Imus needs to go

i'd bet if Tom Joyner made those remarks instead of Don Imus there would be no blog here.

Mitchell comment:

Even Tom Joyner knows what Imus said wasn't funny.

I'm guessing the only thing we'll agree on is that what Imus said was disgusting...

Before Jessie does his daily walks on NBC tower, I think he should look back on those words he spoke years back, calling New York, "hymie town". Jessie, let he who has not uttered racially/religous insensitive words, cast the first stone. And Reverend Al...for someone who helped initiate a false story about a white on black rape in NY years ago, you too know what it's like to fall victim to "do anything or say anything" to generate ratings or popularity.

Then again, if Jessie plays this right, he'll negotiate a radio station out of NBC for one of his sons!

I was just discussing the fact that nothing was happening to the guy that referred to the teammates as "ho's" first. It's an absolute shame! We do know that if he had been referring to a team of white women, he'd be fired for sure.

Imus is an elderly, overgrown past-his-prime shock jock. Look at him, he's ugly. is he married? probably not, who would want that ugly mugg. So he "hides" on radio. He looks like a drunk to me. And drunks say damaging illiterate things -- remember Mel? We don't want him fired, we want his advertisers to blacklist his show. instead of Jessie and Sharpton marching in the streets, they should lead a letter campaign to Imus' advertisers. Like me, I'm going to find out who they are and write a letter; who's with me?

Ms. Mitchell, my anger or pissivity has simmer to barely a blip on a radar screen seeking large meteors headed to destroy earth in the last decade or so. It is NOT because I do not want to "Man Up" as some would say. It is when I do, I get into heated debates and some times it becomes physical. Please do not think I am easily intimidated. Meanwhile, I can give a whipping and take one without resorting to gun play. This means accepting the fact someone got the best of you. At my age I shouldn't have to resort to such matters, but it happens.

But a Don Imus, Michael Richards, Rush Limbaugh or any white male can NOT insult me as much as my own people have.

Case in point: Barack Obama is scutinize by other Black people to pass the so-called "Is He Black Enough" litmus test. In comparison we do not demand any white candidate set forth a realistic political/economic agenda with us. Also, we recently re-elected a White mayor again, who was States Attornery at the time Black men were tortured, and his cohort John Burge, are elected to office and retired, living comfortably off tax-payers money, respectively. He knows what happen, but plays dumb and we dumb down lower with him.

Do not demand for me to become angry with a silly white male who espouses racist remarks. (No you didn't say directly, but others in the media and alleged Black Leadership wants us to. You have stated you have never said any of the things which are commonly heard in the Afican American communities. Unless you are living in Oprah, Bill Cosby, Linda Johnson Rice, John Rogers and other such financially well-to-do neighborhoods, you have heard the words. I bet they have heard them too, ASK Ms. Condoleeza Rice.

Mr. Obama even admits to hearing them as a child, also.

It was\is media-savvy wrong to used the words Don Imus allowed to espouse from his head, BUT why not allow Rutgers University, the Coach, and the Female Players to respond to this slight before rushing to protest? I sit here thinking these young women need to be STUDYING making up for lost time on the basketball court, instead of worrying about another racist statement. It won't be the last one. They are losing valuable class time because OTHERS can not find a true cause to grasp onto.

HOW DO WE COMBAT IT? Exactly as the Rutgers female basketball players are doing. EDUCATE the HELL out of ourselves.

These young women parents were not allowed to sit down with them first to discuss the matter before others want to jump up and down and shout RACISM.

I do not need for others to tell me when a racist has slapped me. I need to plot my course of action to best handle the matter, and not appease every Negro, who hear worst when walking in the neighborhood.

I will be attacked for stating it, BUT RIDE ANY CTA BUS, and listen to the young people between 13 to 20. Listen to the adults between 21 to 30 years of age. I did not nor ever speak publicly in front of older Black women or women in general in this manner. My grandmother would have had my butt, and my mother who is only five foot five inches tall would grab my over six foot tall butt, and ask "What did you say?"..."Nothing!" would be my answer.

No the words were not created by us, but we used them so well, the White Male Executives of the music industry facillate BILLONS OF DOLLARS off of the foul words. They are words from a horrific past, but why do we dredge them up?

I understand well the ethno-centric, euro oppressive regime against people of color, BUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!

IS THIS THE OPPRESSOR STILL KEEPING HIS MINIONS ON THE INCOME STATEMENTS, BALANCE SHEETS AND DISPLAYING HOW THE CASH-FLOW STATEMENT DISPENSES ITS CAPTIAL?

We need to wake up and realize, just like our parents told us when little, "Bricks and stones will break your gones, but words will never hurt you (unless giving them the power to do so)!!

I refused to give small people that power. Why are you?

In closing, FORGET THE DAMN APOLOGY, SUE MSNBC, CBS AND DON IMUS FOR DAFAMATION OF CHARACTER!...Learn to Play the game which the oppressor has put in place until being able to supplement it with OUR OWN economic and political power game!

Have a good day

I guess Imus came up with the phrase "nappy-headed hos" all by himself. If blacks would stop calling their women hos or refuse to continue allowing this kinda of conduct toward one another as a race, maybe white folks wouldn't get criticized for using terms you simply choose to accept as OK. Those terms would cease to finid their way into conversations...humorous or not. No double standards. Stop barking up the wrong tree and fight the real fight...yourselves.

Hi Mary,

When will you be posting in your blog about how Chris Rock should be fired from HBO for racist remarks?

When will you be posting in your blog about how Dave Chapelle should be fired from Comedy Central for racist remarks?

Please advise.

Mitchell comment:

Rock and Chapelle are not news commentators or talk show hosts. If you believe HBO should fire Chris Rock, you should start your own campaign.

Unquestionably, Imus must go, and I do not fault Rev. Jackson and Al Sharpton for speaking out, but I would like to see these two gentlemen speak out with the same passion and fervor against all these rap artists who songs are sexually explicit and contain lyrics that glorify the degradation of woman.

Whites don't go around calling their women hos. And if they do, guess where they hear the term used most frequently.

Hi Mary,

I do not think Chris Rock should be fired. :-)

But you do raise an interesting point.

By your response, are you saying it is "okay" to be racist in certain platforms? (chris rock on stage vs. don imus on his radio show)

Please advise.

Mitchell comment:

Of course not, but we're not talking about Chris Rock's comedy routine. I think you know the difference between Rock's on-stage comedy sketches and Imus's commentary.

Mary, you say Imus has to go. Guess what, I agree the guy is a jerk.

However, Mary, did you say Jessie Jackson has to go after he made his infamous racist and anti-semitic "hymies in hymietown" remarks?

Did you say Chicago Alderwomen Dorthey Tillman and Emma Mitts have to go after they made very vulgar racist anti-hispanic comments?

Did you say basketball player Isiah Thomas has to go after he made a very racist remark about a white basketball player (Larry Bird)?

Did you say Dick Gregory has to go after he said, "I heard it on a good source that all jews called off who work at the World Trade Center on the morning of 9/11?" He said that one morning a couple of years back right here in Chicago on the 'Cliff Kelley Show' (WVON-AM radio). Guess what Mary, he never told his source and he failed to mention 552 victims of that horrible incident were of the jewish faith. Talk about a lie and an insensitive comment. So again, did you say he has to go?

What about when Chris Rock calls President Bush a 'retard'? Does he have to go?

Are you aware that this Bernie character on the 'Imus Show' said two weeks earlier, "Atty General Gonzales should resign and then go caretake the lawns in Washington DC like all them kind of people do". Mary, where was the outrage then? There was none because the people complaining now were the ones laughing then. Afterall, Imus was a Bush-basher and considered a good liberal. And also, its okay to have open-season on any republican, which Gonzales is. So Mary, why didn't you say Imus has to go then?

Mary, what about all these rappers who demean women in their lyrics? And all these black comedians such as Chappelle, who make fun of whites and women (especially black women), do they got to go? ...I'd like to hear your reason on all of these why these are all acceptable.

Mitchell comment:

Obviously you know I've written about all those rappers who demean women in their lyrics. If you don't, check the archives. As for the rest of your set-up, what is your point, that I can't say Imus should be fired because I didn't Jesse should have been what--stoned in 1988. Well, guess what. I wasn't around in 1988.
As for what you would like to hear, when did you get to be editor? I'm doing good to post these long-winded, race baiting responses. Stop pushing your luck.

to Richard: Yes, I suppose Rock and Chapelle can always claim its just part of the comedy routine. But were Mary has to be careful is Imus I suppose can claim the same....All of them are WRONG. Also, remember this, Rock and Chapelle are at the mercy of the very rich, arrogant, and corporate men (most likely white) who pay them. Whoever is behind HBO. By the way, look how Jesse Jackson had to cow-down several days back when Gov. Blagojevich wanted to tax the big corporations in Illinois more. Make the big boys pay their fair share. Jackson had to back-off, take the corporates side, and go against the governor because Jackson knows damn well whose paying him, giving him his contributions, so he can jet-set around the world and stay at the finest places....So remember, if there guilty, which they are, there are silent and powerful people behind the scene who pull the strings, so they are more guilty...Am I right, Mary?

Mitchell comment:

Apparently you have inside information that I don't have.

First Michael Richards, now Imus in only the last few months. What goes around comes around. Memo to black people, this is only the beginning. You people have over played your hand badly. The everyday racist insults and little racist comments that whites have to endure is coming back to bite you. Because what you heard from Imus & Richards is just the hostility from white people coming out that has been building up for ten years now. I remember back ten or fifteen years ago I barely ever heard white people use the N word, now, I hear it used much more frequently by my people. I remember every white person I know saying how the cops in the Rodney King beating should be convicted. But today, most of those same white people would laugh at the beating and say "good, finally a case of a group of whites beating up a black instead of the other way around". My point being, most white people have been pushed to just about our breaking points. We are tired of being demonized by blacks as racists for no reason, and being blamed for black people's problems. If you are boiling a pot of water and keep turning up the heat, sooner or later the lid on that pot is going to blow off. And that is what you are starting to see now. Sooner rather than later, us white folks are going to blow our tops and we are going to say "screw equality and screw tolerance, we're tired of providing special privileges to people who just mock us and demonize us and rape us and kill us, lets look out for ourselves". And when that day comes, 1964 Alabama might look like a picnic. As pertaining to this issue, you black folks might want to use different people to lead your cause. Because using two racist haters like Jesse Jackson and Sharpton to speak and think for you only makes you look like fools. As for people being pissed off that Imus gets paid to entertain white people by bashing black people, grow up! You black people fill auditoriums and arenas all the time to hear blacks bash white people. Hell, just two months ago Farrakhan brought in 65,000 supporters in Detroit to hear his vile garbage. So as I said at the beginning, what goes around comes around.

Truthfully,we ,black folk do need to stop using derogatory words like they are words of endearment. No other race use terms that are deragatory as words of endearment. Rap artists and television and radio executives are just as much to blame. They pander to the groups who buy all that negativity and accept that negativity. Young white males buy more hardcore rap that all black people put together. If the executives thought it was bad they wouldn't release it. They are only selling to the ones being catered to. No one put out records to sell only to blacks. These young rappers are only taking the money and they don't care about the fall out. Why glorify something if there is no money to be made? If they thought Imus was wrong they would've fired him. But they won't because someone else would just hire him and say accept his apology. Most black people don't need Jesse or Al to tell us when things are wrong. We already know. Most black people never heard of Imus before last week. We don't listen to his station and wouldn't even know where to find him on the radio. He's been making racist remarks for years and we've been boycotting him for as long as he's been around. It's not up to black people to say "enough" with him. Truthfully, it's up to whites to tell him when he's crossed the line,because they are the ones who make him or break him. Just like everything else in this world. No one caters to black people. NO ONE. Now, Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle sell to more whites than blacks. We're only 13 percent of this country and it's no gaurantee that all blacks will like someone just because they're black. We have a great tendency to not like our own kind especially when we see them doing well. Look at Arsenio: more black people disliked him because they considered him a sell out and they abandoned his show long before whites did. Before he had a show there was no forum for black people to sell whatever they did in entertainment. He helped a lot of black people and who were his greatest critics? Black people have to get it together or we'll become extinct. Imus is one of the least of our worries.

Mary, I think you are missing the point.

There is not a rule of thumb as far as what is "Racist" and what is "Comedy" and each person is going to view it a bit differently.

Case in point. Dave Chappelle mentioned on Oprah that he had to rethink his comedy sketches because the intent of his comedy differed from how the audience reacted. You cannot make the assumption that everyone is going to see comedy the same.

Much of comedy points to satire which will ridicule and often demean its intended target. Whether that comedy is racist or insensitive is up to each of us to determine.

I think that in many cases that black entertainers are not held to the same standard that white entertainers are held to because of this double standard. Blacks see Chris Rock as a black person and therefore it's alright. Whites see Chris Rock as a black person as well, however, since they have no emotional connection, nobody really cares to respond or say anything.

However, white entertainers are not given that same leeway because that same "Black Stereotype" is looked at as an attack on blacks and then is racist.

This is not me condoning Don Imus's remarks, just an observation. I do believe, however, that Don Imus's remarks are rich in his own brand of comedy that a certain element of the population finds to be funny. Rock, Chappelle and Imus have similarities because their comments exist as a social commentary of the age we live in.

When I was a kid I was offended by jokes about Polish people because I am Polish. I would assume that Fat Jokes would particularly offend people that are overweight and that Blonde Jokes would particularly offend people that are Blonde.

