Jerre Haskew
IPS Features Syndicate International
April 18, 2007
To describe controversial and eclectic long-time radio/TV icon Don Imus, we need to look no farther than a couple of key lines from Kris Kristofferson's great song, The Pilgrim:"He's a walkin' contradiction partly truth and partly fiction....Takin' every wrong direction on his lonely way back home." Those two lines are Imus in a nutshell.
After 40 plus years on morning talk radio, syndicated and simulcast to millions of listeners and viewers across the nation, Don Imus has been unceremoniously dumped and vilified by both CBS and MSNBC. His undoing and dismissal resulted from his impromptu characterization of Rutgers' Women's Basketball team as "nappy-headed hos" in an on-air banter with other members of his show. What was apparently intended as a humorous exchange produced instead an unfunny, offensive and disgraceful put down of some of the nation's top women athletes, which also made it a national sports story.
Ironically this event actually gave far more positive exposure to NCAA women's basketball than it's own Final Four tournament in which Rutgers was defeated by Tennessee in a fiercely contested national championship game, the observation on the TV broadcast of which led Imus to make his untimely and shameless remark. A member of the Broadcast Hall of Fame and an acknowledged media genius, Imus established his following by stirring up controversy and persistently supporting causes in which he believed - from helping hundreds of kids with cancer through his Imus Ranch in New Mexico to supporting and raising millions of dollars for better facilities for disabled vets. However, his media clout and his charitable efforts were blown away by the firestorm that his comment generated across the industry and the nation.
Amidst a media firestorm that began on YouTube and within 24 hours became so intense and large that it put the Iraq war and Anna Nicole Smith's baby's paternity controversy on the back pages of mainstream media storylines for the past ten days, Imus will now grace the cover of this coming week's Time and Newsweek, along with countless other national publications. Millions of people who had never even heard of this media icon now will. Is that not the height of irony?
Then into the media frenzy as usual Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson forced themselves into the spotlight to take over the "discussion" and dialogue without portfolio, the same two men who a year ago figuratively lynched three Duke lacrosse players in a media kangaroo court. The players, of course, this week were cleared of any criminal acts or misdoings, with no apology from either Sharpton or Jackson.
As Jason Whitlock, the great columnist of the Kansas City Star, who happens to be African-American, said this week in his columns and on radio and TV appearances (paraphrasing), "Who gives these two media 'ambulance chasers' the right to speak for black people, when the real issue is 'us' and our tolerance for the vile words spewing from the mouths and pens of black 'gangsta' rap artists, degrading women in the most baseless and cruel ways imaginable."
Imus subsequently apologized many times on the air during the next few days for his terrible and insensitive remark, accepting full responsibility and asking on and off air for forgiveness from and a meeting with the Rutgers women's basketball team and it's coach, which again ironically occurred subsequent to his firing at the New Jersey Governor's mansion. My question is why couldn't the execs at NBC and CBS have waited until after that meeting took place and it's result to take whatever action they deemed necessary?
Countless nationally known politicians, entertainment and media types foamed at the mouth to guest on Imus' show, largely because of the influence of his audience, heavy with decision makers from all walks of life, or to promote their books, CDs or agendas. I must admit, that I was a huge fan of the show, which I watched almost without fail on MSNBC from 6-9 AM EST each Monday-Friday. Somehow Imus could interview guests in a way that they would let their hair/guard down and speak plainly on issues. Some high-profile pols even made their announcements to run for President on Imus' show! Does THAT tell you something?
Where were the vast majority of these people when the firestorm hit? I'll tell you where- hiding shamelessly in their rat holes and bunkers to avoid any comments about their appearances on the show or to show support of their "friend" Imus- like it was an epidemic of the bubonic plague. You would think the man had committed mass murder. The subsequent hypocritical utterances of Barack Obama and the disappearance of Harold Ford, Jr, whom Imus fiercely supported in the recent Tennessee senate race and literally brought to the national stage, speaks volumes about them and countless other guests who benefited by the exposure of appearing on Imus' show to promote themselves or express their opinions on critical issues of the day. A few like the aforementioned prize-winning African-American columnist Jason Whitlock courageously stood tall and spoke the truth.
Big & Rich, Delbert McClinton, Jerry Lee Lewis, Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss and countless other big-time music artists accepted a union scale pittance to perform for two hours plus on Imus' show- for the positive EXPOSURE! Also included on that list were some relatively unknown artists to the current generation like The Blind Boys Of Alabama or the '60s-'70s legend Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), who just happen to be African-American. Why did Imus invite them to play his show? Because he thought it was the right thing to do to give exposure to powerful and diverse artists people had seldom seen on national television in recent years.
