If Imus is fired for racial comments, should rappers be banned from making records?

Question

Johnny (below) You don't know me very well I see.

~
Freedom of speech is not a protect all. Ex; It is illegal to tell someone you intend to kill them.

It is illegal to use certain words on publicly accessed, broadcast frequencies.

You cannot slander a person.
~

Answer 1

If Imus was not left-leaning you would be leading the call for his head.

Edit: No, I don't know you. But based on your previous posts, I think I have a pretty solid view of where you stand. You make it pretty obvious.

Answer 2

Imus is a shock jock and says alot of offensive things. I don't agree with what he said but I do find it a double standard when they use these terms themselves. I sincerely doubt Rev Sharpton or Jesse Jackson was tuned into Imus when he said what he said and are going a tad overboard. It's a fine line. All I know is Imus appologised and that should be enough. I wish people would take the high road but unfortunatly some are entertained by how low they can go.

Answer 3

I must say I am tired of living in a world where people are afraid to say what they think or feel because they dont want to offend someone else. I suppose the Constitution is only for a select few then. I think everyone should be able to say anything at anytime! We have become a weak, politically correct country and it sickens me. Am I saying what Imus said was right? NO I dont think so. But if you dont like what someone is saying get off you *** and turn the tv channel. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I guess only a select few can express it without repercussion.

Answer 4

I don't think either one should be punished if Reverend Sharpton doesn't like what Imus has to say he doesn't have to tune in,if someone doesn't like what a rapper has to say don't tune in or buy the album,once we start infringing on freedom of speech we are all in trouble,and ignorant people like Don Imus and a number of other public figures and entertainers will isolate themselves eventually.

Answer 5

I don't think it was a racist comment. I think that Sharpton and Jackson do the black community more harm by constantly crying foul where there is none and basically promoting seperatism with their constant publicity stunts based on so-called causes. It was a sexist comment against an undeserving group of talented women. Imus is an idiot anyway.

Answer 6

If they do then they can't complain about the use of the words then. I mean really, Rappers use those terms and then black people get all upset when whites use those terms....Just a way for Al Sharpton to get viewers and money. And Freedom of Speech wasn't meant for music and name-calling . It was meant for a person to say what he feels about how the gov't was run and not get punished...It's taken way out of context these days..If the founding fathers knew how the Constitution was being used these days then I bet they would have re-worded it better....

Answer 7

how RIGHT you are. good point. isn't it ironic how this country operates or maybe pathetic is a better word. you know if it had not been a white man about a black girl, this would not have happened like this.

the difference about the rappers (even though you are absolutely correct about the rational) is that no one will even make a big hoopla over them (cept silly mommies). al sharpton and all those poeple who protested is what makes the difference here. they won't be protesting the rappers.

and whatever happened to 'stick and stones may break my bones, but words will NEVER hurt me?'

fyi, pav - tom sawyer is ban! along with harry potter! seriously.

Answer 8

If Imus is fired for making racial comments, it is only because his employer doesn't want him representing it any more.

As with buying records, listening to Imus is a choice people make.

However, his employer is absolutely within its rights to terminate his contract if it believes he has represented it in a bad light.

Answer 9

good question....deserves honest ansew

Hmmmm...???...It was deplorabel what he said...He appologized and I just read his explaination of his apology,,I believe he is truly sorry for what he said and takes full resposibility for his comments.

Comparing talk show host's with entertainers is not a comparison made on equal grounds...some give and take adjustments need to be made....It's not just rappers that are guilty of discrimanatory comments...There are plenty of white skin head nazi type punk rockers that have made some ear popping and mind blowing statements. So I think you have to expand your parameters to include all entertainment figures who make discriminatory statements. Should these groups be allowed to make these comments..Yes...let them have a go at it..Make a statement by not only not buying your records but by organizing and saying to the record company's that if they continue their support of these groups you will continue to urge people not to buy their records.

Talk show hosts....I've heard Rush say some things that were totaly despicable but he get's away with it.


Personally, I think Al Sharpton should be going after Rush espicialy after I read the guy's apology. I think Al is following the formula that I outlined above for the entetainment industry ie. put pressure on the company to fire the guy or else...Both of them are inside the law...It would be inside the law for the company to fire Imus on those grounds..Itwould be inside the law for Imus to sue the co. for breach of contract...
All that being said....I don't think Imus should be fired for what happened but I think he should be reprimanded by the company in terms stronger than a tap on the wrist....I think Al was right to jump on what Imus said but after his public apology I think Al should aim his sights against people like Rush and that chik (forget her name but you know who I mean)mean)

Answer 10

Well, firstly, Imus shouldn't be fired for speaking his mind. They should turn him loose, watch his ratings fall, then "let him go" because he attracts too few listeners. So, if Imus is fired, rappers should probably be censored.

Answer 11

I don't agree with much of what you say, but you are right on the money here. I'm no Imus fan and what he said was ridiculous, but it seems there is a double standard being applied to his situation.