I personally believe that Imus went too far, I do not think he should lose his job because what Imus is responding to is his own impression of an element of the black community. In certain cases he stole direct comments from that he is being criticized for from Spike Lee.

The question I have for you would be is the message from black entertainers being lost by the audience? Do they have an even larger social responsibility than white entertainers in promoting their own ethnicity.

Most of these comments on this blog sounds like playgroup conversation. Why can't people on here view Imus comments about these young ladies as they are, racist, sexist, and very deplorable ? It's not about throwing rocks back and forward saying, Well if Chris Rock said this and rappers said that. The culture will never be able to heal properly unless The I-man comments are dealt with in an acceptable manner to those ones who he offended...

I think this is a women's issue that has been played out, in this instance, against black women. If they were white women that Imus didn't like, he wouldn't call them "ho's," but he would have called them "skanky bitches" or something equally insulting.

It's a shame this is being seen only as an issue against black women. The networks would have dragged their heels just as long if Imus had called white women something equally derogatory.

The sports media, like the society from which it comes, still has a long way to go before it understands how to respect women fully.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Hello Mary

I wanted to make a comment about Imus to you and I got off on something else I was reading about the Post Office, but I will get back to you on that later because it is very fishy.

I wanted to make a comment about Imus. When I first heard about it and I really couldn’t comment on it at work. I thought wow! But I went beyond wow. I said and as I write I don’t want to justify this man’s comments, because they deserve no justification. But listen, we live in a very segregated society, blacks with blacks; whites with whites; etc. Everyone lives in neighborhoods according to their ethnicity. Those that live in areas outside of their ethnicity are few and far between. We are only are in diverse surroundings at work. Suffice to say, most of the time at work, whites approach us talking black. Why? Prejudice and Ignorance to blame. But mostly the only images that whites see of us are from our black actors, comedians, singers and rappers. The images that they portray are always stereotypical. They in fact reinforcing stereotypes, but as blacks we accept this nonsense because they are black. The rappers which I like to refer to as “rapers” because they have raped an entire culture of decency, for money. They are fake gangsters that promote violence and live in crime free neighborhoods. But, I digress. Here is the thing. Whites listen and watch and think that this is the way we talk to each other. Calling our women B--- and h---- and let’s not forget the N___ word. Who would not think that this is the way we talk to each other. I was in a store the other day and heard this man calling this women b___ and h____. I was appalled and talked about him like a dog. The women never said anything. I think I hit the fan when he said “Hoe.. I just bought you something. Come on Bitch; let’s go to this other store.” I was in another store and I heard this man say to this girl “Hoe, get what you want.” She just laughed it off. We as a people have to break our own chains. Calling us out of names should not be accepted or promoted from anyone, and especially from black men, actors, comedians and rappers. They are the looking glass into our culture. What they say and do is a blueprint. The rappers started this deplorable mess, but are we trying to boycott them and get them fired from their jobs. That’s what we should be doing. We should stop promoting blacks that reinforce stereotypes. These are the only images they see. But then when it comes to white women on television, the images we see are always good and they always refer to each other as “beautiful” even when they are not. I will sum it up with this “what the eyes see and the ears hear, the mind believes.” In so many ways, we are responsible for our demise. Let’s start voicing out on these rapers. Let’s stop eating our own s___, because it is given to us by these rapers and these actors and comedians. Halle Barry (sp) is coming out as I was told with a new movie. I believe the name is nappy something. Come on now. We can not expect people to treat us better than we treat ourselves. We have to cut this out of own culture and then it will be totally appalling when someone else does it. Would you expect your lover or husband to treat you like a queen when you act like a tramp? The rapers and actors have to be taught that they have to stop stereotyping us. Have you listened to the radio lately, listen to them degrade us. It’s all funny. It has to stop. We have to break our own chains. I am not excusing what Imus did; I am just saying there is a lesson to be learnt here. They won’t stop until we do. Now Sharpton wants him fired, and rightly show, but how many rapers is he protesting to be fired.

The words used by Imus were indeed insulting...

Where is the outrage for the Duke lacrosse team who were not called names by black leaders and a bullied DA, but were indicted by made up charges. Charges that will finally be dropped by the North Carolina States Atty soon. Go back and check the "insensitive" comments made by various black talking heads over the past several months - about these "priveleged white boys". It really is a case story for future business schools. The Rutgers girls team were given a blanket name by a dried up disc jockey but it does not compare the the treatment of three members of the Duke lacrosse team have been branded by name by made up charges and their life has been a living hell.
Where are Jessie and Rew Al?

Too bad that the only ones taking the lead on this are Rev. Jesse "Baby Daddy" Jackson and Al "Conk" Sharpton.

Is that the best we have in our community ?

BTW - look at the team pictures of the Rutgers women and I would have to admit, they would not be the first women I would approach for a date by any means.....

http://www.scarletknights.com/basketball-women/roster/roster-alph.asp

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l312/willielee/ajavon_m.jpg

IMUS is getting his just dessert and although Rev. Baby Daddy Jackson and Rev. Al "Conk" Sharpton do not have a moral leg to stand on, I applaud their taking the forefront on this.

The suspension is a slap on the wrist. Black journalists who work on NBC and CBS, the parent companies of the broadcaster and the producer respectively, should take a stand on this.

Derrick Baker, Marion Brooks, Steve Baskerville, Diane Burns, etc. should demand that this guy be fired. Just like the Cubans took a general work stoppage during the Elian Gonzales saga, our black media people employed by NBC and CBS need to take a stand.

This will never happen though. These vanilla Negros love that paycheck too much to make a real stand and risk their jobs. There are no Tommie Smiths and John Carlos' among our people today - brothers who will take a stand at their own risk for a cause.

Also, the reaction of the Rutgers girls and Black Coach is critical. If they say he apologized and they consider it a done deal, then they are just as much at fault. That coach, Vivian Stringer, will not say anything to upset white folks that employ her and the girls have their futures to look out for. If they will not speak out for themselves, how can they expect others to do so.

I believe all we have done is help this guy increase his visibility. He is crazy like a fox.

What Imus did is flat out wrong...

Not 5 minutes ago, I heard Stuart Scott, a black sportscaster say on ESPN:
"bitches and hos are affectionate terms in rap music".

Congratulations Black American women....you've got Stuart Scott in your corner!

Like everything in America the view of the Imus issue is based on Race. Most white's have adopted the company line, passed down by the Whites in Authority that: Imus comments were wrong; but, the offense doesn't warrant firing; then, Sharpton and Jackson are bad people and are seeking the camera and are really not concerned about the issue, just their own self-gratfication, and, that Sharpton and Jackson are both bringing up the race cards.

The rest of the Nation is taking the course of Truth, this is, it is obvious that Imus is a Racist. It is obvious that white people enjoy Imus on the airwaves and find humor in his racist, disaparaging remarks about Blacks and other racial minorities in America. It is obvious that Howard Stern is equally a racist with a radio show that too, makes it's basic foundation, the belittling of Blacks and other minorities in America as a priority and theme of it's show; and, whites love these types of programs.

At issue: What king of America do we want? Social Scientist already has said that by 2050 3/4 of America will be black and brown. I think we better then start having regulatory stipulations that govern the extent of where people can go on Public forums: radio, television, newspapers, records, CD's etc.. No not censorship but we can't have Nazi Gobbell's propoganda enraging and facilitating civil unreast in America because this is where this is going: Racial War and not of just Black and White. The other Races in this country will join in also. We better get it together. Imus should be fired. That is the Truth of the matter. He harms America with his Nazi, Gobbell's rhetoric.

Listen, Black people know who they are. They know they are not the stereotypes portrayed by Racist whites. They no African Ancient history was great and that it was destroyed by the Romans. The only folks who find humor in belittling blacks are racist white people. And, hip hop is not the same issue. White monopolise own the music industry and sanction what music goes on. Black politicians, yes, including Jackson and Sharpton and Farrakhan as well as many prominent and not so prominent blacks have all tried to get Rappers to stop using the (n) word, and degrading Black women on their lyrics; however, Black people don't run the government so they can't write laws to stop this.

Dear Mary,

My outrage starts with society for allowing this to become acceptable everyday conversation, where are the women actresses and journalists(aside from yourself offended) while I can understand Mr. Sharptons and Mr Jackson's anger there has to be a powerful african american woman out there equally offended (Hello Ms. Winfrey)

"or the fact that black people had to protest before CBS Radio and MSNBC took any action against Imus."

Please stop. There is a group in this country that is maligned by the media more than all other groups combined. The American male of all colors, economic position, and familiar status. And it's not just by the media. Major media corporations have long ignored the American male's pleas for relief from denigration. There are few major outcries when men, especially fathers, are degraded by the media. The media only relents when there is an outcry large enough that it might cause their profits to be affected. Do I blame them? No! Their job is to generate profits for shareholders and to sell advertisement. They go so far as to offend groups until those groups stand up and say enough is enough, and that should be their right (I am one of those annoying people who believes in the concept of free speech). If blacks, as well as whites, other minorities, men, women, and shareholders, will stand by for years while people like Imus spouts his vitriol, then CBS and MSNBC should not feel obliged to remove him. They apparently know their audience and shareholders and that's all that matters. If the audience wants Imus off the radio, all that they have to do is stop paying attention. If the shareholders want him off the air, all they have to do is vote with their feet and take their money elsewhere.

"the White Male Executives of the music industry facillate BILLONS OF DOLLARS off of the foul words"

You do realize that there are hundreds and thousands of BLACK producers, promoters, and executives who help the industry profit from foul words? You do realize that these rappers (and it's not just rappers) are grown adults who make the choice to make this music. You do realize that rappers would not have a voice if millions of people, blacks included, did not buy their albums. It's time the black community stop laying the blame on the white community for the rap industry. The black community has just as much, if not more, culpability for the state of rap as the white community does.

"all these rap artists who songs are sexually explicit and contain lyrics that glorify the degradation of woman."

Oh please! The objectification of men is just as bad. Music lyrics, television shows and movies, and even the state and federal governments have objectified men. Music artists, television shows, and movies have decided that the only men worth having are men with means. The state and American governments have decided that men are walking wallets to be picked (men without children are paying child support every month, thrown in jail, having their licenses revoked, forced into homelessness, and even committing suicide because we have laws that encourage women to commit paternity fraud). As long as these hypocritical pressure groups and media outlets continue to ignore these facts, I have no problems with the objectification of women. If women have no problems with looking at men in terms of monetary worth (the classic excuse is that women are looking for "security", but we all know that means money), then I have no problem with music artists portraying women as nothing more than sex objects. Until these hypocritical pressure groups and media outlets start to look at both sides of the coin, I am going to actively campaign against them.

Let me be clear, what Imus said was offensive by almost anyone's standard, even mine. But he does not deserve all of the blame. We have a culture that turns a blind eye towards sexism, racism, and injustice until someone with a mouth tells us that we should be offended. We, that's right - we, helped create this situation by not saying anything when he first made offense remarks. We helped create this situation by not demanding true equality. Our country is filled with hypocrites and people who lack the courage to do the right thing at the right time. We should stop paying attention to a talentless hack who's way past his time and look in the mirror at the true culprits - ourselves.

The most frequent guests on the Don Imus Show over the years have been Democrat politicians. How strongly have they come out to denounce the racist and sexist comments of their buddy, Imus?

Their answer is loud and clear....they have chosen to use the same people MSNBC, who host the Imus Show as the host for their presidential debate. These same "brave" wannabe's who hope to lead the world, Obama, Edwards and Hillary, refuse to debate if FOX hosts or particpates in the debate....BUT the friendly convines of MSNBC, Imus's racist home, is okay???

Reading all the comments about Don Imus in my opinion; America has along ways to go on race relations. Thousands of volumes have been written on race in America and feel we are along ways from understanding.

What is hard for me to believe, even after seeing it with my own eyes, is that there are white folks everywhere are defending his comments. Here is their reasoning:

1. It's only comedy; black folks should just get over it.

2. Black comedians and rappers say stuff like this all the time so why should "they" get mad just because a white guy said it?

That second question always makes me so angry. I challenge anyone to find a lyric or a comedy act by anyone black where the words "nappy headed ho" are said all together in one sentence.

To be blunt, slavery is over. It ended with the Emancipation Proclamation. White folks do not get to dictate to black people what they can or cannot say anymore. If we choose to use those words among ourselves, then that is black folks prerogative. White folks need to start getting used to the idea that they do not possess superiority over black people. You cannot tell us what to say and how to say it. Moreso, when we tell you that the words you use to us and about us are insulting, you need to listen and you need to quit. It's that damn simple. And there is no need to ask "Why?"

But since some white people will inevitably ask why I will explain why. The struggle isn't over the words, the struggle is over power. And white people like Don Imus and George Bush and your next door neighbor and your bigot sister or cousin refuse to relinquish the power those words have. White People insist on saying them and on retaining the RIGHT to say them. And just like other rights and privileges white folks are determined to keep to themselves, it's not something you've earned, it's something you've stolen based solely on the power of your skin. Not brains or beauty or ability or some magical god-like white power that conveys on you the dominion of all things, just your skin is deemed "white" and mine is not.

So now, I ask you 'Why?' Why is that white people need to be able to say those words "just because black people do." Why is it so important to you? Why is it so important to be able to say the words but also to give the impression that oh, no, you would never do such a thing and you certainly don't condone anyone else saying it.

