hero in my eyes. Finally we have people doing the right thing for the coming generations.It's a new era that just doesn't have to put up with elitest attitudes, racist old thinking, and the twisting of what free speech is all about. I thank Reverend Sharpton for standing up for these women. As a woman, I wish I could hug him and say thank you.
If you choose to fire Imus, I guess that is your perogative. But I am so sick of the blacks crying 'racism' everytime a white person says something about a black person, but when a black guy says something about a white person, then the world must stay quiet and it is ok. I want each and every black comedian, producer and actor that swears and uses the 'N' word to be fired the next time they say it.
I will never again watch MSNBC.
it was a mistake for which IMUS has paid a heavy price. Not freedom of speech, its 'no freedom after speech'.
There is no doubt in my mind that if Mr. Imus had not gone out of his way to apologize for the completely stupid thing he said, he would not be the center of this firestorm. If he stuck to the apology he made on Thursday, it would be all forgotten by now.
This leaves us with this question - why did Imus apologize over and over and over again? If it was to save his career, it sure didn't work. Mr. Imus is a very rich man and doesn't need the 'job' anymore. Why didn't he just drop it and let the dust settle? Maybe he actually felt what he did was wrong. Maybe he needed to make amends.
I never watched MSNBC, except by accident when channel surfing, but now, after this stupid, black-butt-kissing over-reaction, I will actively convince friends and random acquaintances to avoid watching MSNBC.
MSNBC just created another anti-viewer.
MSNBC giving in to two notorious renowned blackmailers, the Revs - has to be a horrible thing. Did Jackson humble himself at all when his girlfriend had his love child and then paid her off with app. $180,000 of company money. I don't see either of these hypocrits showing up on the air today regarding their mistakes in callling for the Duke players scalps last year. They loudly proclaimed the guilt of these young players before knowing any of the facts.
Just business as usual for the REVs.
Are you (MSNBC)serious? If Imus was black and said the same comment---no one would have even heard it! While I don't particularly care for Imus-style talk radio, he should not be the fall guy. Yeah---and what about the rappers who rap about their HOES, BITCHES, KILLING, etc.---we aren't we offended and shutting them down? Hmmm, seems like some kind of double-reverse standard if you ask me.
Let's see if AL and Jessie apologize to the white college students who they claimed were rapists now that the Duke case is dropped. Would you want someone wrongfully calling your son a rapist Al? or Jessie?
Al and Jessie are slim, pure and simple. The smart people might want to ask themselves just what Al and Jessie do for a living?
I have enjoyed the Imus for years. He pokes fun at everybody. That's the point. Sure, as a practicing Roman Catholic I have been offended from time to time by the 'Cardinal O'Connor' parades and as a social conservative by his parades of Jerry Falwell but I have a sense of humor. Apparently the black power base of this country does not.
Don Imus has contributed millions to charities including black charities. I guess that doesn't matter to the black racists. In my opinion MSNBC and the advertisers who have canceled his show are cowards.
If Imus is fired I hope he joins Stern on satellite radio. I don't have a receiver yet but will buy one.
Imus in Morning was the only show worth watching on MSNBC. I will not watch this channel again. Rev Sharpton and Jesse are the racists. They are haters. I have watched Imus for a long time and he picks on everyone, it's comedy, if you don't like it , don't watch it. This blows my mind he gets fired for this with all the Hip Hop songs much worse. I guess if you are black you can say anything. This is what this country has come to.
What's the matter? Did the big bad white majority get it's feewings hurt? GOOD. It's about time one of these closet racist get the axe. Next it's going to be dopehead Rush, then 'shutup' if your not white Bill. But I can't wait till I see that fat pig Savage get hanged.
Although I don't agree with Imus's comments,
Hey Rebecca L---you're a sad representation for women. What do you need the likes of Rev. Sharpton to 'stand up for women'. Can't stand up for yourself? Too bad for you. Oh, you must be black. Yeah-I said it. Grow up and stop being weak.
It's a rotten shame: Sharpton and Jackson get their filthy hands into another mess yet never get called on their OWN misconduct.
I have deleted MSNBC.com from my computer and will never watch MSNBC on my TV again.
A twisted victory for the PC police.
How many of the Rutgers' team even KNEW who Imus is?
And no, I don't like tatoos on women.
Forgiveness, does it exist in America? I see a person attempting to right a wrong by taking ownership, apologizing and willing to address in person those who were unjustly targeted. Yet, the efforts, even before they have been fully attempted are for not. Race issues in America will never fully heal until we learn to forgive each other when sincere attempts are made when human boundaries are broken.
Why not apply the same standards to Jackson and Sharpton.
