The Imus comment was more than just an insult to African-Americans but to all women too

[LynneSin]

By any chance did Imus call any of the teams in the final of the Men's Backetball Tournament (The Florida Gators & Ohio State Buckeyes) a bunch of pimps, johns, mimbos? But he had no problem calling the Rutger University gals 'hos'. To me that not only makes Imus a racist but a sexist too. When the hell did we end up in 1907 America?

The man has got to go!! This is standard spew almost expected from someone like Imus!

[valerief]

1. All his comments are every day. nt

[hlthe2b]

2. yes, absolutely LynneSin

Sometimes it seems that blatant misogyny is less unacceptable than racism in this country... We need to work to change both!

[marylanddem]

3. You are so right.

The racism is vile, but I am also so sick of the persistent degradation of women by the casual use of the word "ho" - very well put. I'm recommending!

[sandnsea]

4. Crass culture

Gone overboard on so many levels.

It's also why I didn't really like Borat, incidentally. Ridiculing people used to be considered simple-minded cheap shots. Nothing original or artistic about humiliation or toilet humor at all.

[LynneSin]

7. I have no desire to see Borat

It just had no appeal to me for the same reasons you just said

[glitch]

I finally saw it. Creepy and insulting, felt depressed after watching it. Ugh. nt

[Quantess]

48. Borat's interesting.

watching Borat made me cringe, yet I couldn't stop watching, similar to seeing a train wreck. It's great and awful and fascinating all at once. I recommend seeing it, but OTOH, the movie will probably make you mad.

[NormanYorkstein]

72. Borat is a racist caricature, but you know who's worse - Sara Silverman

Her "act" is simply calculated to be as bigoted as possible - I wish we could fire her. Plus she's not funny.

[MuseRider]

19. I thought I was alone

about that movie. My sons rented it and brought it home to watch over their spring break. As soon as that baby was put in the machine and they and my husband sat down to watch it I left and came out to spend the night at the farm. I am certain they laughed but I was content and happy not to be there.

[femrap]

28. I don't allow degrading material toward women

in the house. Go put on 'Respect' by Aretha! Always helps my self-esteem and happiness levels.

Please don't let your sons grow up without hearing the 'anti-borat' side of the argument.

[cgrindley]

35. If you hated Borat, you hate life

the movie rocked out loud. It was awesome, one of the best films all year. Incredible filmmaking all around.

[femrap]

41. You know something....

everyone has different tastes, biases, prejudices. And for you to say that I 'hate life' just demonstrates your level of immaturity and lack of intelligence.

Ignored....due to willful ignorance.

[Djinn]

58. Or

hating Borat might mean you hate life, it could also mean that your sense of humour kept developing past the age of 11

[cgrindley]

60. Perhaps you didn't understand the film?

It was complex and subtle.

[Djinn]

75. assume that's sarcasm

[MuseRider]

36. They are my sons and believe me

they know better but they are also of this culture. I can tell you this, if asked who they respected most for their conviction to their beliefs and their strength they would say "my Mom." They were raised to respect everyone and they do. I don't know how to deal with the cultural influences any more than I have, they are both young adults and living away from home. We tend to go round and round on occasion about certain issues but I know that being the people that they are they will make good decisions and weigh all sides.

OK, that was a bit off topic. I guess I should have figured that Borat was degrading to women. I paid little attention to it or what it included since I knew I wanted nothing to do with it.

[skooooo]

5. a voice in the wilderness

I don't like what Imus said, and can't make excuses for it. Nevertheless, I think he does more good than harm and I hope his entire life isn't ruined over this.

[LynneSin]

9. WTF???!!!

This isn't the first time that Imus has made racist/sexist comments. This is standard par for what you can expect from his show. He's got a history of doing this and serves no purpose for being on MSNBC with mainstream availablity.

[skooooo]

10. losing side

I'm not going to argue cause I'm clearly out-numbered. I don't hate Imus, I'm sorry.

[LynneSin]

11. So you're ok with a man who regularly makes racist, sexist comments...

...someone who you claim does more good than bad.

Guessing you're a white male too

[skooooo]

13. no, i'm not....

So don't make judgements about me either!

[LynneSin]

16. But you're saying that Imus does "more good than harm"

This isn't someone making a dumbass statement for the first time ever - he's got a history of this. Perhaps one time I'd forgive the man but he's been doing this for ages. We really do not need Don Imus on our team - he does absolutely no good whatsoever

[skooooo]

18. i'm torn..

Maybe he needs to go. I like the way the news is presented, read on the air, I like the people he has on his show, etc. I enjoy his humor most of the time.

