Don Imus Done In Radio, But Can I Rap With Jay-Z About His Hos?
It would appear the end of the line has come for "shock-jock" Don Imus. Now with CBS firing him, the embattled radio host can't seem to catch a break. And the nation is divided over whether he should be given a break or not. Even in my house there is division.
I think while what Imus said about the Rutger's basketball team was grotesquely inappropriate and totally out of context, he should be given the opportunity to apologize. And perhaps instead of being removed from his position, we could this situation and his ignorance to continue the dialogue of race in this country. All we've really done is punish one man for using an inappropriate term, but it doesn't teach him anything about his own bigotry and ignorance. I imagine a frank discussion with the women of Rutger's would have gone a long way to do that as well but what incentive is there now for a man like Imus to search his soul?
We are not yet a nation of equals, but what good does putting a *pc* face on a person who may or may not harbor bigoted ideas do to bridge the divide? People, all people, regardless of their race, have feelings about other groups and races. This should not mean we unilaterally decide we aren't allowed to express our true feelings, because this will only force people to go about expressing them in a more deceptive ways. I'd rather know where a person stands--and perhaps show them they are erroneous in judgment - than have a government and society tell me what I am or am not allowed to express.
That doesn't make what Imus said right, in fact it was wrong for the very reasons I have already stated. But I would like to have the right reserved that if I think an individual is behaving in a manner that is best described in a colloquial term, that I can use the term that best fits. I want that right and if I offend someone, then the consquences are mine to bear, and apparently Imus'.
Which leads me to an issue I had recently while listening to a Nelly cd. I like a fair amount of rap music and I want to be able to listen to it without worrying that I am offending African-Americans. Lately, it has become evident that white people aren't allowed to use phrases that Afro-Americans use. But I am still allowed to buy their CD's, in fact, I am probably encouraged to do so, because in rap music it's all about the Benjamins.
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