So this "two-headed monster" is now gone with the wind, with NBC and CBS licking their wounds and direct competitor CNN's commentators reveling in his firing, ironically just after having dumped their own morning anchors who had been on the air for years because Imus was eating their lunch in the ratings. That, folks, is the core of the issue of Imus firing. He was the wrong target. Simple as that. He has his obvious flaws, and the original two week suspension without pay by NBC/CBS was warranted, but those three foul words he uttered were originated and popularized on CD and video, as well as in sold-out concerts, by the "gangsta" rap artists and culture that are abusive to black women and women in general beyond the pale. What is being done about that- the real issue? Zip. Nada. Zero. Nothing. A bit of talk here and there from all the talking heads on national and cable news that will quickly fade away. But have any record labels canned or banned these "gangsta" guys? Or MTV? Or BET? Or the actual Oscar award winning "gangsta" rap song/video "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp," which contains unfathomable lyrics so profane, vile and degrading to women that they make Imus' remark tame by comparison? Nope.
Imus did a great wrong but paid far too great a price in the rush to judgement that followed his baseless utterance by the knee-jerk reactions of NBC/CBS execs and national advertisers. See it wasn't really about black and white- rather it was and always will be about GREEN! The Rutgers women accepted Imus' apology and forgave him. So do I. How about you? Bring back the "IMan." I miss the cantankerous old coot with the heart as big as the Western USA that he so dearly loves. Then hopefully Imus would see the light, cease and desist his own constant degradation of women and instead use his giant forum to expose and bring to the surface the racism that still divides the nation and promote long-term discussions on air on how to go about eliminating this terrible blight on our American society.
And I could do with a great deal less of Sharpton, Jackson and all their "wannabes." On second thought...just ban those hypocrites. Ironic isn't it?
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OPINIONS FROM READERS
I totally agree with Mr. Haskew's comments concerning Don Imus. While I deplore Don Imus' comment, those young ladies get called far worse names and get slandered repeatedly in the music they listen to and some of the movies they see today. And they pay for the privilege of hearing those names and being slandered. It makes no sense to me to fire Don Imus for what seems to me to be nothing more than an idle comment, not meant in any mean or hurtful way. We need to get a grip on ourselves in our society today and stop all of this 'witch hunting' if someone even remotely expresses an opinion or utters a remark that offends someone or some group. This so called 'political correctness' has gone way too far. If we don't stop this foolishness, it's going to get to the point where no one can say anything without fear of being fired or held up to negative public scrutiny. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? Where and when did we lose it?
Bill WestFlorence, Al.* * *
It's my opinion that Don Imus had a mental lapse that is not uncommon for us older folks so early in the morning. Even though the remark about the Rutgers women was degrading and uncalled for, I seriously doubt whether it was made in the context that many media people along with JJ and AS pertained (and I thought ministers were suppose to preach forgiveness). The only class act that surfaced in this ordeal was the Rutgers women basketball players. Apparently they rose above the situation by weighing his apology and all of the good charitable work Don Imus has done against a stupid remark and forgave him. Someone should take the time to compare Don Imus's charitable work against JJ and AS.