If he has to offend so many people consistently, then maybe he should go. And yes, what he says offends me too sometimes. I've been around offensive people all my life and have learned to overlook as much as I can, because I've had to I guess.

I don't think he's evil.

[femrap]

29. He has made MANY comments like this

in the past. This is by no means his first mistake. He's a real known racist misogynist.

Maybe if you a black woman, you'd see things differently.

[skooooo]

30. no one's got a monopoly on truth or justified feelings

[femrap]

31. Really....?

why don't you go peddle your 'feelings' to the freepers...you sound like you got some hatred and disrespect you can share with those you make a living at it.

Ignored due to lack of ability to empathize....just like GWB.

[skooooo]

32. Don't get mad..

I'm not defending what he said. You are putting words and all kinds of things in my mouth and seeing what you want to see. Let's talk some other time. I am not a freeper.

[SusanaMontana41]

50. Yes he has

And every time Imus makes a racist, mysogynistic remark, he's said he's sorry. He's sorry! He said so. Every time!

[Morgana LaFey]

43. But why should WE (we women, we minorities, etc.) be forced to

live in a world where the Imuses of said world are free to offend at any and every opportunity? Why can't WE demand respect? Just respect and human dignity, that's all. Nothing more than what he gets routinely.

Here's why it's important that WE get (demand!!) respect: that same lack of respect is mirrored in our paychecks and benefits, our healthcare, our law enforcement and justice systems, our treatment at places like WalMart and the corner store, or at our doctors' offices when WE (women and minorities) aren't given the same credibility or latitude that white males are, and in every nook and cranny of the entire culture and society.

[donsu]

64. true

nt

[frogcycle]

20. its a tough call

simple fact is, sometimes when you really screw up you can't get the genie back in the bottle

someone who goes off the wagon, drives drunk, and kills someone will have his whole life ruined by "a mistake" too.

I'm not equating the two, just saying that there are limits. He sounds really contrite and all, but dammit, murderers who "get religion" in prison sound contrite too.

The remark was probably intended to be lighthearted and funny. It probably wasn't done with hate. But geez, what are we going to excuse? Michael Richards thought he was being funny too.

In some completely different context, MAYBE Imus could have said that to a friend in a joking way - like calling me "one mean-looking M-F" or something. Maybe that's all he thought it was. friendly joshing. But that means he has no sense whatsoever. On the radio flippantly aimed at a bunch of kids he does not know from Adam, and broadcast to millions of people whose sensitivities were BOUND to be offended just flat crossed the line. I agree Coulter, Savage, Limbaugh, et al regularly cross the line too.

The one thing possibly good about it is that its a wake-up call to everyone. It seems that maybe Imus is a "good person" and menat no harm. We may feel the same way about ourselves, but still have to avoid being a bull in a china shop.

[skooooo]

22. thanks for posting this

I agree with your assessment and comments about how we need to look at ourselves as well.

[grace0418]

27. I say lots of things in jest. Even sometimes things that aren't super PC. But I have

never even considered calling a group of women athletes "nappy-headed hos". As far as I'm concerned, to even have that kind of insult in your vocabulary where it could "slip out" means you think it on some level.

[Morgana LaFey]

44. absolutely and well said

It's not like these were some foreign thoughts that someone ELSE put in his head while he wasn't looking.

[donsu]

66. true

nt

[sandnsea]

23. How so?

He does a charitable fundraiser on occasion?

He needs to put his mouth where his money is. His humiliation and ridicule of everything left of the KKK has done more harm than any charity could ever make up for.

[skooooo]

25. listening to Sharpton

You're right, he does ridicule the left alot.

[frogcycle]

26. yeah, I lean toward

the "death sentence."

I don't accept that "on balance" he's ok. As I said, the genie won't go back in the bottle.

There are a lot out there with fewer (reportedly) redeeming qualities though. That doesn't make it ok - hell, I can get caught speeding and I don't get to say "everyone else was speeding"

I think an "early retirement" might be best.

Then he can use his riches to atone full time. Maybe fund some scholarships to Rutgers.

It's still a tough call, because from the sound of it it was more flamingly stupid than hateful, and people like Savage and Limbaugh are hateful and they'll stay on the air.

[wisteria]

53. I agree. He does do a lot of good with many charities and his comment wasn't

said to attack and purposely do harm to anyone. I didn't like the comment either, but I often don't like a lot of what he says. I watch him anyway and don't pay his comments and rants much attention. His show is entertaining and he has interesting guests on.

