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Don Imus Racial Remarks and the double standard?

post #1 of 118
4/10/07 at 8:06am
Thread Starter 
http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/national/BO48549/

I'm not sure how many are familiar, but Don Imus is a point blank, controversial syndocated radio talk show host. He is is hot water for making "racial" remarks about the Rutgers University Women's Basketball Team, calling them in a joke context, but stupidly, "Nappy-Headed Ho's". Obviously because the majority of the team is black, this has angered the leads of the black community, Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson etc.. and they are calling for him to be fired, although at the moment he is suspended for two weeks.

My view on it is, while the comments he made were stupid, and how he could find them even close to funny is beyond me, the only "racial" words in what he said were "Nappy-Headed". If he had used that term to anyone of another race to describe a hairstyle or for some other reason, there would be no problem. This to me does not mean to me that he is racist, just stupid and unthinking. I also don't see how what he said was SO bad that he needs to be fired. What would that solve? Nothing. The damage that he's done to his own career presumably is enough, plus his suspension IMO.

The part that gets me is that if it were the other way around, and talk show host of another race made comments, no one would even blink an eye.
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post #2 of 118
4/10/07 at 9:49am
Calling a woman's basketball team "Ho's" doesn't seem very appropriate to me either. But I guess that's your point, that his comment wasn't racist but just inappropriate? I don't know, I guess he wasn't thinking when he said it and now he's paying for it. Silly.
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post #3 of 118
4/10/07 at 9:53am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pinkdaisy226 View Post
Calling a woman's basketball team "Ho's" doesn't seem very appropriate to me either. But I guess that's your point, that his comment wasn't racist but just inappropriate? I don't know, I guess he wasn't thinking when he said it and now he's paying for it. Silly.
Exactly, I don't really view it as racist, just stupidly inappropriate.
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post #4 of 118
4/10/07 at 9:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ReesesPBC View Post
Exactly, I don't really view it as racist, just stupidly inappropriate.
Yeah, now that I think about it, I've heard "wow your hair looks nappy" before and I have never associated that with being a racist statement. Just that your hair looks gross. But then again, maybe that's because "nappy" isn't a term associated with my race... maybe it's different if you are of that race.
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post #5 of 118
4/10/07 at 10:18am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pinkdaisy226 View Post
Yeah, now that I think about it, I've heard "wow your hair looks nappy" before and I have never associated that with being a racist statement. Just that your hair looks gross. But then again, maybe that's because "nappy" isn't a term associated with my race... maybe it's different if you are of that race.
Nappy-Headed is a term that is commonly referred to those of african-american race, that's why he's in so much trouble. If he had used it toward women of another race, it was still be equally as stupid, but there wouldn't be such a big uproar.
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post #6 of 118
4/10/07 at 10:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ReesesPBC View Post
Nappy-Headed is a term that is commonly referred to those of african-american race, that's why he's in so much trouble. If he had used it toward women of another race, it was still be equally as stupid, but there wouldn't be such a big uproar.
Well, I knew that it COULD be referred to that but I just personally don't immediately think of that. Probably because I'm not African-American.
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post #7 of 118
4/10/07 at 10:31am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by pinkdaisy226 View Post
Well, I knew that it COULD be referred to that but I just personally don't immediately think of that. Probably because I'm not African-American.
I'm not either, but I've head it used directed toward the african-american race more than anything, so I know that's why they were offended. I don't know if he was thinking of that when he said it or if it was just truely a stupid comment aimed at them in general, and they just happened to be african american.
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post #8 of 118
4/10/07 at 10:43am
The problem with "shock jocks" is that they have to keep shocking to maintain ratings.

It was a stupid comment, and not at all a funny joke. But there have been a lot worse things said and done on the radio by shock jocks who didn't lose their jobs. Frankly, I have to wonder if he had insulted another race if this big of a deal would have been made about it. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are media whores, and they are nothing without controversy, so this plays right into their hands.

His apology was contrived at best, IMO. I mean, you don't apologize and include, "I'm a good person" in it.

I don't think he should be fired over it, and I highly doubt he will be. As long as his ratings and revenue is still good, he won't be fired. Basically, he gets a 2 week unplanned vacation, and that's about it. Slap on the hand, no big deal.
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post #9 of 118
4/10/07 at 10:45am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by valanhb View Post
The problem with "shock jocks" is that they have to keep shocking to maintain ratings.

It was a stupid comment, and not at all a funny joke. But there have been a lot worse things said and done on the radio by shock jocks who didn't lose their jobs. Frankly, I have to wonder if he had insulted another race if this big of a deal would have been made about it. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are media whores, and they are nothing without controversy, so this plays right into their hands.

His apology was contrived at best, IMO. I mean, you don't apologize and include, "I'm a good person" in it.

I don't think he should be fired over it, and I highly doubt he will be. As long as his ratings and revenue is still good, he won't be fired. Basically, he gets a 2 week unplanned vacation, and that's about it. Slap on the hand, no big deal.
Well he's not really considered a "shock jock". He's on political talk radio. He's known to be brutally honest with his comments, and say some controversial things, but he's not like say Howard Stern who does things JUST for shock value.