Count me in too! I will NEVER watch MSNBC again. The sponsors should be ashamed, I feel they back down because they get good publicity. But on the downside they should be careful as well.
Oh just shut-up Al and Jesse. You have gotten what you wanted, now please go away forever. MSNBC will be off the air very soon because the only thing worth watching was IMUS.
why does it take sooooo long to get rid of these obvious racists, etc. etc. shame on you msnbc...for dragging your feet getting rid of those that continue to keep our country split...apology is not enough....move forward
I am amazed at the level of hypocrisy. Blacks can say what they want about anyone in any medium, but heaven forbid a white anglo should make an irreverant comment about any so-called minority. The land of Freedom and Libery will wind up just like the symbol at the end of Planet of the Apes. Political Correctness is running amok and it will not stop until society gets off it's collective butt.
Dicontinuation of the Imus show is unfair. If some language is offensive or wrong, it should be wrong for all of us... black or white... We should not selectively react against language because of the speaker's race.
The Reverend Sharpton, his constituency, and MSNBC have totally missed the point. It is our culture that drives commentators and entertainers to say things that are 'edgy' in order to be witty or funny... flooding our airwaves with language that just straddles the line of decency and tolerability. And in this context people (even good people) go overboard and make mistakes. That is what happened here.
We should use this incident to explore not just the racism of Imus, but a culture that supports the climate in which Imus was able to make this error..., the culture of listeners who for years didn't react to his questionable language (just as we don't to misogynistic rap...), and the culture that believes that getting rid of one man will have an effect on how we as Americans see each other.
Let's let Mr. Imus stay on and see if he can use this incident to effect a positive change in him and the millions who listen to him.
MSNBC made the right choice. I appreciate the fact that this wasn't just an executive decision. Employees of the company were consulted and holistically they determined that they did not want to be party to these types of views. However, it amazes me that so many readers keep bringing up rap music. Sure, the references in some rap music are quite unacceptable, but Don Imus was a fool for using this lame excuse as justification for what he said. Just because this issue plagues the music industry, it does not give license to other media to follow suit. Interestingly enough, it seems that when a valid issue is raised that relates to race, gender, or sexuality, someone always has to try and discredit its validity. If you have such a problem with the messages in music then why don't YOU stand up and address it. But, not with some absurd, general rationale. Find a SPECIFIC offense and address that. The Don Imus' offense was specific. He made specific comments about very specific women and the references in rap music does not cloud that fact. And by the way, we all know that free speech is a concept. Case and point - in the world we live in, you can't get on a plane and use the word 'bomb' without causing a panic. As responsible citizens of this great country, we have to be aware of the consequences our words could bring. For every action, there is a reaction.
You have got to be kidding me... Granted, I don't listen to Imus all the time but when I do he's entertaining - 'entertaining' being the operative word. How many times was Stern and Co. fined for their on-air abuses before heading off to Sirius, and how many times were they 'suspended'? MSNBC, you guys are cohoney-less cowards!
Sharpton and J.Jackson are right in once respect - racism and prejudice are alive and prospering in America alright, only it has now been reversed. If a white man says something borderline, that's it, he's jobless and kinned to the antichrist. If a black man says something borderline, the Politically Correct Posse (Sharpton, Jackson, etc.) seem to have selective hearing or excuse them with Don King-ish language.
Where is the PC Posse when the young men of Duke have been deemed fully innocent of the charges brought by Uncle Tom Nifong? Stand up and shout to the rafters about how these young mens lives have been changed forever and how this lying tramp of a woman should be stoned and made to sit through two hours of beligerent accusations with Rush or Hannity, like Imus did with Sharptongue. Where is the outrage my African brothers, speak up, noone can hear you.
If blacks can have the NAACP, then I intend to start up an organization for white men only - PACES - Patriotic Americans for Caucasian Equalilty and Studies.
Patriotic American
Lance - DFW
Al Sharpton NEEDS to concentrate on making OUR world better, of course an apology is not good enough, he would be out of the spotlight too quick! As far as J Jackson, he took time out from cheating on his Wife? oh well maybe he wanted a little more spotlight too. My feewings aren't hurt, this whole situation makes me realize how bad our world really is.
Lets get to the point of this article, I am an African American male and will comment on what is right or wrong, regardless of who did what. Don Imus should have not been fired, from what the press is saying he has been this way all his public life. If it was known that Imus had a problem with racism, it should have been addressed before now. So from my perspective, racism was not the problem. The real problem was that Imus was insensitive to a group of outstanding American women (that just happen to be African American) in our society and had to be held accountable for his actions. He should have been directed to attend a 2 week sensitivity class and then return to work. Who should have been fired was his boss, knowing how Imus was, resulting in him eventually being as insensitive as he was. A boss has to be held accountable for what happens during his watch, good or bad. Any media outlet (television, radio, etc) that allow their employees to be insensitive must be held accountable. That's what's right, regardless of the ethnicity.