[Beausoir]

56. Oh jeebus...scooooo-ter is all over the boards defending the racist, sexist piece of crap Imus.

Imus exists because of people like Scooooo who pad the ratings and wink-wink nudge-nudge over the sexist racist crap that Imus barfs out onto the microphone every morning.

[Redbear]

6. I'm shocked at the commonplace use of "pimp" and "ho" in society in general now

Its horrible.

[ellacott]

8. I'm recommending this also

A sexist remark. There is no context that this word would be acceptable.

[JitterbugPerfume]

12. Imus represents a society

that has become course and ugly .He is a symptom , not a disease.

Not that I would object to being rid of that particular symptom

[babylonsister]

14. You know, not to apologize for Imus, but there are so many people,

like Limbaugh/Coulter/Beck/O'Lielly/Hannity/ that need to go; how come that hasn't happened?
While Imus really put his foot in it, these people do it daily, and no one says a peep.
I just don't get it.

[LynneSin]

17. Oh we say peeps - don't worry about that

:D

[smirkymonkey]

15. I can't believe that decrepit old cowboy is still on the air.

He's frigtening to look at and even worse to listen to. I'm tired of this culture of women-bashing and sexism being normalized by insecure jerks like Imus. I agree - he has to go.

[cubs4life]

21. Right out of the Republican playbook ... trash women whenever you can

unless their last name is Coulter, Rice or Bush.

[flyarm]

24. this morning he said he has called his wife a "GREEN HO"...like that is a

reason for calling university gals "HO"S'..gosh i hate even typing that...makes my skin crawl...

i have watched Imus be abuse with his wife on air..and it has made my skin crawl..i very rarely ever tune into Imus because i remember when i was in college in the late 60's early 70..that he was a drunk and a druggie...and i have no tolerance for either...so it is so rare i ever have him on in my home...but once some time ago i saw him with his wife on and he was so disrespectful..i had to shut it off..i also saw he and his wife on Larry King one night and he was rude and abusive ..in my opinion ..to his wife..and mother of his child..i thought ..he married an young woman because a more mature woman would never put up with his shit...i actually felt sorry for that young woman..


I believe in free speech..but there is a responsibility to the citizens of this nation to use our airways..Imus has abused that gift..and it is a gift..the fourth estate is a gift to those who use our airways..

Imus has abused our gift..too many times...he must resign..

fly

[Marnieworld]

33. The very fact that they were all judging these women specifically on looks alone is sexist

Here these women were all good students and exceptional athletes at the end of the day all that matters is how you look and if you fit into some idea of feminine appeal. Nevermind how hideous Imus is. I have bee waiting for someone to point this out thank you.

[Morgana LaFey]

45. Yes. The thing about sexism (and racism) is that no matter WHO

you are or become, no matter how highly placed in your profession or career or the world at large, you can still be derided on the basis of your gender. The Queen of England herself is not immune. And, in fact, the more powerful women become the more likely the efforts at bringing them down, trying to reduce and erode that power.

That's why i object so strongly to the sexist terms for women that are so often allowed here at DU: they ALL matter, they ALL count, they ALL are intended to reduce the status of the individual woman or women as a group or both. And that's wrong.

[walldude]

34. It insults anyone with half a brain

and Imus has many times in the past spewed racist insults against men as well, they guy is just an asshole. At one time he swore on either Jacksons or Sharptons radio show that he would stop with the racist crap. I think that's why Sharpton is having him on his show. to call him on his bullshit.

[LynneSin]

37. Now you're being insultive.....

Even those with half a brain are probably more intellectual that Don Imus

[AspenRose]

38. This reminds me of the Thom Hartmann show a couple of weeks ago

He was talking about the all-too-rampant sexism in conservative media. From Michael Savage calling Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters 'whores,' to insults made about Rosie O'Donnell (was it Bill O'Reilly who made them? Can't remember.), to O'Reilly cutting off his female co-host's mic during his radio show (when she was right about what she was talking about--this was separate from the recent incident with the female military officer)....Rush Limbaugh's Hillary hatred....Nancy Pelosi's recent attacks from right-wing media....we know this has been happening for a while, but when he played the examples, it was really breathtaking to listen to it all at once presented in audio form. It's rampant.

[frogcycle]

39. And its not really surprising

in my humble opinion, a LOT of people who gravitate toward the right are, for lack of a better description, emotionally defective. People with all sorts of "issues." The kind of people who join the KKK, or become skinheads, but perhaps less in extremis. Survivalists, Libertarians, Timothy McVeight. The males in all liklihood include various wierd mother-son issues. What you want to bet Ted Bundy was a republican? Why the hell do you think Mitt Romney is having to claim he shoots lots of fuzzy little creatures?