Yet when your friends and family or even Don Imus speak such things, you remain silent. And you allow him to get away with a slap on the wrist vacation of a two-week suspension. Wink wink nudge nudge, boys will be boys, right?

But he's a sixty year old man who should know better.

White people need to wake up about the level of insult words like this possess and the message they convey when they don't stand up against it. Telling black people to get over it is blatantly agreeing with the offender and the offense.

Frankly, there is no truth to the lie that these words would be used together by black people in every day speech unless you were delivering the basest of insults and ready to fight. These words are not acceptable among ourselves. My husband would never say anything like this to me unless he was ready for a divorce. And I would certainly never allow anyone to say this to my daughter without a lawsuit or delivering an old fashioned American ass whupping. Either will suffice.

To my white friends, it's not enough to simply be outraged or sympathetic. You have to be the one to tell your friends that this is not ok. You have to be the ones to make the phone calls of protest. You have to be the ones to not laugh the next a friend or coworker makes bigoted or racist remarks.

And you have to be the one to actually speak up - not just stay silent because you don't want to "offend anyone." When you see and hear things like this SPEAK UP. Yes, even to your family and friends. That is what I ask of you, demand of you. Do not stay silent because your silence, to a bigot, is approval.

Black people have carried the ball of protest but it's time for white folks to stand up and if you don't agree with the likes of Don Imus say it.

Imus should be fired, McGuirk should be fired and people who defend them should really rethink their position.

This whole incident is a joke. Imus is a has been and should be taken to the woodshed for his remarks. But to apologize to Al Sharpton? The man who accused North Carolina election officials of "Jewing down" his vote totals when he ran for president---the man who caused deaths when he organized a march on Fast Freddie's Fashions in Harlem and the marchers turned on the owner (a Jew) and killed some of his clerks?---the man who never apologized for the lifes he ruined in the Tawana Brawley fiasco? That Al Sharpton?

None of those self appointed black leaders are worth a dime.

Kudos to you Douglas. I know it doesn't mean much but coming from me but you are right on target. My comments almost mirror yours except for the litigation issue. I cannot talk about the law and if it pertains to this issue. Anyway, more blacks like you need to admit the best solution comes from within; everything starts at home.

Hello Mary,

I do believe that Imus should be fired. What he said is repugnant. Also, why has no one mentioned his producer who first used the word ho? Finally, the record company suits should be called on the "carpet" as well. For it is these individuals who allow the "rappers" to put out their music.

Why does it take so long for your blog manager to post responses? The New York Times is much quicker which lends more to having a dialogue with other bloggers.

Mitchell comment:

Yeah for the NYT. But I have a life outside of the CST.

For once Ms. Mitchell I'd have to say that I agree with you. Had any regular working stiff said those comments out-loud while on the job, he/she would’ve been sent straight to HR and fired immediately.

Imus must go. Obama said it best when he stated "The comments of Don Imus were divisive, hurtful, and offensive to Americans of all backgrounds." Although this may not be strong enough language for African American Civil Rights organizations, it is truthful and all-encompassing.

Imus must go, but will he? Soon, but not because of his remarks. We live in a nation were celebrity is protected unless it hurts the corporate sponsor’s bottom line. The loss of Procter & Gamble and other sponsors spells the end of Imus.

Imus sucks but he is not the problem and this storm is not the solution. The fight against racist white america is almost worthless when the real fight is internal. You've seen and heard the argument from all racial backgrounds; I can't say N!@@*& but fools like '50' Cent can win Grammies and platinum records dropping the 'N' bomb and calling women everything but a woman.

That said I do have one question for you, and with it occurring so long ago I can’t recall if you commented on it or not, but in August 2005, Larry Krueger, a sports radio host in the San Francisco Bay area while on-air said the following:

"I just cannot watch this brand of baseball any longer….. It really is bad to watch brain-dead Caribbean hitters hacking at slop nightly."

In the aftermath Krueger was fired BUT my question to you is where the blog on that was? Where were Reverend Al and Jackson? Those two men have no right calling for justice when the only justice they care for is rooted solely in the Black perspective. Because of this their words hold no weight in the American perspective.

Mitchell comment:

You should have offered this topic for discussion. I never heard this comment nor have I read it anywhere.

what do you think of the opinion voiced today in your paper?

http://www.suntimes.com/news/otherviews/335859,CST-NWS-contro11.article

He's an idiot. What's our excuse?
DON IMUS | He sounded more lame than racist, but what about slurs in rap, black comedy?

April 11, 2007
BY DEBORAH DOUGLAS Deputy Features Editor ddouglas@suntimes.com

Jesse, go home. And take your friend Al Sharpton with you.

I couldn't believe my ears when I heard radio host Don Imus utter the words "nappy-headed hos" in reference to the Rutgers University women's basketball team. It seemed so incongruent coming from a really old, really white guy. He certainly did sound racist, but more important, Imus came off like a wanna-be hipster trying to sound cool. Instead he sounded like the stereotypically dorky white guy who is uncoordinated and botches slang, especially the black variety.

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Interpreting Imus' ignorant utterance as anything other than the worst kind of race-baiting is not in the best interest of those who, like Sharpton, make a living by invoking my civil rights on a regular basis while profiting and boosting ratings in the process. (Of course, if this whole debacle gets some African Americans some jobs, I'll reconsider.)

But there was the Rev. Jesse Jackson this week protesting outside NBC's Chicago offices insisting that MSNBC fire Imus, rather than settling for the two-week suspension he was given by the cable network and CBS Radio.

And Sharpton paraded his daughter on his radio show, defending the honor of black women, especially college-educated ones, during the interview. Where is Sharpton every other day we're being called bitches and hos in music and on video? Why hasn't he made a campaign out of that?

An 'idiotic mistake'
''What I did was make a stupid, idiotic mistake in a comedy context,'' Imus has said.

I believe the guy. I heard him banter with his producer, who first brought up the "ho" remark, and Imus riffed right along, unthinkingly adding that "nappy head" remark. But he shouldn't lose his job. A suspension is appropriate. And anybody who doesn't like his brand of shock-jock talk should turn the channel or turn the radio dial. Here's why:

Imus is an idiot.

I doubt if he has any black friends or spends any significant time in the company of African Americans. He clearly doesn't understand the nuances of edgy talk within the black community, especially among black youth. That's why Chris Rock can get away with using the n-word and a guy like Imus can't. Nuances. They matter, and they have a ring of authenticity that speaks of a shared experience a guy like Imus will never understand.

Imus was taking a page from black culture. African Americans export our art all over the world. Whether it's our music or clothing styles, the world looks to black culture for what is cool and edgy. Just ask designer Tommy Hilfiger.

It's no surprise that if our look and music is copied, so will our way of speaking. And believe me, I know the impact of exporting American culture worldwide: I was called "nigger" three days in a row during a 2004 vacation to Senegal. "Hello, nigger!" the black host greeted me as I went to breakfast each morning. He thought he was honoring me; after all, he'd heard the word declared proudly in hip-hop music and on TV shows. Somebody had to tell the brother to stop calling me that; I wouldn't. The masochist in me wanted to see how long the nonsense would continue until he stopped or someone told him to.

Imus mimics hip-hop
Imus is not the only entertainer to call women out of their names. I've mentioned the so-called hip-hop culture and rap music. But have you seen P. Diddy's new "P. Diddy Presents the Bad Boys of Comedy"? I watched it Friday night and was appalled that male comics still call women bitches. I found it so retro. So '90s. So pre-C. Delores Tucker. (The late Tucker campaigned against misogynist and sexually explicit lyrics in rap.)

Imus also raised the specter of colorism within black culture when he mentioned Spike's Lee's 1988 film "School Daze." As Jackson explained in the Sun-Times Tuesday, Imus compared the Rutgers team to Lee's dark-skinned "Jigaboos" and their rival University of Tennessee to Lee's light-skinned "Wannabees." Black folks, not Imus, are responsible for passing that absurdity from generation to generation. White people may have started it, but we certainly have finished it.

Imus is one to talk: He has hair issues himself. Have you seen it? Two words: Deep conditioner.

Deborah Douglas is the Sun-Times' deputy features editor, and as a proud wearer of cultivated locks, is quite happy to be nappy.

Mitchell comment:

Deborah did a good job espousing her views.

JUST WHEN I THOUGHT THE NEVER ENDING STORY OF SOME NO TALENT WHATEVER SHE WAS (ANNA NICOLE)WAS DONE .WE HAVE THE IMUS STORY TO KICK AROUND DAY AFTER DAY.ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE ALOT OF TIME ON THEIR HANDS!

GET OVER IT! AS JIMMY BUDFFET SAYS "BREATH IN BREATH OUT,MOVE ON"

I agree with Martin above...

As a black woman, I am often perplexed as to what constitutes racism, especially when many of these terms of generated in the black community. Some terms are obvious, and yet others are accepted in the black community, in movies, etc, but cannot or should not be spoken by a white person.

Snoop Dog (rapper) and Stuart Scott (black anchor on espn) have the view that it's ok for rappers to call black women "hos". I know they don't speak for all but that is a bit frightening.

Also, terms like "colored people" are considered racist - yet "colored people" is part of the most prominent organization (NAACP) in support of black peoples' right.

Lots of contradictions...

I too believe this man's ignorance and his conscious/unconscious statement is not shocking...although offensive. It is more offensive and shocking for my own culture of people to allow such cruelty of words to be deemed as acceptable coming from one another. This is the sickest acceptance yet. We can't stop the insults stemming from others unless we cut to the core of are own cruelty and offense with each other. I think this man personally found it acceptable because we have accepted such verbal behavior to exist inside our own race. He thought it would be overlooked because it is so widely accepted amongst a great majority of us. Everyone wants to stop the press and scream out offense while we open the door of acceptance to be degraded by one another, leading and spilling over to such degrading from others. I think personally we need to wake up, put and end to the negativity it is really causing within. It's okay that hip-hop artist make money off of these same words and become a big influence on our younger generation. Causing this generation to accept and reflect verbal abuse, self-hate, commit murder, hateful acts to others, self-infliction, low self-esteem this allows them to think it is okay. Which is complete drainage and confusion for them. While when some of us hear the mimicked verbal behavior...we are saying respect your elders. Why aren't the elders fighting to protect these kids mind...by petitioning the garbage to come off the television screens, off the radio and out of the stores so that the impact of its abuse and genocide will stop. This industry is making money off destroying the minds and image of its own people and setting the stage for us to kill up each other...conquer and divide...while we pick the least of our problem to blame this whole thing on. While our kids are crying out to us from the impact we allow them to be victimize by. Where is Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and other black political and religious figures in the midst of this mess. Somewhere scraping at the surfaces that are important but not priority. Marvin Gaye song it best....Save the Children. Until we understand and accept the core of this attack needs to be plucked from the root...we will never be in unity or one accord. Which will always hinder us from our fair shake in this white man's world. How many years did the Israelites travel in the same circle? Peace!

Mary I agree with everything you said. I do have a question however, why did it take Obama FIVE days to even offer up a comment? He had nothing to say until after Imus was suspended and refused to comment on wether or not Imus should be fired. Please read http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/04/11/obamas_silence_on_imus_alarms_some_blacks/
As a father of two girls and as the most influential Black (to whites) since Dr. King, I would have expected an earlier and more robust response.

Mary,
You should be one of the first people to write to each of the wrongly accused Duke team members and apologize for stirring the pot concerning the allegations of rape and kidnapping. You and all other race baiters including jesse jackson, al sharpton, and all those who wanted to put these young men in the electric chair. You have been proven wrong, and accordingly you should apologize, just as you haved called on others who wrongly accuse black people of crimes they do not commit, you should apologize to those involved in this case for accusing them before you knew the facts! Or are we to believe you are better than everbody else?

Mitchell comment:

Exactly what am I supposed to be apologizing for?

In this day and age. A white male can almost say anything he wants about any race he wants without repudiation especially if money is involved. However, there are two exceptions to that say anything you want rule for male whites and they are:
1) saying something negative about Jews and
2) saying something negative about gays and lesbians.

Just a quick update off of this topic. ALL charges against the Duke Lacrosse members were dropped today. "Free at last, free at last, great God almighty we're free at last".

By ALL means, Don Imus MUST be held accountable for his defamation of the female Rutgers athletes. On the other hand, he gained power by affecting thousands of people who don't listen to his show to talk about an underlying touchy issue; race. Words are powerful, but ONLY when they are GIVEN power. Personally, instead of our "leaders" rallying only when there is a political or social problem or only stepping up for "their own" cause, why don't they work together in order to form a more perfect union.

White women athletes don't get called 'ho's because everyone is busy calling white women athletes "lesbians".
When the women's golf tour started years ago, there was a huge whispering campaign that called the women lesbians and that said that the women would play golf by day and have lesbian activity in their hotel rooms at night.
An activist wife of a former president has a huge whisper campaign against her calling her a lesbian.
White women athletes get called lesbians all the time. So do white women military personnel.
I am a woman; I am white; I hear it all the time.
This 'ho' thing got started on Saturday Night Live with Eddie Murphy. Remember his fake commercials, "Do you want your sister to be a ho? Send her to _______ [whatever] school." Then he would show a photo of a black woman.
The rappers picked up on it and spread it out, but Eddie Murphy can be credited with starting it. How he got off scott-free about that, with no criticism, I'll never understand.

Mary, you asked if I have information that you don't. Answer is 'NO'. Gov. Blagojevich made the statement concerning Jackson backing-off , which is in your paper. See Sun-Times, page 20, Tuesday, April 3rd.