I can see by the number of supporters of Don Imus,s racial outburst, civil rights is still in the dark ages. Civil rights is about treating people civil. I don't know what the females did to deserve to be called the names they were called. I did not see any nappy hair, nor did i see any acts of prostitution. So, I am at a lost as to where his info came from. We as a society mus stand againts all acts no matter who is doing it, even black people. There's no room for discrimination in any time. 911 was a result of hate. Rappers who use such language do not get air play on public radio. If you support Imus then you support his statement. Maybe you should look deep into your own soul.
I think what Imus said was trivial compared to what is voiced on just about any rap recording. I assume Sharpton and Jackson will follow up on getting Imus fired by insisting on a recall of any recording that has similar or worse lyrics. I assume they will also call for a boycott against any rapper or comedian who uses such language. I would also include boycotts against the record producers and record companies that produce these recordings, and radio and TV stations that play them.
Watch the black shows and the N word is flying around along with hoes... why is it right for them and wrong for Imus? All black comedians use those words, if it's bad, fire them...
What exactly was racist about what Imus said? I don't see it as an issue of race. But just because girls have tat's and braids (as plenty of white girls do), you can't call them ho's.
The joke was that girls with tat's and braids are hoes.
a) They are NCAA student athletes. They go to classes and they study. Give them the respect they are due.
b) The joke was not funny.
c) Neither is Imus.
The last two points are subjective, but the first one isn't. So don't let the door hit you on the way out.
I can't believe that MSNBC dumped Imus. The real racists here are Jesse 'Hymietown' Jackson and Al 'Tawana Brawley' Sharpton. It's incredible that they are calling Imus a racist. Imus has raised more money for more kids in need than Shakedown Jackson could even imagine. He's attacked politicians who wouldn't support families with autistic kids, helped soldiers when they return from Iraq with his diatribes against VA administrators. And MSNBC caves because Imus hurts someone's feelings. What a bunch of short-sighted wimps.
Many public figures have made stupid, racial slurs, outrageous comments that have ended their broadcasting careers. Imus is a pioneer 'shock jock' so people shouldn't be so surprised that he said something so insensitive and hurtful. It isn't the first time and if he's allowed to stay on the air, it won't be the last time.
Let us keep in perspective the total impact of his 35 years on the air. He's raised hundreds of millions, done unselfish things for hundreds of sick children and in spite of being a self described 'jerk' he's done a lot of good. Does it give him the right to say hurtful things, absolutely not.
I find it very curious that no one as made a big deal out of Howard Stern's comments about Imus' unfortunate statements. Stern's comments were dismissive and equally hurtful.
I'm not Black or White,just can't figure out Black people. Why is the 'nigger word' so often used by black comedians if the black people hate to be called that. But laugh when the word is used by comedians. That is stupid.
I neglected to say - What Imus said was totally wrong. His two week suspension probably should have been followed with a sensitivity class - at the end of which he should be graded on. I'm in no way excusing what he said. I am merely pointing out the level of hypocrisy and racism and prejudice that exist with the so-called and self-proclaimed 'leaders' of the black community and culture.
We all need to look in the mirror before condemning another...
Patriotic American
Lance in DFW
Wonderful. Imus should have been taken off the mainstream airwaves long ago. And a lot of you are right; Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the NAACP have been acting like punks. They need to go after the rappers, the record companies, and advertising agencies. They need to go after them the same way they went after Michael Richards and Don Imus. I'm a Black-American woman and I'm tired of it. It pisses me off that Sharpton and Jackson will go after Imus and politicians to defend me, but will be relatively quiet when it comes to the music makers. And I'm not the only one who complains. A lot of Black people have been complaining about rap music since the eighties. People have gone before congress to try and curb 'gangsta' music, but the record companies and the constitution are very powerful and almost unbeatable. But it looks like it's a new day in Dodge and the rappers can't be protected for much longer. Yes, I think this is wonderful.
Why on earth would people boycott MSNBC? They made a decision based on the standards they want to uphold. They are choosing to drop Imus because of his statement and they choose not to air rap music, I'm sure, because of its content. For you guys to even make a statement like 'rappers or Blacks can say what they want and get away with it, therefore I'm not going to watch MSNBC anymore' makes no sense at all. What does that have to do with MSNBC's decision? Good gracious!!! Use common sense. Bottom line - no matter what you think, this is a business. And now that I think about it, their decision may not have anything to do with black or white. I'm sure a large part of their decision has to do with green since that have lost huge sponsorships.
