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What [tag]Don Imus[/tag] said was despicable. I don’t know of anyone apart from Howard Stern who thinks otherwise. There are so many things that I learn about us (as a nation) through the rhetoric that surrounds the Don Imus controversy.
Many people (tend to be our [tag]conservative[/tag] friends) bring up the “[tag]double standard[/tag]” argument. The “double standard” argument goes something like this–why are we jumping only on Don Imus, what about rap music and all those comedians who “get away” with all that hateful, racist rhetoric? They are making millions offending people. Why are we not up in arms about them? What they really mean is, “Why aren’t the Black leaders (i.e. Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton) up in arms?”
What is the problem with this argument? This argument indirectly excuses Don Imus. I agree, [tag]rap music[/tag] and comedians can be racist. However, let’s discuss those on different terms. Those things need to be addressed apart from Don Imus. Let’s agree that what Don Imus said was despicable without having to say, “but what about them…” That argument is childish. It’s the child who is caught doing an act of mischief, and wants to bring down others with him.
Second, why just rap music? Why not talk about pop, rock, and country as well? And let’s talk about music in the context of all music and entertainment, rather than in the context of Don Imus and rap.
Third, bringing up the rap music issue never seems to take into account a more complex look at rap music–the history and context of it. I think if people studied rap music and it’s (dare I say) prophetic reflection of aspects of our society, we would have a more complex response in critiquing it.
Fourth, why make this a controversy? There is nothing controversial about Don Imus. He said something deplorable. Who disagrees? People want to make it a controversy to make money, because it is interesting or entertaining to hear a debate on the issue. Though to make it a controversy dignifies it more than it should be.
Finally, I’m a strong [tag]free speech[/tag] advocate–which means, that some people will say deplorable things. I deplore it, but they can say what they want no matter how stupid they look. If the FCC has a certain standard (and I might disagree with those standards), then it should be applied to [tag]NBC[/tag] and [tag]CBS[/tag] (for hosting the Don Imus Show), and it’s up to NBC and CBS to see whether they want this kind of garbage on their networks.
I am sickened by Don Imus. While many people were offended, it is the [tag]Rutgers[/tag] Women’s Basketball team that has the most responsibility in extending forgiveness and reconciliation. I imagine that is a difficult process, and I pray for their healing and wisdom in that process.
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Well put, Eddy. I think there is room to discuss Imus’ comments in the same room as those of rap, comedy, and other art forms as they all take space in the cultural airwaves and can be seen as part of a larger whole. Perhaps it is more germane to put Imus’ comments in dialogue with other radio hosts like Stern, Limbaugh, etc. I absolutely agree with you that in bringing up those other issues, that we shouldn’t excuse Imus or diminish his comments. Deplorable, yes, and as you said, let’s deal with Imus. Let’s also look at how his comments fit into a larger whole.