As for using too many examples, I apologize. Just trying to make a case. I'm not a professional writer.

BTW, Mary, Tommy H. is correct about ESPN commentator Stuart Scott saying what he said. I saw and heard it, also. And sportswriter Michael Smith said on 'Around the Horn' its ok for civil rights leaders should they make racist comments. Again, some of these folks make some outragous comments.

to Thadius: You don't know what your talking about. You think white male commentators can say anything they want? Tell that to Imus and Rush Limbaugh. One a democrat liberal and one a republican conservative (ok, neocon). Imus is probably getting fired for comments about the Rutgers ladies team. And ESPN fired Limbaugh for his Donavan McNabb comment. Jimmy the Greek was fired by CBS for his 'breeding' comment. Now I ask you, do you think ESPN will fire Stuart Scott for his "ho's" and "bitches" being affectionate terms comments? I bet they won't. I doubt if even one women's organization, even one women columnist, or any civic do-goodie even mentions his name let alone criticizes him. And the same goes for Michael Smith of 'ESPN's Around the Horn' for his "its ok for civil rights leaders to make racist comments."

Jerry,

I am a white male. That being said your point of view on race related topics is beyond pathetic. And your memo to black people is that they have overplayed their hand badly? It's people like you that make us look stupid. Your views are the exact reason we need Al Sharpton; why we need Jesse Jackson, why we need Michael Eric Dyson, why we need Mary Mitchell. When blatant ignorance and racism from someone like Imus spews over radio airwaves, it pollutes the minds of young people, it pollutes the minds of people trying to heal racial wounds that have lasted for centuries, and it causes intellectually devoid people such as yourself to post far right winged rhetoric nonsense on this page. Young man I would be more than willing to purchase you a Bible and sit down and pray for you because hell is hot in case you haven't heard. From here on out I vow to challenge any position you post on this page to make sure that people can see you for the ignorant human being that you are. May God have mercy.

Mary, Here we go again with the famous Flip Flop or Tit for Tat. Imus must go, there's no question about it. There should be no explanations or comparisons towards African American "COMEDIANS" or "RAPPERS". This man has used Old Racism at it's best. I'll predict that "He's outta There". One thing that puzzle's me is the fact that White people have the nerve to call African American's racist. Are they insane or did they forget about the 400 years and counting of slavery and Jim Crow. Remember racism was developed by and for White people who believed in White Supremacy. White people need to evaluate the past and present on Racism. There is no way in Hell, that a Black person can be a racist. First of all, you have to have power, you would also have to have maimed,tortured,and raped another race of people and their country to even be considered a racist. Racist have systemically subjugated a race of people over centuries with no regret or even an apology. We aren't talking about people in England or over in Poland or in Ireland. We are talking about America. White people have been known to distort the truth. Just take a look at US history, it's all B@lls#@t. White's are turning what should be a proud moment for the Rutgers Ladies B-Ball team into another fiasco. Why would white people compare a Nationally Televised News program (MSNBC) to a Comedian or a group of Musicians, it makes no sense, apple's and oranges. Tit for Tat. Now I hear, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton should appologize to the Duke LaCrosse team players, Why. We knew that they would get off even if they did do it. If my memory serves me right, remember the Scottsborro boys and Emmett Till. African Americans must finally realize the truth about White people, it is in their nature to be racist and they don't even know it. Just read the Blogs. They make absolutely no sense what so ever. A white man made a foolish comment and he should pay for it. We only have a few political voices out there, and J.Jackson and Al Sharpton and Ms. mitchell happen to be them. Any African American who stands up for his people is always going to be disliked by the Oppressers. If He/she isn't disliked, that means they aren't doing their job right. So remember this White People, if you hate our Leaders, remember WE LOVE THE HELL OUT OF THEM. Another thing White people, look up the word RACISM. It clearly states what your Parents did to our parents and what you are TRYING to do to The present day African Americans. We are tired of marching and singing old niggro spirituals, and another thing stop trying appoint us with a Black Leaders that you like (Condy Rice). Believe me Jesse Jackson and Al Sharton and Farrahkan are doing something right because White people can't stand them. Imus just opened Pandora's Box. Remember these Leaders are representing Black people not white people, so you can laugh, talk about the cases they represented in the past or whatever, we don't care times have changed. Either respect us or you are going to have a problem, I don't think you can handle this time. There are many walking time bombs out here, Black people are tired and would like to be left alone. Quit trying to brand a whole race of people to RAP music, we all know who promotes and owns the radio stations, and they aren't Black !!! Rap music is only heard by a small percent of African American's. It is mostly brought by and listened too by white suburbian teens and Adults, since you like statistics white people, look that up.........

The question is how can we, as a nation, understand the self-destructive effects of something as insidious as racism, when we, as a body politic, could not even deduce that Iraq was a non-threat. The mis-givings about Don Imus' racial regurgitation is that it's merely a symptom of bigger problems in America- ignorance at every level of the body politic, a collective corporate organism that will feed until the 'host' dies, delusion- believing that patriotism rises above truth, duplicity- believing that WAR, especially pre-emptive war, can clothe the nakeness of mass homicide, while at the same time, we cherish the sanctity of an embryo's life.

The late paleontologist, Steven J. Gould stated that the first of Man came out of Africa, which means that despite any varietal mutations, born of evolution, we are all fundamentally the same. Cosmically, we are literally bothers and sisters. Uni-verse means (One Song!) When will Man stop being strapped by the illusions of the human ego and transcend the base nature of paradox. Yet, here we are groveling on about superficial differences, when Sir Isaac Newton proved that all color is a result of a single energy source-white light! We base our predications about race, on sophistic, visceral, prejudicial reasoning, often with vitriol, not ever realizing, the illusion, that there are no 'others', in the UNI-VERSE, only the One Self!

black people take the shit to the head #1 blacks talk about white people all the time on shows like BET and i know u people have seen and heard the jokes #2 u call all the other races other names like beaner and camelback those name should only be used for there race just like no other race but blacks can call another black the N word see
u hypocrites

It's been said before here...

Jessie of course has been front and center. Some here have said, "these girls need a voice". No, these girls and coach have handlded themselves with class and grace through this.

Jessie is outraged by this name-calling. Where was the white, liberal media after his "hymie town" comment? Where was the media pressure then for him to resign his post from Operation PUSH?

Instead of a dialog (as this blog tries to promote), Jessie and Al want the person stoned. Mission accomplished boys...you really think this is the way to get your message across? I guess Jessie had a history of extortion so maybe this is his way.

Meanwhile 3 kids in NC have had their names tarnished due to people EXACTLY like Al and Jessie.

I'm sure it's just a matter of time before Jessie apologizes to the Duke lacrosse kids. He was right there as the bandleader whipping the local black community and DA into a frenzy "based on the evidence".

As long as people think he is actully a voice of reason for black people, white people will immediately assume he's in it for personal reasons and/or to get something out of it, and tune him out. It take 2 to get to some common ground and conversation. As long as Jessie is on one side, the other side will smirk and turn away. Unless you think Rush Limbaugh should be on the other side speaking for whites?

Hi Mary,

DON IMUS MUST BE FIRED.

As convoluted as it may sound, it would seem or at least have the appearance that whites are held to a higher standard than Blacks or Latinos for that matter. A white making a disparaging statement as Imus did has his or her feet held to the fire while the Black making a similar statement is excused. I consider that patronizing(decades since I used THAT term but for me it is apropros)the minority by the proverbial "pat on the head and wink and nod".

I know that you have campaigned against rap stars demeaning women and I truly appreciate that and support you 100%(even though you do not need my approval). I just wish that Blacks were held to that higher standard that society places on whites. It just looks bad as there is no advantage to degrade yourself or what you are because the "other side" can't, you know what I mean?

Anyway, thanks as always for providing a thought-provoking forum in the form of this blog. Have a great day.

PS
I find nappy a natural, nice type of hair.

If Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are the best repesentatives the "Black" community" has to offer to defend "Black Women" then I feel for them. Talk about the pot calling the kettle ? I can't say black because Sharpton and Jesse might come after me.

A terrific read for people of all colors related to the Duke case, and Al and Jessie, from 1 year ago...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1619255/posts

It's funny when specific words, phrases and sentences are used! When a specific race and/or sex say's the words, phrases and sentences that's where differences and/or double standards comes to play! My riding Chicago Public Transportation, standing in grocery store lines, fast food eatery line, even simply walking down the street for that matter, I've heard a hell of lost worst than this guy who is called, "insensitive," has ever said. What that guy said was nothing! If you want to really hear something that would knock your wig back, ride public transportation to simply standing on a city of Chicago street corner waiting on the street light to turn green? You should get a load of what black females call other black females and you think Imus got a foul & trashy mouth. You should get a load of what some black females call and refer to other black females as or is? That would let you hear what being truly insensitive is and can be! Most importantly from WHOM!!!

I agree with Jerry about our "leaders" rallying only when "their cause" is in the limelight and it benefits their image. In light of the Duke lacrosse team case, it seems to me that Al Sharpton should sit down and shut up. He has become the very thing he purports to oppose. He had those men guilty (hear that - GUILTY -HE decided, not a court) becasue of the races involved. The way he's going, Rev. Jackson is not far behind.

to everybody: I don't write well. Its hard for us amatuers to sometime truly express our thoughts. But a guy smarter then me and very talented man, African-American sportswriter Jason Whitlock, has expressed the way I exactly feel. Its even better then Deborah Douglas's article. Here it is:

http://sports.aol.com/whitlock/_a/time-for-jackson-sharpton-to-step-down/20070411111509990001

to Mark: Go to the DrudgeReport. The false accuser in the Duke Lacrosse team case has finally been identified. Drudge says who she is (Crystal Gail Mangum) and has her picture and 2 extra pages of police reports on her prior problems with the law.

To Jerry:

As a person of color, I must say that you are very much correct. Touche!

Mary, you said that no one would refer to the members of a womans soccer team as 'ho's', but neither would a commentator refer to members of a men's college basketball team as 'pimps', or whatever the " 'acceptable in African-American culture' as a term of endearment, but only from other African-Americans", as I read several versions of in various comments on this subject, current vocabulary is. I am about as middle-class, small town, ordinary white woman as you would want, and grew up even more so. My parents, small town, high school educated farmers, allowed absolutly no off-color, racist, sexist talk in their house. My mother preached to us constantly about the perils of becoming what you immersed yourself in, whether it be from books, movies, songs, friends, talk, or whatever! At age 14 she embarrassed me, at age 50 I now believe she is the wisest person I know! So, with this as my background, I am absolutly AMAZED at the number of African-Americans who seem to think it is ok for their women and girls to be referred to as 'H-- and B--"!!! If that is what you hear from a young age, that is what you begin to believe! No one,whether black, white, brown, or striped, will ever convince me those are acceptable words to refer to anyone as! And it is happening in ALL colors of society, and it does not matter where it started, or who started it, or what big mouth "leader" decides to promote himself by speaking out, ultimatly it is up to us, the regular people, of all colors and sex, to speak up with our pocketbooks, and quit buying the CD's, turn off the TV, quit buying products which advertise for any racist or sexist shows/people, and quietly begin to speak to one or two people around us, so maybe, "WE, THE PEOPLE", can begin to make a change!

Imus is being punished for showing great disrespect for a great group of accomplished young black women. Jesse and Al didn't precipitate this-though I'm sure they'll try to take the credit, as usual.

"If blacks would stop calling their women hos."

I do not call women "ho's" and I do not consider black women to be property(i.e."their women").

"criticized for using terms you simply choose to accept as OK"

I do not think of those terms as being "OK"

"First Michael Richards, now Imus in only the last few months. What goes around comes around. Memo to black people, this is only the beginning. You people have over played your hand badly. The everyday racist insults and little racist comments that whites have to endure is coming back to bite you."

Blacks endure murder, police brutality, prison, low education and unemployment and you expect to be felt sorry for because of a few racist insults?

"And that is what you are starting to see now. Sooner rather than later, us white folks are going to blow our tops and we are going to say 'screw equality and screw tolerance, we're tired of providing special privileges to people who just mock us and demonize us and rape us and kill us, lets look out for ourselves'. And when that day comes, 1964 Alabama might look like a picnic. "

Of course when you finally "blow your tops" the people who you attack will be law-abiding blacks, employees, children, the elderly and women-just like in 1964 Alabama. As usual, you won't have the guts to attack the gang-bangers, thugs, rapists and murders who happen to plague blacks far more than they do you.

"BTW - look at the team pictures of the Rutgers women and I would have to admit, they would not be the first women I would approach for a date by any means....."

I saw the pics. Those girls are pretty.

"black folks share responsibility for passing some of the objectionable aspects of their culture along."

Snoop Dog doesn't get featured on MTV or get million-dollar deals because a few blacks in a few neighborhoods like him. "Their culture" is really American culture. All of America enjoys violent rap, and the majority of it's patrons are white. Gangster rap represents America's proud history of economic advancement through illicit activities. Bootlegging; bookmaking; leg-breaking, gang warfare; illegal drugs. These concepts have been with America since the beginning.

About your recent article: I used to worry about my naps until I realized that it didn't make a difference. I will always be treated the same way regardless of whether or not I have naps.

Whats probably most disheartening is that everyone has used this very unfortunate situation to justify their own personal agendas.

First, I would like to say that I was very disappointed to hear that Imus voiced such vicious and mean language because I once tuned into his morning show. Having said that, this agenda is NOT about Rap music or Rev. Al or Rev. Jackson and so far all I've read or seen are people--primarily black people -- using this topic to express their distaste for the two of them (for the record, they have spoken out against rap lyrics forever.)