Doesn't anyone get this here - it wasn't that he said the words 'nappy and ho' but that he pinpointed a group of young women who had nothing to do with politics or the entertainment world - in other words, innocent bystanders. If he had used the words in general, nothing would have been made of it - just as all the rappers spout off these words and much worse - end of story!!!!!!
Great news! His behavior was inexcusable, and
Imus and his sidekick producer didn't use the n-word, but they didn't have to. Nappy-head hos and jigaboos were close enough.
MSNBC did the right thing by terminating their contract with Imus. If CBS has any integrity, they will do the same thing.
Until the American black community learns that is has no copyright on vocabulary and attitudes, that the music, attitudes and entertainment product it sells are contagious, the black community will not have the moral authority to demand accountability of Don Imus. Other Americans learn negative vocabulary (such as 'nappy' and 'ho') from black Americans, every word of it, and are simply, and stupidly, imitating degrading behavior in an attempt to be hip.
from most of the comments so far , i think so called 'whites' should just take a moment and try to imagine what it feels like when one perceives injustice on a daily and recurrent basis. this is what black people endure on a daily basis in this country.
white people cannot even begin to imagine what it is to be black....you have no idea.yes, all these kind s of stuff will not be of any importance if the society will be truthful and ackinowledge that racism riles and that everyone should reall be treated equally. only after that is achieved should people begin to expect these kinds of things not to be taken seriously by the aggrieved race or group.
it may interest you all to learn that 80 % of the gangstar rap music is bought by white people.
stop buying if you all thrash talkers on this board are really to be taken seriously.
I too will NO longer watch MSNBC. The ONLY reason (and ONLY show I did like and watch on their pathetic excuse for a network anyway WAS IMUS)I wasted my time with them to begin with WAS 'Imus in the Morning'!
AND no longer will I or my family buy and continue to put money into the pockets of these spineless 'sponsors' who jumped ship due to pressure by a few
I many only be one person and therefore totally unimportant to them but I feel sure that I and the others of you here who are in total disbelief at this mess and the way IMUS has been treated by his so-called 'friends, fans and sponsors' CAN make a difference by boycotting and 'dropping' products manufactured and promoted by these companies/people!
Imus deserves better than this.
What about the rampant REVERSE DISCRIMINATION in this country? Whereby blacks, browns, EVERYONE but white Americans receive respect and 'dignity' and why are we white Americans the ONLY race who has NO voice when WE are assaulted by viscious names and remarks by anyone?
If these girls had all been white, would ANYONE have said anything if IMUS was black or Hispanic or green or pink for that matter? NO! There IS a huge double standard in this country now against WHITE Americans but the 'media' doesn't WANT to talk about that!
And they talk about 'healing' and 'alleviating hatred and resentment'? Give me a break! THEY are more than happy to perpetrate and proliferate it!
BUT I'm sure that there is MUCH more behind this than just the good 'reverands' Sharpton and Jackson and the like as well...everyone KNOWS how hard IMUS has slammed Bush and Cheney so I'm quite sure those two are jumping up and down in glee and don't believe for one moment that THEY haven't done everything possible to egg Sharpton & Co. on so THEY would be able to silence IMUS and his opinions and comments about THEM! WHICH by the way, a LOT of us out here happen to agree with as far as Bush & Cheney and the warmongering right wing nuts
Not to mention why FOX and CNN have been running sound bytes and harping NON-STOP on IMUS for DAYS now...why? why NOT? He has continually beaten out both their crappy morning shows in ratings so yeah, they certainly want him off the air and out of the competition as well!
Plus I agree that Sharpton and Jackson and others should go after the black, white, brown and every other color of singers, actors, and other 'artists' who CONTINUALLY call we white females whores or hoes and bitches. They call their own females the same, not only we white women and girls. And wrong is wrong period folks.
I do not believe that ANY woman or girl should be called those despicable names by ANYONE period, and yes, these remarks ARE horrible that Imus made and HE knows it. However, unlike those hip-hop 'artists' and others in the 'entertainment' business regardless of what color they are, I also do NOT think that his remarks were pre-meditated or from a viscious heart. It's live radio and it was a dumb, stupid, senseless remark and he's apologized AND wanted to meet with the young ladies he offended. He went on the good reverand Al's show and allowed himself to be grilled and abused himself for 2 hours or so and he was willing to serve his suspension with dignity and not whine. He ADMITTED he was stupid but the man doesn't deserve to lose his career over this and he doesn't deserve to be deserted by the very people he has supported and helped over the years.