The guy is a 70 something year old cowboy who mumbles when he talks, how shocking is that? *lol*
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post #10 of 118
4/10/07 at 10:54am
We don't get Imus in the Morning here, so I haven't actually heard him. I know that "shock jock" is what the national news stations are referring to him as, and having read Howard Stern's "Private Parts" (years ago) I know that Imus was Sterns main rival for many years.
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post #11 of 118
4/10/07 at 10:55am
This day and age, any group will find racist,hateful meaning in any words that they believe are against their opinions. Freedom of speech is being muted by these types of groups imo.

to me the guy was doing what he gets paid for, sparking countraversy and spouting his opinions.
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post #12 of 118
4/10/07 at 11:01am
Actally..... The comments were made Wednesday as Imus was speaking with producer Bernard McGuirk about the NCAA women's title game between Rutgers and Tennessee. McGuirk referred to the largely black Rutgers players as "some hardcore hos." "That's some nappy-headed hos there, I'm going to tell you that," Imus said.

Imus just added his two cents worth to what a producer said.

And Jesse's jumping on the bandwagon only makes me think of something he said a few years ago.... anyone else remember "Hymietown????"

Imus gets paid to flap his jaws, doesn't mean anyone has to listen or take it personally.... I bet my year's salary no one on the team nor any member of their families even HEARD the comment until some liberal media outlet contacted them about it.
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post #13 of 118
4/10/07 at 12:40pm
I am embarrassed to admit that I listen to him during my commute, but I do. The only thing I can say in my defense is that I find 99% of morning radio to be "stoopid" and despite the generally offensive nature of "Imus in the morning" there is at least a chance of hearing something important or interesting.

I didn't hear the "nappy headed ho's" comment but if I had it would not have stood out against the backdrop of vulgarity that constitutes this show. And it is not as if Imus is a racist. He is annoyingly crude and offensive but if there is any minority, majority, demographic group, celebrity or anyone that he has not insulted I would be hard put to say who it is.

My opinion is that the remark is being used for grandstanding by two individuals who are not exactly role models for the minority they claim to represent and who have been themselves fomenting hatred and division.
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post #14 of 118
4/10/07 at 2:46pm
I don't know much about Imus, only what I have seen on Private Parts.

But if he had said nappy headed hos in NZ, it would have a complete different meaning - nappy means diaper.
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post #15 of 118
4/10/07 at 3:02pm
my husband and i listen to imus and while i find it pretty yucky and boring to listen to DH finds it hilarious. i definitely think that his comments were stupid but this is the norm on the show. i didn't even notice the comment in the show that day - it's when you take it out of context that it sounds really nasty. imus makes crude remarks to ALL people regardless of race or ethnicity. sometimes i feel like the media just stirs up trouble for troubles sake. he'll take a two week vacation, and work on the ranch.

imus is responsible for some really good things, also some really crude things. hopefully people can see past the remarks.
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post #16 of 118
4/10/07 at 3:08pm
I'm seeing a pattern here of people saying that he's an equal opportunity "racist" - he makes fun of everyone and every group.

Which then begs the question - where was the ACLU and community activists when he did this to other races?
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post #17 of 118
4/10/07 at 4:08pm
Oh, and Imus can also take as much as he dishes out. It feels strange definding this guy. I mean he seems unpleasant and boorish, but he has some redeeming qualities. For example the "kids with cancer" cattle ranch, drawing attention to things like miserable conditions in VA hospitals etc. But if anyone thinks the "nappy headed ho's" remark was bad, they should hear what the other guys in the crew and even GUESTS call Imus. He gets ripped up one side and down the other for being old, a hypochondriac, having married a much younger woman, having been a drug and alcohol addict, having tried out homosexuality, and nobody pulls any punches. To be in that studio is like being in a place where the you-know-what is flying in all directions. Kind of like a locker room atmosphere.

So really, I don't think the remark was even racist. He often talks as if he were some hip-hop type 50 years younger-sounds ridiculous, but was anything he said worse than what you hear in the lyrics of "songs" playing on some radio stations nowadays?
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post #18 of 118
4/10/07 at 4:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by valanhb View Post
I'm seeing a pattern here of people saying that he's an equal opportunity "racist" - he makes fun of everyone and every group.

Which then begs the question - where was the ACLU and community activists when he did this to other races?
Hmmm, I would wager that they weren't around because they had no agenda.... nothing to be gained until now.
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post #19 of 118
4/10/07 at 4:53pm
lol the radio guy here says worse everyday, and so does the black radio station in town.

Imus is in trouble cause he is white, bottom line , end of story
and cause he has a boring show,
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post #20 of 118
4/10/07 at 5:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2dogmom View Post
Oh, and Imus can also take as much as he dishes out. It feels strange definding this guy. I mean he seems unpleasant and boorish, but he has some redeeming qualities. For example the "kids with cancer" cattle ranch, drawing attention to things like miserable conditions in VA hospitals etc. But if anyone thinks the "nappy headed ho's" remark was bad, they should hear what the other guys in the crew and even GUESTS call Imus. He gets ripped up one side and down the other for being old, a hypochondriac, having married a much younger woman, having been a drug and alcohol addict, having tried out homosexuality, and nobody pulls any punches. To be in that studio is like being in a place where the you-know-what is flying in all directions. Kind of like a locker room atmosphere.