Yet we all are individuals and have to stand accountable for our own actions. It goes back to when your parents would ask you "if everyone jump off of a bridge, would you"?

Whats more amazing is how surprised we seem when we hear that people feel this way. Hello? RACISM IS ALIVE AND WELL it is learned behavior, ask any one from another country and they'll tell you that they didn't know anything about it until they got here. Especially, in segregated Chicago. There is no one person that I always agree with including you, Mary but respect is totally different and when you respect someone and their work, its the highest regard that you can hold for anyone.

Rev. Jackson and Rev. Sharpton are highly respected in the black community because of their commitment not because they are the so called "spokesmen for black people" and no not because everyone likes them or always agrees with them. The Black intelligence committees that have formed in light of this new headline couldn't be found yesterday. So exactly what have they been doing, not only yesterday but all of these years? So to all of you critics, come back when you have found your own cause and stop attacking theirs and learn to respect that they approach topics that many of us don't have the gall to. They march for causes that many of us are even afraid to discuss outside of our comfort zones. When you can give a voice for the voiceless, then you'll have a stance. Jesse Jackson helps all not just one ask the whites that were being held captive. He brought them home and your President wouldn't.

P.S.
For those of you who raised the question about Rev. Jackson apologizing to the students at Duke, I suggest you tighten up on you research and daily news. Black men are still being released after spending chunks of their lives in prison due to rape allegations by white women and besides it wasn't proven they didn't do it, they just couldn't prove that they did. Unfortunately, thats why victims don't always come forward.

"To be blunt, slavery is over. It ended with the Emancipation Proclamation. White folks do not get to dictate to black people what they can or cannot say anymore. If we choose to use those words among ourselves, then that is black folks prerogative. White folks need to start getting used to the idea that they do not possess superiority over black people. You cannot tell us what to say and how to say it. Moreso, when we tell you that the words you use to us and about us are insulting, you need to listen and you need to quit. It's that damn simple. And there is no need to ask "Why?""

this assumes black people are all speaking with one voice - you aren't.

Hey Mary, I guess we can put the victimization of the Rutger's women's basketball team right alongside the Duke lacrosse team. Afterall, both apparently have suffered the same amount of emotional trauma at the hands of another race. How will these women ever recover? Has the university offered them professional assistance? Perhaps that will help them cope with this overwhelming tragedy. That name calling has gotta do some serious damage. Now for the Duke lacrosse team you and a meriad of other blacks hung out to dry...I guess they can all carry on with their merry little rich white boy lives without another thought. You should be fired Mary!!!

I am a black woman who happens to watch Imus in the Morning on MSNBC and although he can be rude, crass, abrasive and insensitive, his show is entertaining. He is a shock jock and the format for his show calls for that. Was he wrong for calling the Rutgers Basketball players Nappy headed hoes? Yes. Should he be fired. No. What will it change? Certainly not his attitude or any of the other ills facing our communities. I have been called plenty worse than a nappy headed how and it did not come from the mouth of a white person. We as blacks get REAL indignant if we are disrespected by a white person but we do it to ourselves ALL day EVERY day. So let's keep it real. Imus might be racist but he isn't the first, second, 35th or last and firing him won't change anything. Let's stop being simple (and this is a simple issue) and get behind an issue that REALLY matters. Like the 9 million black children in america without healthcare, the AIDS crisis in the black communities, the US prison population comprised of over 80% black men. We have these issues facing us everyday and Al and Jesse are jumping on the Imus bandwagon. Jesse and Al don't speak for me anyway, they speak for blacks on behalf of White America so I could care less what they say but anyway - Don Imus is protected by the first Amendment just like Mary Mitchell is. He can call someone a nappy headed hoe just like she can publish headlines saying Thank God K was white. I mean they are apples and oranges but in the same family, if you know what I mean. If you don't like Imus - don't listen to him. Just like Mary's advice is if you don't like what she has to say don't read it. People are too sensitive and easily "OFFENDED". Like I said - Nappy Headed Hoe coming from a white man is MILD compared to how we talk to each other. Get over Imus and protest something that REALLY matters to Black America. Like the fact that Bill Gates and Larry Ellison have a combined net worth greater than all 36 million of us (black folk) put together. Read Powernomics by Claude Anderson while you're at it and let Imus serve his suspension. If you really want to punish him, make him donate some of his salary to a nappy headed hoes college fun. Not poking fun but when you THINK about it - is it really THAT serious?

To Darrylm:

Do you comprehend the negativity of this statement? YOU JUST TOOK A SWIPE AT THE RUTGERS FEMALE BASKETBALL TEAM, idiot, when stating I would not date any of them.

**************************************************************
BTW - look at the team pictures of the Rutgers women and I would have to admit, they would not be the first women I would approach for a date by any means.....

Posted by: Darrylm | April 11, 2007 07:12 AM
******************************************************************

Then here you tried to clean it up, but went wadding further into the doo-doo of your previous statement. Trying to justify it by picking on more African Americans.

***********************************************
Derrick Baker, Marion Brooks, Steve Baskerville, Diane Burns, etc. should demand that this guy be fired. Just like the Cubans took a general work stoppage during the Elian Gonzales saga, our black media people employed by NBC and CBS need to take a stand.

This will never happen though. These vanilla Negros love that paycheck too much to make a real stand and risk their jobs. There are no Tommie Smiths and John Carlos' among our people today - brothers who will take a stand at their own risk for a cause.
***********************************************

And we wonder why Don Imus and Bernard McGuirk felt comfortable making statements about Black women. Exactly what do you have against these beautiful young college age women? I looked at the pictures and what are you saying my white-washed brain damage enemy? Exactly what do you mean they wouldn't be the first you would date?

I think you need to re-read their profiles. They wouldn't have time for a knucklehead like you. They are obviously going places you can't even dream about. How DARE YOU ATTACKED THEM AGAIN FOOL!!...What is up with your vanilla-milkshake-spineless butt? Darn fool, leave the young women alone, if you can't be completely nice to them.

You are the antithesis of everything they are striving to be. Go sit over there with Imus, clown.

Silly me for not thinking of this sooner. Remember a few years ago the movie "White Chicks"? I believe two black guys dressed up as blond females? Now I am positive the fair minded, tolerant black community was outraged at such a racist and offensive movie, weren't you? To the blacks on here, please tell me where and how you protested against such a reprehensible and repugnant concept? Because next time a movie like that comes out I would love to join the protest marches, thank you.

Ok. Imus is gone. Is that it, Mary? Is it still ok for black rappers and comedians to call women 'ho's' and 'bitches'? Is any black leader or columnist going to call for blacks to clean up their own culture? Will Sharpton and Jackson take on offensive black artists? Of course not. To quote a true columnist, Jason Whitlock,:

"Thank you, Don Imus. You’ve given us (black people) an excuse to avoid our real problem. You’ve given Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson another opportunity to pretend that the old fight, which is now the safe and lucrative fight, is still the most important fight in our push for true economic and social equality"

Sandie said it for me. I'm at the CTA train and a few black schoolgirls come out the door and one is calling the other girl her "bitch" "bitch do this" "bitch do that", I'm thinking whoa! when did this name calling start with young high-school girls? And the young black men at the train station, calling the young girls "hos" and you know what, the girls take it!!! They don't fight back, they don't stand up and talk back to the guys. They take it!
So Imus is just repeating what we call ourselves. That language was started with the comedians (Eddie Murphy) and it was a joke, now the rappers are saying it, it's in rap language and videos and young black & hispanic women flock to those videos. They will kill to star in those videos. We get mad at an old white guy trying to be cool for saying it? Something is wrong with us, the black race, and Imus should not have been fired unless CBS was looking for a way to fire him anyway. Suspension was enough. And if I recall, he did not start the discussion -- HIS PRODUCER STARTED IT, so the producer should have been fired.
But I think it's more than that happening. Do you think CBS would have fired Howard Stern for the same thing? I don't think so. It has to do with him being pass his time, and not having enough viewers.
Yes, I'm making excuses for IMUS...but let's face it, he was on his way out anyway.

Everybody should read Jennifer M's comment. She's right on the money.

If Imus got fired for saying "nappy headed hos," than Ms. Jones from Hot97 should be fired for creating and enjoying a horrible song written about the tsunami in Asia. i think a song making fun of the tragedy in Southeast and South Asia and for that song to describe how funny it is to see a dead baby floating down a stream is much MUCH worse than calling a group of people nappy headed hos. granted, it's definitely bad, but at least Don Imus' comment was not premeditated, was not 3 minutes long, and was not further damaged by having money thrown at it. Although I do believe that calling the Rutgers Women's Basketball team nappy headed hos is deplorable and I am completely against that as well, something needs to be said for what Ms. Jones did as well. One must admit that their own black community freely uses these terms to describe their own race, however I do also admit that members of the Africa American community are trying to stop the continued use of these types of words. However due to the excessive use of these derogatory words by a portion of the black community, others begin to think that it would be okay to use in their own everyday speech. Please do not misunderstand, Imus should have been fired for expressing such terms. But Ms. Jones also needs to be fired. She should have been fired years ago. There is absolutely nothing funny about millions of people losing their homes and having to bury their dead relatives. Nothing. Interestingly there was obviously nothing funny about New Orleans or WTC. So maybe Ms. Jones and Hot97 only think it's funny when people from third world countries, who are so poor already compared to Americans, have their lives destroyed and don't have the funds that America does to repair themselves.

So if by SOME SLIGHT MINUTE CHANCE that Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson or any other powerful leader that is associated with the media sees this, please look deeply into your hearts to see if Ms. Jones' throwing a measly amount of money at the Tsunami fund was enough to apologize for that dreadful song. If you honestly find that yes, it was enough. You are most seriously naive and racially biased. If not, please do what you can to get Ms. Jones fired like she should have.

Now that Imus has been fired, the only thing that needs to be done is him being locked up for hate crime. This sicko needs to pay for what he has done, I will accept no sencence shroter than 15 years. He should also pay reperations to the Basketball team. Atleast 50 million in damages.

Jerry, you are too silly. You can't be real. What happened 10 years ago that got white people angry? Is it the O.J thing? He's not celebrating his freedom with black people and all his friends and the women he date are still white. When he wanted to skirt the law he called his black friend to drive him to Mexico or wherever they were going. Now that he's accepted by white people again he's left the brotherman behind. If anything has changed over the last 10 years with you it's probably the company you're keeping. If you were still around decent folk you'd have a shread of decency. But whenever an opportunity to get out your white hatred you always find your way to this woman of color's blog to throw out your silly comments. And regardless of your opinion she always allow you your moment in the sun. No one else on a Suntimes blog allow you that ungarnered ability. Thank God this sister allow you that opportunity. Why aren't you "angry white people",angry because Americans are dying in another country allowing that country an opportunity for democracy? Why aren't you red and angry that white Americans are being sacrificed for those "dark" people over there? What are you doing for the very white people you are going to war in the future with who are dying for a cause that isn't even American? You are so rooted with hate for black people that you fail to see anyone else as your enemy. Even though most people can see that your own worst enemy is yourself. You and your fellow skinheads have a whole lot of people to fight. And with the dark secrets that some of you are keeping I doubt that you need to fight anyone since the very people you profess to hate are people you have consorted with. You are America's most pitied citizens: The brain dead. I live and let live because God will have an answer for you in the long run. They way you've behaved on these blogs the past year or so I'd say you need to get the best sunscreen that money can buy. Because eventually your tan will be darker than mine. You hate because no one else in this world love you. Don't put the blame for your station in life on black people.

Hi Ms. Michell!
My comment about Don Imus is this: First, bigotry is a live and well in this country. SOME white peoples level of hatred for African-Americans is just as high now as is was when they first forced us into this country. Due to this hatred, they want to call get away with calling us “nigga”, “jungle bunny”, “nappy-headed hoe’s”, etc. They want to call us these names so badly until they will grab any excuse to do it. The “you all call each other that so why can’t we call you that” logic for instance.
Second, every time something of this nature occurs, white people scream “freedom of Speech” and then tell us to get over it. But now, African-Americans are no longer tolerating such behavior. We are fighting for rights and respect the same way Jewish, Latinos, Homosexuals, etc do.
And finally, every nationality and gender calls each other and use derogatory words with one another. AFRICAN-AMERICANS are not the ONLY ones that do it. Even though society is fascinated by us and magnifies everything we do; it does not eliminate the fact that all nationalities and gender call each other something. I grew up in a mixed environment and I’ve heard many nationalities call each other names. As an Afrian-american I knew for example I could not call a white person a “cracker”, “redneck”, or their favorite, “ trailer”(short for trailer trash). Now that I am a 30 something year old woman, I still hear those derogatory terms being used by white people. I also know I CAN NOT CROSS THE COLOR LINE AND USE THOSE TERM FREELY WITH OR ABOUT WHITE PEOPLE.
Now with all that being said, should ANY group of people use demeaning language with one another? That decision should be left to that group of people and no one else and those on the outside of that group should learn to respect the boundaries. Or an even better question…since white people want to cross the line and speak in the manner that we speak, can we do the same with them?

Whoever our next president is, I hope that he and his political advisors will help create a climate in this country that is decent, mature, reconciliatory, forgiving, and one that does not open the doors wide for the comments made by Don Imus and other bomb-throwers. This kind of thing will stop when we start opening our mouths and demanding that it stop. And yes, I believe this applies across the board -- white shock jocks need to stop it, and black hip-hop artists need to stop it. We need to start treating each other as human beings, and as fellow Americans.