Oh how quickly they jump overboard when things get bad huh? I will NOT buy ANY product from here on out from ANY of these spineless sponsors, nor will I even CONSIDER voting for one of these equally two-faced spineless politicians who were more than willing to go on his show when it benefitted THEM and he helped THEIR careers when they had a campaign coming up or ongoing OR they had a book to hawk (and this goes for actors, singers with books or CD's to peddle, comedians, authors and everyone else as well as the lame lying two faced politicos). You sure find out who your real friends and fans are when you need them that's for sure! He was sure good enough to help all of them push their books or records over the years or get votes though wasn't he? Whether they were black, white, brown, or polka-dot!
And he certainly helped everyone of those 'sponsors' along the way for many years but when he needed THEM to show some spine and guts and stand by HIM, they jumped off faster than a speeding bullet!
GREAT job there people! You should all be very proud!
This man and his wife have done more for kids of EVERY race including black kids than any of these jokers in politics, show-biz, or corporations ever have or ever will AND they have not scammed off 98% of the 'proceeds' for their 'overhead or admin' costs either like most! They gave back 100% and then kicked in from their OWN pockets!
They love and treat ALL kids at their cancer ranch just the same no matter what their race, religion or socio-economic strata in life. Just as ALL of us should!
They have selflessly and tirelessly given of their loving hearts, their time and money to these cancer kids as well as working for autism, SIDS, sickle cell and countless other disorders and diseases.
AND Don Imus works tirelessly to improve the lives and living conditions of our veterans and active military personnel.
This man IS a good man and he IS sorry for hurting those young ladies. But this blitz by Al Sharpton and others and the media to ruin his career and life is way beyond mean!
Perhaps the good reverand Al is looking to be Don's replacement show now that he's gotten rid of him on MSNBC? NO! Couldn't be that he too has a hidden agenda in all this mess now could it?
Well, here's one that won't be watching ANYTHING now on MSNBC period, nor will I be buying or using any products from these gutless spineless 'sponsors'.
Why don't they just execute the man at sunrise for God's sake? They're making this like the crime of the century!
Considering what Bill O'Reilly and others spew every day and others, not to mention what OJ got away with, and what Bush and Cheney get away with every single day, what Don Imus did was nothing. Certainly not enough to get the man's career ruined.
Next time my daughter or I or any other white (or black) female is called horrible names by rappers and 'artists' I hope the NAACP and NOW and all these people showing their fake outrage will come to OUR rescue! YEAH RIGHT! SURE they will!
To quote what my mother told me when I was a child, 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me'. This uproar over what Imus said is being blown completely out of proportion, you will hear worse language about race and gender on any one of the latest Rap/Hip-Hop CDs, just listen to Akon. What makes Imus' remarks so terrible and the lyrics of Snoop Dog so acceptable?'
To: Venturabats
If you really want to try & understand why Don Imus' remarks were found to be so offensive to many,then read on:
Re: Don Imus
The real underlying issue is the fact that in the year 2007 we are
still living in an America that is inherently racist, bigoted, and prejudiced
against women of color and in particular African American women.
The truth of the matter is: Don Imus would have never, ever made such
disparaging remarks toward or about Caucasian women, whether or not
they were basketball players. One can rest assured that Don Imus doesn’t
hold the same beliefs about Caucasian women. One can also rest assured that
Don Imus would have never made such remarks about women like the late
Anna Nicole Smith, Paris Hilton, Nicole Kidman, etc.
In reference to white women, one can also assume that Don Imus would
'never' refer to the numerous Caucasian women in the infamous 'Girls Gone Wild' videos as a bunch of ' white hoes'.
So, being a radio “shock jock” isn’t the issue and neither is
women’s basketball the real issue. The Rutgers University women’s basketball
team was simply the benefactor of Don Imus’ bigotry toward women of color
and African American women in particular.
This is because American society as a whole still believes in the
absolute purity of the white woman, and all other women, especially women of
color and African American women in particular are viewed as and believed to
be less than pure, less than moral, less than innoncent, less than worthy,
less than dignified, and less than respectable as women.
A majority of people in American society believe, at either a conscious
or deeply subconscious level, in the condemnation, degradation,
denigration, and vilification of women of color and African American women in
particular.
Historically, since the time of slavery in America, women of color
and African American women in particular have been degraded, dehumanized
and vilified in words and images.
As a result, the continual perpetuation of the myth that African
American women as a whole, can be viewed and treated as a bunch of “nappy
headed hoes”, and loose, immoral, unintelligent, whores, who are “bitchy
and bossy is further exemplified by the widespread portrayal of scantily clad, sexualized women of color in rap and hip-hop music videos, etc. The
use of foul and disgusting language and remarks toward women of color by the
so-called artists in music videos is evidence of this myth.