So really, I don't think the remark was even racist. He often talks as if he were some hip-hop type 50 years younger-sounds ridiculous, but was anything he said worse than what you hear in the lyrics of "songs" playing on some radio stations nowadays?
great job. couldn't have said it better myself. i definitely think he takes as much as he dishes out. the political incorrectness of the show is pretty much what it's famous for. that is why i didn't even realize the comment flew by?
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post #21 of 118
4/11/07 at 6:34am
There are some really good posts here. We also have to remember, we still have the freedom of speach in this country. Being a radio talk show host, Imus is governed by the rules of the FCC and by the company that employs him. He really didn't violate any FCC rules and I doubt he violated any company rules either. I don't think he should have been suspended, for something he said, that I really feel was taken out of context.
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post #22 of 118
4/11/07 at 10:24am
I personally find the "nappy-headed" racist, and the "hos" misogynistic. I find both expressions objectionable in any context, including hip-hop's extensive use of the latter, along with some other choice expressions.

As for Imu's apology, it appears he has a history of them, as one former victim relates: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/10/op...6b2&ei=5087%0A
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post #23 of 118
4/11/07 at 10:30am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jcat View Post
I personally find the "nappy-headed" racist, and the "hos" misogynistic. I find both expressions objectionable in any context, including hip-hop's extensive use of the latter, along with some other choice expressions.

As for Imu's apology, it appears he has a history of them, as one former victim relates: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/10/op...6b2&ei=5087%0A
That's the part that irritates me. The african-american community says nothing about the Hip Hop and Rap artists using that type of language or worse, but yet they go through the roof when an old white guy says it? Double standard.
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post #24 of 118
4/11/07 at 11:55am
One of the players was on the news this morning, saying that she was "scarred for life" by Imus' comments. Puh-LEEZE! ONE inappropriate remark, from ONE broadcaster and she's "scarred for life"?
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post #25 of 118
4/11/07 at 11:59am
It must have been a slow news day.

I can't stand shock jocks, I detest Howard Stern. I don't like vulgar.

You all have raised a VERY good point about the rappers. Why is is okay if they do it? It is wrong for anyone IMO
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post #26 of 118
4/11/07 at 11:59am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by katl8e View Post
One of the players was on the news this morning, saying that she was "scarred for life" by Imus' comments. Puh-LEEZE! ONE inappropriate remark, from ONE broadcaster and she's "scarred for life"?
Oh give me a break. *I'VE* been called more hateful things in my lifetime.
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post #27 of 118
4/11/07 at 12:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by katl8e View Post
One of the players was on the news this morning, saying that she was "scarred for life" by Imus' comments. Puh-LEEZE! ONE inappropriate remark, from ONE broadcaster and she's "scarred for life"?

Somebody better tell that girl to grow a thicker skin or she will have a very sad life.

(or the remark was in preparation for the lawsuit to come.)
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post #28 of 118
4/11/07 at 12:08pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ckblv View Post
Somebody better tell that girl to grow a thicker skin or she will have a very sad life.

(or the remark was in preparation for the lawsuit to come.)
Lawsuit..god if it gets to that. People have been called alot worse. Look at Michael Richards. Did they even file a law suit about that?

They are just words. Yes they may be hateful, stupid, and ignorant sometimes, but they're just words.

If I sued everyone who called me a freak, a cripple, a gimp or every other derogotory term for someone with a disability, I could retire.
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post #29 of 118
4/11/07 at 12:27pm
I really object to the language many hip hop "artists"/rappers use, and I don't think I'm particularly straitlaced. One writer quite aptly described it as "rape and pillage". Just because some people use such despicable language is no excuse for Imus to allow it to "slip out".
I see the whole trend spreading. Hubby was channel surfing the other night, and came across a German rap special. The total lack of any respect for females was absolutely disgusting. It was quite simply verbal rape.
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post #30 of 118
4/11/07 at 12:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ReesesPBC View Post
That's the part that irritates me. The african-american community says nothing about the Hip Hop and Rap artists using that type of language or worse, but yet they go through the roof when an old white guy says it? Double standard.
I do agree its a double standard.

But look at this from their point of view. They were once considered a race that was ignorant. They were mainly kept ignorant because of slave owners. They were not allowed to have an education, participate in the same activities as "white" people and they couldn't even sit, drink or walk through the same door as "white" people.

Anything that a white person says that was also said during their years of suppression (i.e. nappy-headed hos) is a sign of suppression to their activists. They don't want to see things revert back to the way it once was 60 so years ago.

As for Imus, IMO he's just a grumpy old man...the FCC needs someone new to pick on since they currently cannot touch Howard Stern.
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