Bob GreerEnglewood, Fl.* * *
I couldn't agree with you more, unless I was to bring up other examples, other than gangsta rap.1. Chris Rock - Constant use of the term "Cracker." Pretty much the same as "nappy headed ho's," except not sexist. Why isn't Al and Jesse, or the black journalist in an uproar over these kinds of statements? Don't get me wrong, I love Chris Rock and I think his "cracker" characterizations are hilarious.2. Where is all the media coverage of the actual number of people who disagree with the firing of Imus? CNN ran a poll during all this which asked the question "Has Imus apologized enough?" It was running about 83% to 17% Yes. Can you equate those answers to the question "Should Imus have been fired?" Probably not, but where is the poll? My guess is it would be 65% to 75% in agreement that he shouldn't have been fired.3. Part of the problem, besides "Green" is the white liberal guilt trip we've been on for 40 to 50 years. The guilt was probably good for race relations at one time but now it is getting in the way of the kind of dialogue us, as nation, should be having.4. Al and Jesse are a prime example from the "left" as to why politics/activism and religion don't go well together. We have enumerable examples of hierocracy from the "right" as it relates to religious figures but it's new to recognize the hypocrisy coming from the left. Jess and Al, religious figures, ex preachers, or was that all a guise to pump up legitimacy for their future rants on everything related to race? How can you be a preacher of all things "Jesus" and not recognize hypocrisy? If you tell your flock that Jesus said "let ye among you without sin, cast the first stone," meaning punish, or "judge ye not, less ye be judged," then shouldn't you practice what you preach?5. Why aren't GM, Sprint Nextel, American Express, PG, Verizon, Bigelow Tea, GSK, Staples, Dodge, Ameritrade and Pet Medical Express more worried about the majority of folks who think the firing of Imus is too much, rather than the black journalist? The reason is organization. They realize there is not a concerted effort to organize on the behalf of logic vs. the decades long sentiment of "Oh my god, look at all the wrong society has heaped on black people; we better offer reparations of some sort to appease our guilt.6. You are so right. This wasn't about race because if it were we'd be following the dialogue further.7. I wrote to Barack Obama as soon as he made his statements supporting the firing of Imus. I told him he'd just lost any support he might have gotten from me. Here was another politician I wanted to believe had the goods to be a leader. If anyone had the opportunity to lead this country in a dialogue on race issues, I thought Barack might have been the one, but his fear of saying the wrong thing over shadowed his opportunity to lead. As usual, there are no leaders in politics, only hypocrites.We, as a nation, blacks, yellows, whites and browns are never going to solve the race issue until we all admit to being racist, even if to a small degree. Unless one has developed total transcendence there will at the least be some hint of racism in our thoughts, actions and perceptions.I can tell you that the above mentioned companies will never knowingly get my support, again.
Mark HagerColumbus, Ohio* * *
There are an incredible number of people in the media who offend me, but I don't think they should be fired. Should Jesse Jackson be banned from media coverage because of his "hymie" town comments? Should Ann Coulter be banned from media coverage for her jokingly referring to John Edwards as gay? Should Bill Maher be fired for his offensive remarks about McCain last week or his crude pictures of the Abu Garibe naked bodies? Should Rush Limbaugh be fired because he offends any one with an IQ above 100?Should every Christian preacher be jailed for propagating the lie that Jesus Christ was a real being?Hopefully you see where I'm going. It's ok to be offended but to fire someone is an over the top punishment.I'm occasionally offended by Bill Maher but, please don't take him off the air. His commentary and comedy is more often the best. I'm always offended by Rush Limbaugh but I've never called for his ousting, just prayed that all his fans someday wake up.I can understand being offended by Don Imus but to be fair, if you believe he should have been fired, would you be willing to allow me to choose your punishment for some wrong you have committed in the past.Look what brute force has got us in Iraq.My point all along has been that firing Don Imus is a set back for race relations and for furthering the understanding of race related issue. I mean, of what are we afraid? Fear and condemnation only drives people further into the closet and it's pretty hard to have an honest and open conversation from there.Don Imus's situation was fueled by media coverage. The media are the real "ho's." On TV right now the media is showing pictures of the VT killers dorm room, while the students plead with the media to get out of town so they can grieve in peace.
Mark HagerPowell, Ohiomark.hager@sbcglobal.net
Then into the media frenzy as usual Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson forced themselves into the spotlight to take over the "discussion" and dialogue without portfolio, the same two men who a year ago figuratively lynched three Duke lacrosse players in a media kangaroo court. The players, of course, this week were cleared of any criminal acts or misdoings, with no apology from either Sharpton or Jackson.
As Jason Whitlock, the great columnist of the Kansas City Star, who happens to be African-American, said this week in his columns and on radio and TV appearances (paraphrasing), "Who gives these two media 'ambulance chasers' the right to speak for black people, when the real issue is 'us' and our tolerance for the vile words spewing from the mouths and pens of black 'gangsta' rap artists, degrading women in the most baseless and cruel ways imaginable."
Imus subsequently apologized many times on the air during the next few days for his terrible and insensitive remark, accepting full responsibility and asking on and off air for forgiveness from and a meeting with the Rutgers women's basketball team and it's coach, which again ironically occurred subsequent to his firing at the New Jersey Governor's mansion. My question is why couldn't the execs at NBC and CBS have waited until after that meeting took place and it's result to take whatever action they deemed necessary?