This is further demonstrated by the fact that American radio,
television, movies, and the media in general condones and even encourages the
denigration of women of color. Record executives and recording
companies sign these “so-called music artists” to major music labels and pay
the artists millions of dollars to entice them and encourage the use of
foul and disgusting lyrics in their music, with the misguided notion that the
denigration of women of color is acceptable to all, and therefore,
guarantees fame and fortune.
The actions of those in the recording industry are reprehensible in
this regard. In addition, the actions of those in radio, television, and
media in general help to solidify and perpetuate these beliefs into the wider
society. Further denigrating all women of color and giving rise to the
widespread belief that African American women in particular are merely
loose, immoral, unintelligent, bitches and whores who deserve to be
referred to as such and subsequently treated as such.
Take the case of the so-called celebrity Paris Hilton who makes equally
disparaging remarks about people of color and believes it is acceptable
to do so with impunity.
Therefore, it is no wonder and no surprise when someone like Don Imus
goes on the public airways and makes equally disgusting remarks about women
of color, and the Rutgers Women’s basketball team in particular, and by
his actions, he continues to perpetuate the misguided belief that women of
color can be viewed as a bunch of “nappy headed hoes”, irrespective of
their accomplishments in society.
American society in general and Caucasians in particular widely
believe, either consciously or subconsciously, the notion, that all women of
color and African American women in particular are loose, immoral,
unintelligent, overly sexualized whores, who are both bitchy and bossy,
and therefore can be labeled as such, classified as such, referred to as such, and ultimately treated as such.
What this latest incident demonstrates, is, there has been a resurgence
of the vilification of women of color, and that American society as a
whole has become even more desensitized to and disrespectful of women of color, much in the same manner as it did during the time of slavery and
reconstruction.
As a result, persons like Don Imus really and truly believe they can say anything and everything about women of color and African American women in
particular, with impunity, simply because they believe, they are taking
so-called acceptable “cues” from the rap/hip hop industry and the
media at large. While in reality they are taking cues from a number of
“misguided” young adults who merely happen to operate in the rap & hip hop
industry.
These so-called artists, their lyrics and misguided beliefs do not
represent many in the black communit and, certainly are not indicative
of the black community as a whole.
Yet, it is precisely this misguided notion that the foul language and
lyrics of rap music is indicative of the standards by which all African
Americans live and by which we regard the women in our communities. Nothing
could be further from the truth. However, this is precisely why Don Imus
believed he could refer to the Rutgers University Women’s Basketball team in the manner in which he did.
In the final analysis, women of color and African American women in
particular are worthy of dignity and respect. African American women
are worthy of the same level of dignity and respect as that afforded women
in the larger society. Our grandmothers and mothers were and are
hard-working respectable women.
We are indeed hard working and respectable women who excel
as professionals, businesswomen, scholars, scientists, academicians,
athletes, students, laborers and homemakers.
More importantly, we are first and foremost, grandmothers, mothers,
aunts, daughters and sisters in our communities. We are not just a bunch of
“nappy headed hoes”. It is time that all Americans end the practice of
degrading and denigrating women of color in the use of language, lyrics and
imagery.
The vilification of African American women in particular is neither
warranted nor deserved, from either the black community or society as a
whole.
If Imus picked on someone his own size and color then he would not be in this much trouble.
Guys, keep in mind that you cannot categorize a whole group of people, black, white, or anything else, as a monolithic single entity of thought. We are all products of our environments and have extremely diverse views. Most people, black, white and other, are offended by bad manners, dumb comments, cursing, the N-word, and reckless hip hop lyrics. It reflects their level of sophistication and intelligence versus ignorance or their specific race or gender. So, to suggest in arguments 'I don't know why white people do this' or 'I don't know why black people do that' is inherently short sighted. If you're writing that it means you're already off track in getting to an understanding. One day we'll all get over this stupidity when we get to know each other for real and then stop teaching hate; we are doing that, but it will take a while.
For some reason only whites can be racial. Al Sharpton and Jackson play the race card for all it is worth. When is the media going to look the other way and grow up. I am not racial and I do not listen to Imus. I know the BS he pumps out every day. If enough people had stopped listening in the past Imus would have been history. CBS talks out of both sides of the mouth at the same time. Let Imus have his show and let the public determine his fate not the news industry or Sharpton.
My god. Can't we all get a loan? At LoanMax title pawn. That's what I'm talkin about baby.
