Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Imus and Rutgers

Race prejudice is not only a shadow over the colored—it is a shadow over all of us, and the shadow is darkest over those who feel it least and allow its evil effects to go on.
Pearl S. Buck (1892–1973), novelist


Don Imus and his thoughtless (not ignorant, because he knows better) comments about the Rutgers Women’s basketball team, while attempting humor through an outrageous comment that could only make David Duke and imperial wizards laugh, is unacceptable.

I have been going back and forth whether too much is being made of this or whether he should be fired. I hate to see people lose their jobs and it’s too easy to fire someone and think the problem solved.

Positives need to come from this sad episode. I think Imus should donate a substantial amount of money to the college or the players to ensure they finish school debt free. The basketball players may already have a full ride, but $500,000 or more put into a scholarship fund would be a start. Also, he should be made to promote the women’s March Madness next year. It barely rates in comparison to the men’s March Madness. Imus’ comments and the ensuing attention should be channeled into more publicity for the women’s programs. Anything short of that means inappropriate comments will continue with only empty apologies.

2 comments:

B2 said...

Whatever happened to letting people say whatever the hell they want (unless it affects personal safety, like yelling "fire" in a crowded theater, and so on)? Remember free speech?

Imus may be an ass (I don't know; I don't listen to him), but so freakin' what? When he starts losing sponsors, he'll change his style (remember when Bill O'Reilly was on "A Current Affair"? Entertainers do whatever gets sponsors and keeps the money rolling in).

If all Imus is doing is insulting people and demeaning himself, let's just leave him alone.

Anonymous said...

On The Mark says: I'm all for free speech, but one must pay the consequences when they cross the decency line, which Imus did. He shouldn't be put in jail, but he deserves to be put under the microscope and to suffer for a while.