Countless nationally known politicians, entertainment and media types foamed at the mouth to guest on Imus' show, largely because of the influence of his audience, heavy with decision makers from all walks of life, or to promote their books, CDs or agendas. I must admit, that I was a huge fan of the show, which I watched almost without fail on MSNBC from 6-9 AM EST each Monday-Friday. Somehow Imus could interview guests in a way that they would let their hair/guard down and speak plainly on issues. Some high-profile pols even made their announcements to run for President on Imus' show! Does THAT tell you something?
Where were the vast majority of these people when the firestorm hit? I'll tell you where- hiding shamelessly in their rat holes and bunkers to avoid any comments about their appearances on the show or to show support of their "friend" Imus- like it was an epidemic of the bubonic plague. You would think the man had committed mass murder. The subsequent hypocritical utterances of Barack Obama and the disappearance of Harold Ford, Jr, whom Imus fiercely supported in the recent Tennessee senate race and literally brought to the national stage, speaks volumes about them and countless other guests who benefited by the exposure of appearing on Imus' show to promote themselves or express their opinions on critical issues of the day. A few like the aforementioned prize-winning African-American columnist Jason Whitlock courageously stood tall and spoke the truth.
Big & Rich, Delbert McClinton, Jerry Lee Lewis, Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss and countless other big-time music artists accepted a union scale pittance to perform for two hours plus on Imus' show- for the positive EXPOSURE! Also included on that list were some relatively unknown artists to the current generation like The Blind Boys Of Alabama or the '60s-'70s legend Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), who just happen to be African-American. Why did Imus invite them to play his show? Because he thought it was the right thing to do to give exposure to powerful and diverse artists people had seldom seen on national television in recent years.
So this "two-headed monster" is now gone with the wind, with NBC and CBS licking their wounds and direct competitor CNN's commentators reveling in his firing, ironically just after having dumped their own morning anchors who had been on the air for years because Imus was eating their lunch in the ratings. That, folks, is the core of the issue of Imus firing. He was the wrong target. Simple as that. He has his obvious flaws, and the original two week suspension without pay by NBC/CBS was warranted, but those three foul words he uttered were originated and popularized on CD and video, as well as in sold-out concerts, by the "gangsta" rap artists and culture that are abusive to black women and women in general beyond the pale. What is being done about that- the real issue? Zip. Nada. Zero. Nothing. A bit of talk here and there from all the talking heads on national and cable news that will quickly fade away. But have any record labels canned or banned these "gangsta" guys? Or MTV? Or BET? Or the actual Oscar award winning "gangsta" rap song/video "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp," which contains unfathomable lyrics so profane, vile and degrading to women that they make Imus' remark tame by comparison? Nope.
Imus did a great wrong but paid far too great a price in the rush to judgement that followed his baseless utterance by the knee-jerk reactions of NBC/CBS execs and national advertisers. See it wasn't really about black and white- rather it was and always will be about GREEN! The Rutgers women accepted Imus' apology and forgave him. So do I. How about you? Bring back the "IMan." I miss the cantankerous old coot with the heart as big as the Western USA that he so dearly loves. Then hopefully Imus would see the light, cease and desist his own constant degradation of women and instead use his giant forum to expose and bring to the surface the racism that still divides the nation and promote long-term discussions on air on how to go about eliminating this terrible blight on our American society.
And I could do with a great deal less of Sharpton, Jackson and all their "wannabes." On second thought...just ban those hypocrites. Ironic isn't it?
__________________________________________________________________
OPINIONS FROM READERS
I totally agree with Mr. Haskew's comments concerning Don Imus. While I deplore Don Imus' comment, those young ladies get called far worse names and get slandered repeatedly in the music they listen to and some of the movies they see today. And they pay for the privilege of hearing those names and being slandered. It makes no sense to me to fire Don Imus for what seems to me to be nothing more than an idle comment, not meant in any mean or hurtful way. We need to get a grip on ourselves in our society today and stop all of this 'witch hunting' if someone even remotely expresses an opinion or utters a remark that offends someone or some group. This so called 'political correctness' has gone way too far. If we don't stop this foolishness, it's going to get to the point where no one can say anything without fear of being fired or held up to negative public scrutiny. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? Where and when did we lose it?
Bill WestFlorence, Al.* * *
It's my opinion that Don Imus had a mental lapse that is not uncommon for us older folks so early in the morning. Even though the remark about the Rutgers women was degrading and uncalled for, I seriously doubt whether it was made in the context that many media people along with JJ and AS pertained (and I thought ministers were suppose to preach forgiveness). The only class act that surfaced in this ordeal was the Rutgers women basketball players. Apparently they rose above the situation by weighing his apology and all of the good charitable work Don Imus has done against a stupid remark and forgave him. Someone should take the time to compare Don Imus's charitable work against JJ and AS.