Shame on you MSNBC, to cave in to the rantings and ravings of individuals who, in my humble opinion, spew their own brand and form of racism on a daily basis, and nothing, zero, zip, nada, is ever done about it. The young ladies of the Rutgers basketball team were those injured by Imus' remarks, yet certain bastions of the people among us feel it necessary to take up the banner to champion these young women. From what I have observed, these young ladies are totally capable of handling their own affairs. They have responded to Imus' in a adult, highly articulate and sophisticated manner, which is totally to their credit, and reflects their maturity and sincerity during a very trying time for all of them. To have certain individuals chime in with their own hidden agenda's does the the plight of these young ladies a gross injustice, as their handling of this issue will be overshadowed by the 'I'm going to lead the charge' attitude of those among us that coveniently forget what they themselves have done in the past.
I for one, will not watch your network again, and will urge my colleagues and friends to follow in suit.
watch fox news now
chocolate ho's
where's the outrage over this song, played daily for years, this is only the tip of the iceberg:(ludacris)
HOE (ho)
you'z a ho(ho)
(chorus)
you'z a ho(ho)
You'z a ho(ho)
You'z a ho(ho)
I said dat you'z a ho
[Repeat 1x]
[Ludacris]
You doin ho activities
With ho tendencies
Hos are your friends, hoes are your enemies
With ho energy to do whacha do
Blew whacha blew
Screw whacha screw
Yall professional like DJ Clue, pullin on my coat tail
an why do you think you take a ho to a hotel?
Hotel everybody, even the mayor
Reach up in tha sky for tha hozone laya
Come on playa once a ho always
And hos never close they open like hallways
An heres a ho cake for you whole ho crew
an everybody wants some cuz hoes gotta eat too
[chorus x2]
[Ludacris]
Cant turn a ho into a housewife
Hos dont act right
Theres hos on a mission, an hoes on a crackpipe
Hey ho how ya doin, where ya been?
Prolly doin ho stuff cuz there you ho again
Its a ho wide world, that we livin in
feline, feminine, fantastical, women
Not all, just some
You ho who you are
Theres hoes in tha room, theres hoes in tha car
theres hoes on stage, theres hoes by tha bar
hos by near, an hos by far
Ho! (But can i getta ride?!)
NO! (Cmon, nigga why?!)
Cuz youza
[chorus 2x]
[Ludacris]
You gotta run in your pantyhos
Even your daddy knows
that you suckin down chocolate like daddy-o's
You hos are horrible, horrendous
On taxes ya'll writin off hos as dependents
I see tha ho risin
it aint surprisin
its just a hoasis
with ugly chicks faces
but hos dont feel so sad and blue
cuz most of us niggaz is hos too
[chorus x2]
(Ho)
Muthafuckas im so tiired of yall niggaz always talkin
bout hos this, hos that, you tha muthafuckin ho nigga
I wasnt no ho last night
(Pimp)
Ho, bring yo ass!
(Ho)
Ok, hold on
hos by near, an hos by far
Ho! (But can i getta ride?!)
NO! (Cmon, nigga why?!)
Cuz youza
[chorus 2x]
[Ludacris]
You gotta run in your pantyhos
Even your daddy knows
that you suckin down chocolate like daddy-o's
You hos are horrible, horrendous
On taxes ya'll writin off hos as tha business
I see tha ho risin
it aint surprisin
its just a hoasis
with ugly chicks faces
but hos dont feel so sad and blue
cuz most of us niggaz is hos too
[chorus x2]
(Ho)
Muthafuckas im so tiired of yall niggaz always talkin
bout hos this, hos that, you tha muthafuckin ho nigga
I wasnt no ho last night
(Pimp)
Ho, bring yo ass!
to assume that this is racist just because a white person said it is racist itself. both sharpton and jesse have a history and pattern of racist non forgiving christian behavior. please do something about the double standard, tupacs another one, listen to the lyrics on makavelli...the first to claim racism is possibly a racist for assuming racism just because one is another race.
I have just deleted MSNBC from the remotes in our home. If MSNBC and their sponsors believe so strongly that this is a racial issue, then now is the time for them to step up. Now is the time for MSNBC to ask the sponsors that dropped IMUS to back a morning talk show with Sharpton and Jackson! The employees of MSNBC should start updating their resumes. Without IMUS - revenues will fall and payroll will be cut!
for 'Sam' here:
you say that we 'so-called whites' (last time I looked I AM white, not so-called anything thanks) have no idea what it's like for blacks who 'perceives injustice on a daily and recurrent basis'????
Give me a break!
Try being white and poor or middle class dude! Seems to me that blacks and Hispanics and every other race in America have a VOICE and LOUD proponents as evidenced by this Imus mess, but do you see ANYONE standing up for or loudly screaming for 'equality' for white people?
We're just as discriminated against and 'repressed' as blacks, browns or anyone else!
Particularly under this idiotic evil administration of Bush/Cheney and the elites!