You all should read Jason Whitlock's article in the Kansas City Star (especially you, Mary) and digest it a bit, then comment.

http://www.kansascity.com/182/story/66339.html

jl

Douglas (April 10 posting),
You need to do your homework on the record labels that produce cd's with demeaning and violent lyrics. Are some white owned? Yes. Most are owned by African Americans these days. Read this and THINK.
http://www.kansascity.com/182/story/66339.html

jl

Subject: Nappy-Headed H___s!
To: marym@suntimes.com
Hi,

I agree with your well-written article about the Idiot.., I mean Imus, comment. We (family, friends) grew up with the understanding that that term was derogatory under all forms of usage. When the phase is combined such as it is, means "loose women with tangled, unkempt hair." We did not consider "Nappy" as a description of our Natural hair. Only when the hair is not combed is it termed as such. We have curly (small coils) hair that if kept up will accept a comb (or pick) easily! "Naps" is something to avoid by keeping hair combed.

Now, it should be obvious to anyone that finished Elementary School that Ho's(sp) is not something to call anybody! That term is misused by everybody that use it to refer to a human being!! Again, this is a term which, normally, refers to a person that has loose moral values on the subject of sex. People who use it as a term to refer to females forget that they include their own MOTHER'S and other female relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Of course, if they feel that their Mother (etc.) will have sex with anybody anytime she is asked and she has poor grooming, then they are using the correct term (for themselves).

The problem is this term was used in public by a (so-called) professional Media person. This person does not appear to have consulted anybody (ethnic, language professionals) about any of his terminology (especially this). A college degree does not absolve me of the responsiblilty of staying CURRENT in my field. I could not build the Sears Tower without checking the CURRENT environmental( wind, weather) conditions. This includes any new construction terms known to the field. Comunication is the key to the World understanding and living together.

We have a Basic responsibility to use decent terms when refering to another human being (public and private).

Brian

"If You Don't Think Today is a Good Day, Try Missing One!!!"

Subject: Nappy-Headed H___s!
To: marym@suntimes.com

Hi,

I agree with your well-written article about the Idiot.., I mean Imus, comment. We (family, friends) grew up with the understanding that that term was derogatory under all forms of usage. When the phase is combined such as it is, means "loose women with tangled, unkempt hair." We did not consider "Nappy" as a description of our Natural hair. Only when the hair is not combed is it termed as such. We have curly (small coils) hair that if kept up will accept a comb (or pick) easily! "Naps" is something to avoid by keeping hair combed.

Now, it should be obvious to anyone that finished Elementary School that Ho’s (sp) is not something to call anybody! Everybody that uses it to refer to a human being misuses that term!! Again, this is a term, which, normally, refers to a person that has loose moral values on the subject of sex. People who use it as a term to refer to females forget that they include their own MOTHER'S and other female relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Of course, if they feel that their Mother (etc.) will have sex with anybody anytime she is asked and she has poor grooming, then they are using the correct term (for themselves).

The problem is this term was used in public by a (so-called) professional Media person. This person does not appear to have consulted anybody (ethnic, language professionals) about any of his terminology (especially this). A college degree does not absolve me of the responsibility of staying CURRENT in my field. I could not build the Sears Tower without checking the CURRENT environmental (wind, weather) conditions. This includes any new construction terms known to the field. Communication is the key to the World understanding and living together.

We have a Basic responsibility to use decent terms when referring to another human being (public and private).

Brian

"If You Don't Think Today is a Good Day, Try Missing One!!!"

So, how does this Imus guy being fired really help blacks? How will you address your Micah Eatmans? Do you have a plan for that? or will you just keep blaming the Chicago schools and white people from wilmette?

Regarding Micah Eatman: does he understand that he did this crime? He, like other criminals, says he is "sorry for what happened". I have news for you: the rain "happens"...criminal acts are the result of INTENT.

THis brutal beating is not something that "happened" it was something that Eatman CHOSE TO DO, with INTENT. He chose to do this crime. There is no link between race and crime, or poverty and crime.

there is only criminal intent.

these concepts seem to be lost on the black community leaders.

my point? THis Imus nonsense has done nothing to further the collective black cause, other than to show that JAckson and Sharpton are opportunists who continue to keep blacks down by giving them pointless diversions from their real problems; collectivism, and living in the past.

listen to cosby.

Imus is gone and there is no celebration in my space given more pruning needs to be done-- getting rid of insults over the public airwaves (see FCC rules).

Imus himself has admitted that he should not have used those words, and rightly so. These girls worked really hard to make a mark-- they did not quite win the game, but they came very, very close. Why rain on their parade by using such disparaging words?

A Ho is considered a low-life and a parasite on society. On the contrary, these (8)"nappy headed dream girls are/were attemtpting to put their stamp on America". They should have been lauded for their efforts not insulted.

This entire situation is unfortunate!!

www.vernasmith.blogspot.com

I would pay money to see some of these posters on a comedy tour because their statements have had me laughing for a few days now. To respond to a couple:

Firstly, Vance Shnilling implies that the white people who call women "hos" are only using the term because they've heard it used by black rappers. As if white people are so innocent, weak-minded, and open to suggestion that anything bad they say or do HAS to be the fault of black people.

Secondly, and even more funny, Revisionist Historian Jerry suggests that racism against blacks is somehow a new trend and is, inexplicably, their own fault! I'd take the "suffering" and "demonization" that he says white people have supposedly gone through for the last "ten or fifteen years" anyday over the REAL suffering and demonization (and worse) that a lot of black people (and for that matter Latinos, Native Americans, and other historically oppressed groups) have had to deal with for a lot longer.

Who is to say they are not hos? Black rappers seem to think that black women are hos. Why can't Imus say the same thing. After all, radio is part of the entertainment businesss as well. And don't forget, Imus does not discriminate. When he referred to the team he silently included the white players as well. Where is the outrage about that?

John

That's my point.

The Krueger incident was a big story during August 2005. Big in the Latin American community, but barely a blip on the radar of National News. It did lead for some time on the sports networks; ESPN covered it for a whole 2 minutes (almost).

Either way, a white male on a radio station made insensitive, racially degrading remarks about an entire cultural group.

Why no outcry from black leaders, journalists, or politicians? Probably because the remarks were made about Caribbean ballplayers, and of course we all know residents of the Caribbean Islands are all Latinos so why bother protecting these soon to be illegal anyway?

I hope my sarcasm was clear there.

The truth is the Caribbean Islands are a beautiful mix of all nations and colors. An amazing mix of the world dominated by Native, Spanish, and African bloodlines. This is who Krueger referred to when he said "brain-dead Caribbean ballplayers." Not only did he insult athletes like Alex Rodriguez (Dominican Republic) and Roberto Clement (Puerto Rico), his statement also included Andruw Jones (Curacao) and Tim Duncan (US Virgin Islands) Replace "Caribbean" with "black" and it's a sure shot that CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS and you would've made it front page news.

I wouldn't have had to make it a topic of discussion because you would've written a column on it (not an indictment, just an observation).

Side note: Having an opportunity to comment in these forums is a privilege and not a right. Thank you, Ms. Mitchell, for creating a space for people to converse, debate and ultimately vent.

When are you going to comment on Bill Cosby? Or is he an "Uncle Tom" beacuse he speaks for presonel responsibility?

A question for Mary. Your house on for fire. Your loved ones are traped. Do you call 911 and say "my house in on fire send the fire department" or do you say " my house is on fire,be sure to send a department that reflects the racial make-up of my city"? Did'nt think so.

I'm a Korean-American living in NYC and I haven't been paying much attention to this story, since, I honestly cannot say I understand. However, the fact that Mr. Imus is fired for what he said is quite absurd. Yes, he definitely should not have said what he said on live radio, however, I do believe the black community plays the race card a little too often and ferociously when their pride is on the line. What about the "Tsunami song" created by the ignorant, hypocritical, insensitive people working at HOT 97.1, shortly after the disaster in 2004? And where are the ones at fault there? Still working for HOT 97.1. If Jesse Jackson and Reverend Al Sharpton are the voice of the black community when a wrong is committed against the black community, why are they not the voice when the black community is at fault? There is a wide consensus that rap music and music videos glamorize fame, violence, degradation of women, use of drugs and weapons, however, it's called acting out the right to the first amendment of the constitution. And as ignorant, stupid, a comment Mr. Imus made is, I believe that first amendment belongs to him as well. MSNBC is afraid to back up Mr. Imus in fear of repercussion from the general black community and a lawsuit, but, honestly, black people call each other worse things on their music albums, tv, movie, radio, magazine, and whatever other source of information available. Sick and tired of black folks using the race card for their benefit. If you're going to use it to gain publicity, money, power, etc., have the courage and humility to amend for all the crimes and wrong doings your community commit as well.

Up until a year ago, I was very likely Don Imus's biggest, African American fan. And I am a woman (in my forties). I watched the show near-religiously for well over a decade. I sadly had to banish my I-Man habit though, due to worse slurs being uttered by the skinhead producer, Bernard McGuirk, and MSNBC news anchor Contessa Brewer.

I wrote the show back then, urging a retraction and stating I get Rev. Sharpton involved if Imus remained silent.

If you're interested in the whole, sordid story, visit here for details: http://southsidestar.blogspot.com/2007/04/don-imus-nappy-headed-fan-speaks.html

Best,

Viqi French
Chicago, IL

In response to: Joseph Barnes Jr. | April 11, 2007 09:33 AM

"That second question always makes me so angry. I challenge anyone to find a lyric or a comedy act by anyone black where the words "nappy headed ho" are said all together in one sentence."

I know this will fall upon deaf ears, as we all have our opinions, and it is very clear we are a long way from coming to any agreements, but since a direct challenge was offered, I wanted to directly respond (forgive it not being EXACTLY nappy-headED ho (not hoES):

(Link for this search: http://search.azlyrics.com/cgi-bin/azseek.cgi?q=nappy+head)

Song: D.N.A (Drugs-N-Alkahol)
Artist: XZIBIT featuring Snoop Dogg
Lyric: "...ha ha You act like you a dude you get smashed on Full out my bitches with your fucked up attitude Nappy-head hoes, worse than bitch niggaz I treat `em all the same......"

And for anyone who would say "oh great, ONE example, BIG deal..." I say that was the request, so that is the response. There might or might not be others; I don't care.

I also don't care about the song, one way or the other. Rather than argue points that neither side will probably ever agree on (which I could do, and others could argue back, which will go on I fear for quite some time), I just wanted to say, a direct challenge was offered, and I believe this more than answers it. That is all.

Mitchell comment:

Again, Thanks.

In response to: Mitchell's comments to Tim V on April 10, 2007 02:32 PM

"Rock and Chapelle are not news commentators or talk show hosts. If you believe HBO should fire Chris Rock, you should start your own campaign."

Imus was a stand-up comic at one point in his life. Also, he often added "humor" into his show when discussing current events (like many morning radio shows tend to do). I was not a big fan (saw a few minutes once or twice and heard some stand-up), but I knew at least that he wasn't exactly a morning zoo show, but he also was not Nightline. I highly doubt anyone would have called him either of those titles before this incident.

I'm not going to defend him though, as it wouldn't matter. The bottom line is, no one's minds will be changed here, and I don't think middle ground will be found; at least any time soon.

I'm glad this happen. Hopefully, this is a wakeup call to all of us in terms of how far we have allowed people, including artists to go, in setting a negative sterotype that we need to stop. This doesn't excuse Imus or members of his show, an yes they should go. But regardless if its a news show or comedy, allowing this to go unchecked simply sets the wrong standard of how blacks can be talked too. As our economic and political power grows, we have a obligation to set the proper standard and image, that will allow our children to continue making gains, an taken serious in thier pursuits. To do that, we need to change the image that the outside world has of afro-americans from the poor, poverty sticken,needy poeople to the hard working, goal oriented people that most of us are. If we only settle for this one sacrificial lamb, instead of forcing changes across the board, we would have gained little.

Mary I am perplexed at your recent column stating that it was the "nappy headed" comment not so much the "ho's" that angered black women. I was stunned that you would write such garbage. Maybe there is a divide in the black community represented by those who beleive that the STREETS are where black culture emanates. It is apparent from your comments and the professor you interviewed in your most recent column that you view the cultural milieau of blacks as "commin up from da streets". This so-called street culture which hit the mainstream with the movie Superfly has wrecked havoc and muted whatever gains that were had from the civil rights movement. You and the other cultural elitist in carving out your role as white America's "go to" blacks, have basically anihilated the rich and upward movement of our people for freedom and a better life. Instead of lifting up the images in the black community of socially responsible men and women we have been bombarded by the images of the streets, Da hood, and a montage of black dysfunctional and socially retograde behavior. Mary it hasn't been "whitey" doing this but you and other blacks in highly visable positions translating the culture of the black community to "those who don't understand". Remember "its a black thang". You and others have sold America on your ability to translate our feelings, thoughts and views, creating a niche for yourselves. It dosen't matter that black people are just people who want what everyone else wants; prosperity and choices. But no, you and those of your ilk have to be the filter on the lens that white America views the "black community". So you and others can write and speak about the "black community in the most absurd and ridiculous terms. This assures you a position because somehow with your distorted messages you are now needed.