Bob GreerEnglewood, Fl.* * *
I couldn't agree with you more, unless I was to bring up other examples, other than gangsta rap.1. Chris Rock - Constant use of the term "Cracker." Pretty much the same as "nappy headed ho's," except not sexist. Why isn't Al and Jesse, or the black journalist in an uproar over these kinds of statements? Don't get me wrong, I love Chris Rock and I think his "cracker" characterizations are hilarious.2. Where is all the media coverage of the actual number of people who disagree with the firing of Imus? CNN ran a poll during all this which asked the question "Has Imus apologized enough?" It was running about 83% to 17% Yes. Can you equate those answers to the question "Should Imus have been fired?" Probably not, but where is the poll? My guess is it would be 65% to 75% in agreement that he shouldn't have been fired.3. Part of the problem, besides "Green" is the white liberal guilt trip we've been on for 40 to 50 years. The guilt was probably good for race relations at one time but now it is getting in the way of the kind of dialogue us, as nation, should be having.4. Al and Jesse are a prime example from the "left" as to why politics/activism and religion don't go well together. We have enumerable examples of hierocracy from the "right" as it relates to religious figures but it's new to recognize the hypocrisy coming from the left. Jess and Al, religious figures, ex preachers, or was that all a guise to pump up legitimacy for their future rants on everything related to race? How can you be a preacher of all things "Jesus" and not recognize hypocrisy? If you tell your flock that Jesus said "let ye among you without sin, cast the first stone," meaning punish, or "judge ye not, less ye be judged," then shouldn't you practice what you preach?5. Why aren't GM, Sprint Nextel, American Express, PG, Verizon, Bigelow Tea, GSK, Staples, Dodge, Ameritrade and Pet Medical Express more worried about the majority of folks who think the firing of Imus is too much, rather than the black journalist? The reason is organization. They realize there is not a concerted effort to organize on the behalf of logic vs. the decades long sentiment of "Oh my god, look at all the wrong society has heaped on black people; we better offer reparations of some sort to appease our guilt.6. You are so right. This wasn't about race because if it were we'd be following the dialogue further.7. I wrote to Barack Obama as soon as he made his statements supporting the firing of Imus. I told him he'd just lost any support he might have gotten from me. Here was another politician I wanted to believe had the goods to be a leader. If anyone had the opportunity to lead this country in a dialogue on race issues, I thought Barack might have been the one, but his fear of saying the wrong thing over shadowed his opportunity to lead. As usual, there are no leaders in politics, only hypocrites.We, as a nation, blacks, yellows, whites and browns are never going to solve the race issue until we all admit to being racist, even if to a small degree. Unless one has developed total transcendence there will at the least be some hint of racism in our thoughts, actions and perceptions.I can tell you that the above mentioned companies will never knowingly get my support, again.
Mark HagerColumbus, Ohio* * *
There are an incredible number of people in the media who offend me, but I don't think they should be fired. Should Jesse Jackson be banned from media coverage because of his "hymie" town comments? Should Ann Coulter be banned from media coverage for her jokingly referring to John Edwards as gay? Should Bill Maher be fired for his offensive remarks about McCain last week or his crude pictures of the Abu Garibe naked bodies? Should Rush Limbaugh be fired because he offends any one with an IQ above 100?Should every Christian preacher be jailed for propagating the lie that Jesus Christ was a real being?Hopefully you see where I'm going. It's ok to be offended but to fire someone is an over the top punishment.I'm occasionally offended by Bill Maher but, please don't take him off the air. His commentary and comedy is more often the best. I'm always offended by Rush Limbaugh but I've never called for his ousting, just prayed that all his fans someday wake up.I can understand being offended by Don Imus but to be fair, if you believe he should have been fired, would you be willing to allow me to choose your punishment for some wrong you have committed in the past.Look what brute force has got us in Iraq.My point all along has been that firing Don Imus is a set back for race relations and for furthering the understanding of race related issue. I mean, of what are we afraid? Fear and condemnation only drives people further into the closet and it's pretty hard to have an honest and open conversation from there.Don Imus's situation was fueled by media coverage. The media are the real "ho's." On TV right now the media is showing pictures of the VT killers dorm room, while the students plead with the media to get out of town so they can grieve in peace.
Mark HagerPowell, Ohiomark.hager@sbcglobal.net