Only difference is that WHITE people do not have a loud clammoring of 'voices' like the others do. There's no NAACP, no ACLU although the first word in THEIR name is AMERICAN which should mean ALL of us regardless of what color we are as LONG as we are Americans (not illegal anything BTW) and no groups that scream, yell, march and chant on OUR behalf!
If you think that blacks are the only race discriminated against in the U.S. then YOU are truly color blind friend!
This country hates ALL of us UNLESS we're billionaires at least this so-called 'government' of ours does.
At least blacks and even ILLEGAL NON-AMERICANS have a 'voice'. Try being poor and white dude!
And by the way, for the other person that said most offensive hip-hop and rap music is purchased by whites? Not by me or anyone else I know friend.
NO FEMALE regardless of her race should be abused in ANY way, verbally, physically, mentally, emotionally...EVER! But in this 'culture' proliferated by filthy lyrics, movies, videos and apparently found to be 'cool' by ANYONE (and again, I don't care if it's by whites, blacks, browns, yellows, pink or green or polka dotted idiots who feel the need to call women and young ladies and girls filthy names, it's WRONG) it's supposidly just fine to do so and THAT is what needs to be addressed across the board
The people behind this offensive against IMUS have a larger agenda than supporting and defending these young ladies from Rutgers.
I'll bet Brother Al is working as we speak on a tv package deal for HIMSELF on MSNBC and since he, like Jesse Jackson are ALWAYS on call ASAP as soon as possible whenever there's anything they can turn from a molehill into a mountain, this is what THEY do...inflame passions and stir up racial hatred while claiming they do things for 'healing' and 'peace'. Wherever those two go, trouble usually follows, but apparently THAT is ok.
And the other networks? CNN and FOX have almost totally shut up today about IMUS. WHY? Got what THEY wanted. Him and his show off the air in the mornings so perhaps some of HIS former viewers will actually watch that trash THEY put on as 'morning shows'. Not this viewer! No IMUS? No viewing period.
Bush & Cheney should be happy too. I'm sure they did everything they could to fan the flames Al and company were fanning because IMUS took shots at them too AND he was the only one on tv other than Bill Mahr who had the guts TO speak the TRUTH about those two so they're both extremely happy I'm quite sure, that he's off the air.
This was NEVER about the young ladies of Rutgers, not really. It's about the AGENDAS of the people screaming before cameras and behind the scenes.
As someone else here said, these fine young women, both white and black on that team, need NO ONE to show 'outrage' (most of which is mock outrage period) on their behalf. They are quite capable of dealing with IMUS and his remarks on their own and that is how it SHOULD have been period...between him and THEM.
Instead, these people (forefront and behind the scenes) turned this into WWIII (which also, note how much MORE airtime this incident got than the War, the fact that they're extending soldiers' tours and even God forbid...Anna N's baby's daddy!)and the girls' team got lost in all this mess. It wasn't about THEM, it was about other people who wanted the spotlight and to stir up trouble period. It played into the agendas of other networks to eliminate IMUS as competition AND as way for his critics to oust him. WRONG WRONG WRONG! The man deserves better and so do those young ladies he offended. It should have been THEM sitting down with IMUS like both sides wanted and the rest of the world and country should have been kept out of it.
As far as we whites not knowing what it feels like to be 'discriminated' against and suffer abuse 'daily' though? Give us a break! We HAVE no voice to work on OUR behalf. If those girls had all been white and remarks made, there would have been NO ONE other than their families and friends who would have cared or stood up and said one word on THEIR behalf. THAT is the truth about America today.
watch them try to shut down the ranch for kids...
just wathed sharpton on tv live.
wow that thing is really a trouble maker.
sirius radio make room for another imus
Yahooo! Self-righteous black-racist hypocrites Sharpton & Jackson have succeeded in kicking the I-Man off both TV & radio! Bwahahahahahaha! Next: I-Man's no-blacks-allowed charity ranch for sick kids! And if anyone thinks the I-Man's 'apology' was sincere, have I ever got some ocean-front property in the middle of Kansas to sell you! Cheap!
Sharpton and Jackson have succeeded in getting Imus off TV and terrestrial radio. I guess it's time to buy satellite! I will listen to Imus on Sirius!
If Sharpton and Jackson want another cause for African-Americans look at USA Today for April 12, page 5D. The SONY ad certainly makes the African-Americans in the photo look lame, foolish, and even a little kinky. Two adults bathing a 21 year old man in a kitchen sink! Maybe there is no outrage since it's a Japanese company and these are African-Japanese.
Note to Obama - if you share the values of Jackson and Sharpton - IMUS is my write in candidate for President!
You people in the US are so ready to jump down someone's throat.
It's no wonder you reelected psycho president.
page: 1
Your Talkback on this Story