What an ingenous way to create an industry, but unfortunately the black community has to pay the price. Black people themselves are bamboozeled by those in your industry. Many blacks talk about "Da Hood" and the "Ghetto" but live in middle class communities. If you look at the areas where blacks live in Chicago and surrounding communities, most are in middle and working class areas not squalid ghettos. But you and the other spokespersons since the sixties, have convinced these blacks that they too live in "Da Hood". Now you find this same mentality even in affluent suburds. Why? Because if you are black you got to know about "Da hood".

Now getting back to your most recent column. Whether you know it or not women of all races spend alot of time in the beauty parlor, and yes, white women get PERMS. Also, the black women I know would be highly insulted being called a "HO", more insulted than nappy headed. Maybe it's just all about class. Mary when you write about all of these cultural peculiarities regarding the black community make sure you specify which black community your speaking about. CHUCH!

What Anne wrote was very interesting and everyone should ponder on her words: "White women athletes don't get called 'ho's because everyone is busy calling white women athletes "lesbians"." and "This 'ho' thing got started on Saturday Night Live with Eddie Murphy."
Isn't it great to be living in America. We can say whatever we want call people all kinds of names, not knowing them at all. I just read about the German Military using Black men as practice target in their training videos. Unthinkable in America this day and age, because our military is diverse and de-segregated. Seems the rest of the world still has not caught up to America.
As for Imus, the punishment has been meted, but in my mind, the man was past his prime. And if the advertisers had not pulled out he would still be on the air. And he will return to the air! on satellite! Anybody remember Marv Alpert and the sexual harassment trial? He's back on the air. These guys find their way back to the public, they can't leave. It's not even about money, because they've horded the money for years, it's about power and being seen. Like a boxer who can't leave the ring.
Imus should have policed himself. He should have fired his producer who started the rant. He should have gone to his bosses and said, I'm going on a leave of absence somebody else can take over for a month.
He should have approached Sharpton & Jackson FIRST! And then gone to Rutgers, hat in hand. That would have diffused the situation. But he probably thought, "this too shall pass over."

He's a textbook case for broadcast announcers how to handle something like this. Don't sit in the chair and wait to apologize. YOU make the first move.

I do not believe he should have been fired. Suspended yes, but not fired, because we still have freedom of speech in this country. The nappy head wasn't a bad thing to say, because black people do have nappy hair - but coupled with "hos" it made it seem racist. Clearly he picked the wrong target. And I'm still trying to find a picture of the Tennessee team! Were they all white! I don't understand how he can say something about one team and not the other team if they are the same race and color.
Amazing.

Mary why not attack the black principal having sex in his office?? Surely if you will try to save a black principal from firing (Curie) then you must condemn this idiot???? He makes it harder for all blacks to achieve goals. Oh he is black so he gets a pass from you in your little world. I don't expect this to post nothing I blog to you ever has, nice spin.

I am an African-American Woman AND WE AS AFRICAN AMERICANS ARE A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES!!! Until we condemn these Comedians (Black especially) for their racists and demeaning acts against women and our race ... Until we condemn THESE RAPPERS & REMOVE THE HIP-HOP CULTURE and re-preach "black-on-black" love, not hate ... Whites and any of the other groups of the opposite races WILL NEVER, EVER RESPECT US!!! PERIOD.

Mary, have you come out this strongly about the Duke travesty? That is a situation where an ambitious DA fabricated a case to get himself reelected. He threw out the baited line and the liberal press and the race pimps bit the hook. I personally could care less about the health and welfare of pampered athletes and Frat boys, but this case is a perfect example of the knee-jerk reaction of the black community and the press. Imus is a has-been and has a relatively small audience. Interesting thought: Most of his audience are liberals. Could this be the way that white liberals actually think in private?

See 'DrudgeReport' (Sunday,4/15/07): Last night at South Carolina State University (home of the first Democratic Party candidates debate) there was a concert. In one song, the N-word was used OVER 100 times. Just more proof that the music & entertainment industry will NOT be cleaning up there demeaning language anytime soon. Especially since they are amongst the absolute biggest contributors to political candidates and civil-rights activists. Therefore, they can do what they want.

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?5=6368690&nav=menu36_3

Black people can call each other the "N" word and black males can call black females "Hoes", and NO ONE will ever blink about it. But let someone of a non African-American descent say those two things, and it's the END OF THE WORLD!! I have YET to see Sharpton and Jackson protesting at record labels against ALL "Gangster Rap" "artists" that CONSTANTLY blurt out the "N" word and call ALL women "hoes". It seems, sometimes, as though the ONLY THING that Sharpton and Jackson have time to do - is to look out for a black person in trouble, or for a white person saying what a BLACK person says 24/7 - with the end result being a protest... Hell, if a white person listens to enough "Gangster Rap", then starts emulating it, imitating it and even performing it "EMINEM", THEN it's "acceptable" for THAT white person to say the "N" word and call women "Hoes". Is this a double standard or what? THE WHOLE WORLD gets off really good by crying, moaning, complaining and getting upset by what THEY think is OWED to them. Take the "slave reparation" thing: Slavery happend. It was an era in humanity that with EDUCATION (not the anger in rap music) can be prevented from happening ever again. So now, the descendants of those slaves, believe that THEY are owed what was not given (and promised) to their slave ancestors. WHAT ABOUT THE BLACK PEOPLE IN AFRICA, who captured and sold the slaves to the Europeans? ARE THEY involved in this lawsuit? What about all of the WHITE PEOPLE that DIED in the civil war to help FREE SLAVES? Are THEIR descendants going to receive any reparations for helping to keep this country together WHILE freeing slaves? What mention of them? It seems that all people want to do now-a-days is cry, cry, cry. No one can SAY anything because SOMEONE will get offended. The world should end - that God would judge us, and send every racist soul to burn in hell for an eternity or two... See you ALL there.

It appears that White People, who for some reason are so righteously indignate about the dismissal of IMUS. First of all it wasn't anything that Blacks did that cost IMUS his job. White corporate sponsors were responsible for him losing his job. The usual jabbering from Jackson and Sharpton didn't lift an eyebrow.
Now, that IMUS is gone the same White People are calling for the heads of all hard core rappers. I just wonder are White people so concern about the welfare of Black people, are is it, if one white guy loses his job, so lets decimate an entire industry comprising of mostly Blacks. This appear to be a fair and equal comparison by White standards.
Granted I do not condone how Black women are depicted by these so call rappers. But if white people was so concern, White corporations would not allow this to stand, but then its the money, when it become non profitable in the corporate world, we will have to get a dictionary to look up the word "RAPPER" to get the definition. White people must one day realize that Jackson and Sharpton for the most parts are Black Activists, so when you question where are they at when something happens to a Non Black, trying thinking of those words again
" B L A C K A C T I V I S T S" sort of answer itself. Finally it wasn't BET that was airing this nonsense evey waking minute....Local and cable stations own and operated in the most part by Whites were interrupting normal broadcasting with this story. The last time I look not many if any are contolled by Blacks. Even sorry FOXNEWS joined in the fray

Ms. Mitchell, it's lazy and dishonest of you to blame rappers for Imus' insults.

You're a black woman who grew up in an all black environment, so you know that the first time you heard words like "ho" and "bitch" was not from the mouth of a rapper. And I guarantee you that your daughter can say the same thing, so enough already with blaming rappers for the ignorance of Don Imus!

You and the people who think as you do conveniently ignore the fact that black rappers are products of the black community. If anyone is to blame for the ease and comfort with which people from within and without our community berate black women, it's the black community as a whole.

TrekkieBear stated "I challenge anyone to find a lyric or a comedy act by anyone black where the words "nappy headed ho" are said all together in one sentence."

Surprising easy:

Xhibit "D.N.A (Drugs-N-Alkahol)" (feat. Snoop Dogg)
Full out my b****** with your f***** up attitude
Nappy-head hoes, worse than b**** n*****
I treat 'em all the same, b**** check yo' game!

And a number of mentions of "nappy headed b******" - but I supposed that a b**** is not the same as a ho, according to your challenge?

Mitchell comment:

Thanks, Tess---disgusting.

I am no friend of the Chicago Sun-Times. And I count many years of this non-friendship. But I got here today from some link or another. And this attempted comment is about Imus.

The Chicago Sun-Times found a "balancing act" to those who are livid about a White Man's description of young black women. The balancing act could be:

Imus shouldn't have been fired

April 15, 2007
BY MONROE ANDERSON monroeanderson@gmail.com

I wish the Sun-Times could have placed Monroe Anderson's email on the front page. Only the Bush team attracts more "out of the mainstream" behavior and comments than the Chicago Sun-Times.

And I see that wife beating columnist who "bad mouthed" a hospital patient who was near death is still there. And I see that lady columnist who was a cheerleader/evangelist for the right-wing is still there. Three days after my emailing the lady columnist a link to PollingReport.com, my Internet ports had hacking attempts from both the Halliburton Company and the DoD Network Information Center. And remember the neo-cons set out to "fix" the liberal press. I believe they may have gotten to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Mary, you are aware there is more then one John? Thats not me who said to the effect, 'why can't we call them Hos because the rappers do' or whatever he said....Mary, by the way, that wistv.com website I gave for that South Carolina State story is now got a page that says 'apologies, we're changing our screen' or something to that effect. In otherwords, somebody arm-twisted them and shut them up on the story that one song used the N-word more then 100 times. But Mary, Drudge still has it on his website. He won't let himself be intimidated, I guess.

Because I'm a glutton for punishment, I clicked on this link, knowing full well what to expect. And of course white people never fail to disappoint.

I'm tired of having to explain to white people why this comment was offensive, and I doubt anyone will read this far down, but I will say this again, as I've said it elsewhere:

To have your moment of shine taken away from you, to be characterized as less of a woman because of the way you look and how you wear your hair? I know that'll probably go over most of your heads, as most of y'all say stuff like that every day, but y'all don't have mics hooked up or millions of listeners hanging on your every word. It's more about being and dressed down in a public forum. It's about another stupid white dude flaunting not only his privilege and imposing his questionable standards of beauty onto a group of women who did nothing to invite the attack, but lumping them in with an indiscernable mass of mammies, sapphires, jezebels, and pickaninnies when all they were doing was mindin' their business and playing ball. There's no doubt that these girls have heard worse. I'm sure they've gotten tons of awful comments about their appearance growing up about how dark they are and how nappy their hair is. It's a rite of passage for black chicks. But this was their first view of how the world sees 'em, and you can't help but wince.

And to quote a good friend: at no point in the history of black people in America have white men needed lessons in misogyny, sexism, or oppression, okay? Black women that were taken as slaves with their children? Had to see those babies thrown overboard unless they were old enough to be sold separately. Then they lost their children at auction either right off the boat, or when the slave owners needed money. They were raped on the way over, they were raped after they got here (what you thought the quadroons and octaroons got that way because of love?) and there are still plenty of folks in America that can trace the black side of their family back to a slave owning ancestor. Let's not forget the breeding programs after the British outlawed taking slaves from Africa. Lynching? Didn't just happen to black men. And let's not forget that white women were also prime targets of oppression. All those laws essentially reducing them to chattel? Yeah, those sure were influenced by black men. And no, I'm not saying that black men aren't capable of misogyny, sexism or being oppressive, but can we please stop claiming that they're at fault for the actions of grown ass white men? Because one more "Well they say nigger why can't I?" argument and I think my fucking head will explode.

Because I'm a glutton for punishment, I clicked on this link, knowing full well what to expect. And of course white people never fail to disappoint.

I'm tired of having to explain to white people why this comment was offensive, and I doubt anyone will read this far down, but I will say this again, as I've said it elsewhere:

To have your moment of shine taken away from you, to be characterized as less of a woman because of the way you look and how you wear your hair? I know that'll probably go over most of your heads, as most of y'all say stuff like that every day, but y'all don't have mics hooked up or millions of listeners hanging on your every word. It's more about being and dressed down in a public forum. It's about another stupid white dude flaunting not only his privilege and imposing his questionable standards of beauty onto a group of women who did nothing to invite the attack, but lumping them in with an indiscernable mass of mammies, sapphires, jezebels, and pickaninnies when all they were doing was mindin' their business and playing ball. There's no doubt that these girls have heard worse. I'm sure they've gotten tons of awful comments about their appearance growing up about how dark they are and how nappy their hair is. It's a rite of passage for black chicks. But this was their first view of how the world sees 'em, and you can't help but wince.

And to quote a good friend: at no point in the history of black people in America have white men needed lessons in misogyny, sexism, or oppression, okay? Black women that were taken as slaves with their children? Had to see those babies thrown overboard unless they were old enough to be sold separately. Then they lost their children at auction either right off the boat, or when the slave owners needed money. They were raped on the way over, they were raped after they got here (what you thought the quadroons and octaroons got that way because of love?) and there are still plenty of folks in America that can trace the black side of their family back to a slave owning ancestor. Let's not forget the breeding programs after the British outlawed taking slaves from Africa. Lynching? Didn't just happen to black men. And let's not forget that white women were also prime targets of oppression. All those laws essentially reducing them to chattel? Yeah, those sure were influenced by black men. And no, I'm not saying that black men aren't capable of misogyny, sexism or being oppressive, but can we please stop claiming that they're at fault for the actions of grown ass white men? Because one more "Well they say n**** why can't I?" argument and I think my f***ing head will explode.

here is a post I found very interesting:

Yes Jeff, I am saying that the dominant(or majority)race applies racism to oppress a race. It is not possible for a minority race to oppress a majority race. While it appears that Mr. Imus' remarks were 'overt', and painful, we must understand that it is the 'covert' form of racism that is most severe and affects a large portion of the race . For instance....while studying the sociocultural forces that drive a retail shopping environment. I observed this consistently at a mall. Stores have a security chain, where if they suspect a shoplifter,they are assigned another store to call to alert them..then that store calls a store and so on. It was noticeable that 90% of the 'suspects' were black. This was consistent for 6 months. While these 'suspects' may have very well have been shoplifters is not the issue. The issue is that white people steal too! They were simply not being paid attention to. This is an example of 'covert' racism(and racial profiling)...even though it might not have been consciously intentional...it still affects almost the entire black race. Now take another mall with security cameras, that were watched. A whopping 56% of the shoplifters caught concealing items were white. Most of them were young kids...but still it is astonishing what you see when you really can see racism. It is a behavior-habbit if you will, that exists unintentionally as well as intentionally. So in order of course to rid society of racism,we must change the behaviors or habbits. When you here people getting upset over Imus' remarks it is because they are without a doubt a 'behavior' of racism whether it was intentional or not.Now it's time for me to go back to being a jerk to Sox fans.

