Did Don Imus get a raw deal?

Question

In no way do i respect what Mr. Imus said or stands for but I believe the world is taking comments to heart way too much. I mean, yea he said something he shouldn't of said. Okay i understand that what he said was flat out rude. However, what if Howard Stern (the radio guy, not Anna Nicole Smiths guy) says something like this. I think people may have found the statement amusing because the general public is used to Howard Stern doing stupid stuff. Also, however bad Mr. Imus's comments were they are just comments. "Sticks and stones can break my bones......" Even when Billy Packard said that some guy (can't remember his name) "fagged out" there was nothing homophobic about that statement so why does he get into trouble. Does anyone think that Don Imus is getting treated so badly because of who he is? As before, what if Howard Stern says something as idiotic as what Imus said I don't think people would care as much and be. This is just a thought.

Answer 1

Double standards seem to be how our society works. Imus and his boys didn't say anything that blacks haven't already said about themselves over and over again. It's almost comical watching those two racist pigs Sharpton and Jackson preaching their racial hatred toward anyone who isn't black. Just like they did against the three Duke Lacrosse players. We all know how that turned out! I've heard worse things come out of blacks mouths to be sure. Get over it!

Answer 2

Okay, I've been fuming about this since it happened. First of all, "holier than thou" African American men (let's be PC here!) are calling out a radio disc jockey for a racist slur. Granted, Imus shouldn't have said what he did, but if Rev. Sharpton (or any other African American person) had called a Caucasian a "cracker" or "whitey" or "the man" while on the radio, the switchboards would have lighted up, a headline or two would have been printed, then it would have all blown over. Sharpton should have asked Imus to apologize to the Rutgers girls b-ball team publically during a press conference, and maybe contribute to the university, be it financially, a guest speaker at a communications class, or something else that would have been worked out between the two men with the approval of the university. I'm sorry, I thought we were in America where we have freedom of speech. In America we also have "freedom of choice" to turn off the radio when we hear something we don't like! I am white, but I don't consider myself a racist -- I have several "non-Caucasian" family members, including Latino, Caribbean, and yes, African American. I just think that the guidelines, or rules or whatever you call them should be across the board, that no one is above or below them. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone". Can the Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson really sit in judgement? (BTW, this is an original response that I copied another Imus question that I answered)

Answer 3

We were due for a scapegoat. I guess it was Imus' turn

He became a little too passionate in his opinion but I doubt that he did any real harm. The FCC has to show the public that they are doing their job and this was a move that the press ate up.

When you compare it to the crap on TV with violence and language that would make a sailor blush, Don Imus did nothing offensive to anyone except those few that wanted to be offended so they could play the "racist" card.

Answer 4

The funny thing is I never heard of Rutgers let alone a womens basket ball team. Until the "story" broke either Don Imus. Stern is a pig along with others. Don't want to hear something. Change the channel. Jackson is far from being clean or Sharpsteen. They need to clean thier own homes first.

Answer 5

Yes...Imus did get a raw deal. I don't see one thing wrong with what he said....it's his perogative, it's his life it's his freedom of speech. Did everyone happen to forget that he is a human being in a country that boasts the first ammendment? Imus didn't "attack" anyone. Imus didn't "target" anyone. The only person that was a "target" here was Don Imus...and he was targeted by two of the biggest racists on the planet, Sharpton and Jackson. Imus made a statement of 3 words.....3 words that are commonly used by white rappers, black rappers, purple rappers and heavy metal groups. But this time..this time its wrong??? Thats pathetic. And for those of you that think MSNBC and CBS dumped him because of his "comment", you're wrong. They fired Imus because in the long run it will hurt their bottom line. $$ is what its was all about, not ethics. Don't kid yourself.
Does anyone listen to Opie and Anthony?? How is it possible that they can call children with Down Syndrome "waterheads" and no one says a word?? They don't lose sponsers...they don't get fired. Noooo...making fun of a sick child and their family is OK....but a white guy referring to a black woman in the same manner that most rappers do is grounds for a flogging?? Lets see the trees thru the forest here people.
I hate to answer a question with a question...but lets think about this: Black America wants to be referred to as African Americans...Ok..fine. But a white American who is Irish is just white? And the media can just refer to all white Americans as just white because they don't know the ethnic background??? How screwed up is that??
Let's go one step deeper. Personally, I think blacks, more so than not, are ignorant and loud. How does that catch you?? Racist?? Really?? No...not at all. Compare that statement to the everyday stereotype that Irish are heavy drinkers that get nasty and start fights. Or, Italians that are portrayed on the TV as killers, thugs and mobsters. Anyone seeing those trees yet?

Stopping "racism" is getting rid of the people that are very outspoken for their race....not Don Imus. They are the real racists. The people who shove history down a young childs throat, masking it with claims of ethnic pride, and forcing them to see the lines drawn in the sand. The people who teach their kids that their grandparents hated....and their father now hates...and they should hate. Until the day comes when blacks and whites stop doing the two things I just mentioned, nothing will change.
Don't believe me?? Imagine a white and a black child in a vacuum for their whole life...they'll be the best of friends because they'll never be infected by white family hate history and "black pride". Those two concepts, in this day and age, EQUALLY cause the current racial divide.

Answer 6

The comments were bad and he should have known better.

But its funny seeing Jesse Jackson who used the term "Hymey-town" to describe New York passing himself as a paragon of virtue. Al Sharpton, not much better.

Imus is fired now but really this whole fiasco was patehtic. I wonder what the media will report on now?

Answer 7

Yes Imus is get a Raw Deal. He ment it as a joke. he was ripping the rappers and such that use words like that. He was making fun of them. What he did wrong was, not sticking to his guns and telling good 'ol Al Sharpton where he could go.

Answer 8

Don Imus' comments got him in trouble. His boss had the right to fire him. His remarks cost them major accounts and could hurt their business. It's a commercial move rather than a result of him saying something so rude and vulgar.

Answer 9

Ha. I never had heard of this Imus fellow up to 2-3 days ago. Golly, I found out that he's been tough on everyone - and - yep. The guy's white.

Wow. But let Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, etc. etc. etc. say whatever they want to say....Seems to be just "dandy". Not to me, personally, but then, I'm white.

Answer 10

The only people that Imus should have apologized to were the players, if they were offended.

He should not have been fired, and Jackson and Sharpton need to stick it up their a**,and quit being a bunch of whiny racist morons!

I totally agree with you on the whole Stern thing. That jerkoff can get away with saying whatever he wants, and no one ever goes after him.

... And tell me this, how many black rappers have you heard that have songs with the lyrics "nappy headed", or "hoes"?

All I can say is DOUBLE STANDARD!

Answer 11

He got a raw deal with eColi.

I know Don Imus. I was his chauffeur for over 3 years. Let me tell you trhe Don Imus I knew, please.

I'm going to eat dinner, then return to share with you folks the genuine heart of gold he has.

Then you can see if he should have been fired, or Sainted.
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