Posted by: stuckinwisconsin | April 12, 2007 12:03 AM

April 17, 2007 - Jackson, Sharpton were right this time!

You gots to be kidding! What a ridiculous statement as well as article. It is obvious that these two headed race hucksters who have always promoted their own agenda. They have found another opportunity to pad their pocket as well as their christian followers. What happened to the christian belief that we seek forgiveness. Mary you are blinded by your black culture to see this as well as face the facts that this was a minor comment (even though it was hurtfull and disgusting) compared to what the black community promotes thru their rap and crime. I am an eye witness who lives in a former white community that was peacefull. Now you see gang bangers and loud rap infilterate our once quite community. There is a lot of hypocrisy in your viewpoint. You are very blind to the fact that these two hucksters always look for a racial opportunity to shift the true agenda and pad their pockects. You may feel that they are fair and objective but they are not right this time as well as most of the time. Many black leaders make the claim their is a differnece between what 4 words of Imus versus the degrading rap which has promoted untold filth into our environement! I work out with many black men and many do not share your viewpoint of these two hucksters. They are devisive and this will further divide the cultural gap between the races. It is unfortunate that you support these men and not put pressure on them thru your words to stop the filth in rap. Are you going to tell me that when you view the rap videos with the girls that this is good! Forgiveness would have been a greater opportunity to work together not the "Bring your loudspeaker to the NBC tower". But that is your opinion!

KUDOS to sally and marc. your coments hit the nail on the head!!!
very perceptive of both of you.....

I read your column on how people are switching the Don Imus situation from him onto Mr. Sharpton and to Mr. Jackson. Just last week i was listening to the radio on my way to school and I heard something that sort of amused me a little. The radio personality ( Crazy Howard on WGCI ) made a valid point.... there is a song by and artist( may I add that he is not a rapper or of a african american desent; like everyone claims that the only people who make these comments), in which he sings racial slurs about asain women! This song was released years ago, and no one has said anything about the situtation. My point of posting this blog is to just get this off my chest... this situtation has NOTHING TO DO WITH RAPPERS AT ALL!!! Stop trying to place the blame on someone or somebody that had nothing at all to do with that particular incident. I didn't hear Lil Wayne calling any white females "Dumb Blondes" or T.I calling any white males. Don Imus was wrong, point blank!! There was no reason why i had to turn on my radio just to hear people talking about " well Imus isn't wrong, rappers do it all the time" That was beyond stupid to me!!! FACE THE FACTS, he was wrong and pick other people to place the blame on, or just act as mature adults and take responsibility!!!

And its a shame a high school student had to write this blog in order for adults to understand the bigger picture

To John April 10, 2007 3:06 p.m.

It is true that some black people use derogatory language about black women. But don't group us all in one category. Contrary to popular belief, all black people don't look, sound and act alike.

Sincerely,
Veronica Hilbring, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Class of 2007, School of Journalism

Ms. Mitchell, I attended the African American Advisory Council on April 19, 2007, where you were the keynote speaker. I had not heard you speak before; but I had read your column.

I was sadden by how you talked about how big one of you family members were.You kept kept saying how big she was. What did her size mean. Did her size make a differance to the story you were telling us. Did her being big make her less. Yet you say you didn't like Imus comments about black women. I didn't like your comments either.

Black Wiseman...WOW...that's some serious hatin bro.

As an Irish American, whose people were dissed earlier last century, I would move back to my native homeland if I had your hate. What are you still doing here?

Lots of people have no use for Jessie and Alfonse cuz they play they "wo is me" card for black america. Why do you think they have not come forward to support Obama? Here is a guy on the cusp of the Democratic nomination and neither has come forward to support him. Why do you think that is? I'll tell you why - cuz it's not in their interest for a black man to have the most powerful job in the world. What job or adice are they left with when black people can look at Obama and actually have hope. Jessie and Alfonse don't want people to have hope...they want them to despair so they can come to the rescue.

to Veronica Hilbring: Show me where I did lump all African-Americans together? Also, there is more then one John on this blog, as I pointed-out to Mary.

Veronica, while on the topic and you being a college student, could I get your feelings on something. What was your take on Cam'Ron's statement that African-Americans must never snitch even if somebody is harming your loved-ones or community? What about politicians and civil rights activists getting rich and/or profiting in other ways by turning their backs to degenerating comments v. the Black Community? Example: Hillary Clinton just picked up $800,000 down in Atlanta for her campaign from some entertainers. One of the entertiners did a rap-song in which the N-word was used 24 times. She knew it, yet embraced the contributors. And women groups didn't say a word, either. So what's your feelings on this?

to John: I'm just reviewing the responses regarding Imus thus my late retort to your response. Unfortunately John, I do not believe you understood my comment. "white males can say what they want without repudiaton especially if money is involved." Imus does not make Viacom, who owns CBS, BET, MTV, VH1 and a host of other recording companies $1 billion dollars a year. However, hip-hop or rap does which is played on their television stations and sold by their record companies.

Furthermore, Rush Limbaugh did not make ESPN, which is owned by the Walt Disney Company, much money either. As for Jimmy the Greek, I'm an African-American male and personally I didn't see anything wrong with his comments because for the most part it was true.

Finnally, you are correct Stuart Scott and Michael Smith on ESPN both make comments that would get some others fired. Therefore, my comment erred because I said white males but the truth is anyone can say just about what they want if it makes the people calling the shots richer. Unfortunately for Imus, he just does not make Viacom's shareholders as much money as hip-hop.

I despise political correctness in ALL of its disgusting forms. Whenever I hear someone was "offended" by something I want to hurl chunks. Newsflash.. nobody CARES if some of you people are offended.

these days of course, everyone is offended by SOMETHING/EVERYTHING. I still remember the Ivy League geeky bookworm who wanted some people to turn down the music at a party they were having, because he wanted to study. The partiers were African American females and after they refused his initial request, he got so upset he called them "fat water buffalo". They of course got "offended" and the geeky bookworm in question had to deal with school officials over a what was deemed a "racist" comment.

GIVE ME A BREAK PLEASE.

as to Imus, of course what he said was grossly "inappropriate" and certainly offensive to the Rutgers basketball squad. If I were one of them, I'd make it a point to come to Imus' show to pimpslap him on the air. However, Imus has been saying these kinds of things for years. YEARS and YEARS. As have other so called "shock jocks". They always say something offensive to someone. Why NOW?

the "control" on people such as Imus is easy. He broadcasts on public airwaves and it's not so much the corporation or the FTC who control him but the advertisers who buy airtime on his show. They are his lifeblood. If Ford, Coke and GM decide to cancel their ads on your show, whether on radio or TV, you are screwed. Then it's time to go satellite. The corporate sponsors were correct IMHO to pull their ads, thereby sealing Imus' fate, but it's interesting how it happened now.. and over "this".

Black rappers have been using far far worse language about their own women for years and years and years. Should be the gone after as well? NO. I believe in free speech. What I am curious about is if so many women are SO offended by these lyrics by the rappers, why do these same rappers still get laid. TRUST me, if these rappers started encountering the Lysistrata treatment, they would change their lyrics VERY VERY quickly. So perhaps society needs to look at itself in the mirror.

as it is, I think the use of those words is now so overplayed, the pendulum will swing back as they have completely lost any "shock value" they once had (which was a part of their appeal). Nature takes care of these things by itself.

I see Greg Olsen once rapping is front page news in the Sun Times today. I am hurling chunks. Give me a break!

I just found out that Mr. Imus is suing MSNBC & CBS radio to collect the remainder of his lucrative contract. I would just like to wish Mr. Imus good luck, and may God be with you in your quest for justice.

Dear Ms. Mitchell:

When I used to read the Chicago Sun-Times, I always enjoyed reading your articles. I admit that I now favor the Chicago Tribune. That is not why I am writing to you, today. I write because I do not think this war in the black community is about balck-on-black crime. I truly believe that society at large is the main cause of this war. And until the social ills that generate many of the problems within our community (rampant poverty, limited career opportunites, economic dispair) are fixed with actual, not band aid solutions, there will be many more deaths.

Black people historically have always destroyed their own when angry. Witness the riots after Dr. King was killed. Witness the assasination of Malcolm X. We want to strike out against our oppressor but we are powerless against the machinations that are manifested against us. We cannot fight the man. But as a collective people we still need to vent this community and race-wide frustration.

This internalized self-destruction has become accepted within our community and it has matured into several forms: (1)Acceptance/despair: The community on the whole doesn't see a way out of the plight caused by generations of systematic, endemic racism. (2) A self-hatred has evolved within the community. Our youth today have no respect for themselves or their elders. This manifested by the fact that many African-American people "hate" to see another black person become successful.

Dialogs within the community and with community leaders won't affect "real" change. Dialogs are really just another form of a meaningless board meeting. To help our community cobact its evils, a system-wide restructuring of the social, economic, political, religious and penal systems would have to take place immediately. We haven't seen any change in the aftermath of the Don Imus effect. If we had, the events that led to your recent article and this e-mail would not have happened.

Unfortunately, too many excuses get made for perpetrators of racism, sexism, homophobia etc. One thing for sure is that Americans of all races, sexual preferences, religions, cultures, etc need cross-cultural training in order to learn respect of ourselves, and of other individuals (and ultimately, other groups). Whether Jesse Jackson said "hyme-town" in the past; whether Rodney King said "let's all get along"; whether Seung Hui Cho violently sprayed students and staff of Virginia Tech University; whether George W. Bush will not allow our troops to come home; whether Don Imus called the Rutger's Girls Basketball team "nappy headed hos"; or whether my ex-boss, the Director of Human Resources for a County Municipality hung a picture on her office wall (that read: "nigger")in a County fuming with racial tensions-of which she has continually contributed to the cause of, and has not once been reprimanded for her toxic behavior-rather allowed (by the County Board of Supervisors and County Counsel)to promote herself, and other staff on her team-as just reward-following federal lawsuit after lawsuit. It all boils down to the fact that a great majority of Americans, even of today, are unfortunately still "ignorant" of each others differences; and seem to have a dire need to remain that way as demonstrated by their continued disregard of other people's presence, intellect, contributions, etc in this nation and society. As for Don Imus never calling white women hos "on the air"; I doubt that he would have been calling white women hos "off the air". As for Tom Joyner, I have never heard him refer to any people in a derogatory manner; so, to try using him (an African American Radio Host, DJ, Announcer) in comparison to Don Imus' ignorant behavior and remarks is outright ludicrous. As for African Americans using the "n" word or any other derogatory words to describe one another-that is not acceptable either. And, please take note that "all African Americans" have not been carrying on that way. Rap Music lyrics are not a self-described portrayal of African Americans; as Britney Spears' wild behavior does not automatically depict the behavior of all young Caucasian women or the entire Caucasian race for that matter. One thing that I have noticed about the majority of Caucasians I have met and mingled with throughout my life (in various parts of the nation) seem to assume that all African Americans are exactly alike-which is a myth that you all have established, for whatever warped reason of your own. The great majority of us all have, however, descended from the unwarranted and unjust treatment of our forefathers by White Americans; and, though we do not make excuses for nor do we feel sorry for ourselves because of the still permeating inequalities, injustice and disrespect of White Americans throughout this Nation. One thing for sure is that we are individuals as are Africans, Jamicans, Caucasians, Hispanics, Asians, et al (American-born or not). And, though no one should be judged by the color of their skin, it does occur. There are a lot of very strange similarities that I have personally noticed in a lot of the Caucasians I have met; however, I have intelligence enough to know that each person is individual-and are not to all be clumped in the same category either. We all (all races) come from various spiritual, educational, socio-economic, etc backgrounds; and, no two people are exactly the same. If we could all learn to consider one another, communicate one on one with others (without the preconceived, ignorant assumptions about each other), and respect each other for the people and diverse contributions that we all possess could make America that wonderful Nation that others think that we are. The Immigrants from Mexico have certainly peeped the trump card of America-because, even with them, the racism is running rampant throughout America. Some of the nasty remarks, and invalid statements being made of all Hispanics-based on the actions of "some" is a direct replica of what occurred with African Americans during the Civil Rights Era of the 1960's. It is being relived-only by another race of people. No one race of people "own" America. The foolish and ignorant talk, commentaries, and news clips are a total embarrassment. America is not cracked up to be all that it is thought to be. But, it takes each individual to look at ourselves and ask what we are doing to make our own lives better, and what we have contributed to make the lives of someone else better today, tomorrow and henceforth.