The bottom-feeders of the rw "base" include a potpourri of such human detritus, but the top echelons do as well. Only they take out their hangups by being cutthroat, take-no-prisoners, lay-em-off and cut their benefits "Businessmen." Some get their jollies killing things, wishing lynching were still legal, and beating their wives; others get their jollies collecting $multimillion bonuses - and beating their wives.

Not saying they ALL are like that, but face it, liberals tend to be tolerant of differences. If you hate everyone who is different, you're not going to be a liberal. That's how the pugs took over the formerly all-democrat South. Just use code words for racism and boom - lots of southern republicans.

[Lisa]

40. and to college athletics (I hope the other schools complain about this!)

I don't see it as being an innocent jibe -- it can be read on a bunch of different levels, beyond the ugly racist stereotype. He might as well be implying that Rutgers itself is a place of ill repute! (Or more specifically, that the school is exploiting those young women, and that the players are somehow selling themselves out?) The men's and women's athletics departments of colleges and universities across the country should be closing ranks, at such hurtful slurs. I wouldn't talk trash like that even if my school were playing against Rutgers (we should be so lucky, by the way).

[donsu]

67. excellent points

nt

[roseBudd]

42. The reference to their hair was especially insulting, the ideal being caucasian hair...

they were disparaged by Imus for the hair they were born with. That is FUed. Calling them hos. What information does Imus have regarding any woman on that teams sex life. I would be willing to bet none.

Very similar to the slurs against Cynthia McKinney.

[Pachamama]

46. NOW has a petition against Imus to get him fired....

Yes, the women organizations definitely find what Imus did to be Sexist on top of being Racist....

http://www.capwiz.com/now/issues/alert/?alertid=9602971&type=CU

:puke:

[Swamp Rat]

55. Thanks for the link Pachamama!

Oi menina! Tudo bem? :hug: How's the Pachababies? :grouphug:

[Pachamama]

61. Swamp'r!

We're good! The Pachababies are right here with me! We are up in BC, Canada for the Spring Pagan Rituals! :hi:

Actually, we are up here skiing in ole BC for the week while the kids have school off....And ofcourse while here, enjoying the Canadian hospitality and longing for the possibility that we could own a place up here....for either the escape from insanity and/or global climate change, choose your poison.

Anyway, good to see you on ole DU! :hi: Hope your well....

[Imagevision]

47. Imus and those like him should always be booted for claiming free speech...

[mrreowwr_kittty]

68. Free speech my ass

CBS Radio and MSNBC are private entities. They can hire and fire on-air talent for any reason. If enough people contact those stations and their advertisers, then they might fire Imus. It's the free market at work.

[RamboLiberal]

49. I agree LynneSin and wish we had strong figures that

would stand up and call out the crap spewed against women by these "shock jocks" and wingnut talkers. I'm no prude but I do wish they'd pull those "Girls Gone Wild" ads.

[hiaasenrocks]

51. Good grief. This place has gone absolutely fucking nutso.

I think I'll be sticking to posts on the war, health care, economic justice and things that matter.

Carry on with the crusade...

[wisteria]

54. A mob after blood is how I would describe it. And Fox News loves every minute of it. n/t

[wisteria]

52. Disagree on both accounts.

This was an unthoughtful comment, but their was no real anger behind it. It was a stupid remark said without considering what was actually being suggested.

As a woman, I have criticized much of the ways in which women are portrayed on TV, music and videos. Imus is as much a victim of what has passed for years as being acceptable in other genre. I do not believe he actually put any thought behind this comment- he just said it thinking it would go over like much of what he says without much notice. He has always been an equal opportunity insulter.

I do not think it makes much sense to fire him. That IMO, sends the wrong message and closes the door to discussion and forgiveness and touches on censorship. I don't have to like what he said to defend his right to say it. And, in this case, it wasn't really meant to attack and do harm. It was a stupid and wrong comment-period.

[Pacifist Patriot]

59. A lack of anger makes it all the more insidious.

Stupid remarks uttered without thinking are indicative of what is considered normative. When someone is angry you can chalk it up to an emotional outburst. When someone is lamely attempting to garner a laugh with a flip comment it suggests an inherent acceptance of the notion. Having seen brainstorming sessions for such programs I'm also not convinced it was an excited utterance or slip of the tongue.

The fact is that he has made racist and mysogenist comments in the past. He has had many opportunities to discuss such issues and learn from them, but has declined. This isn't a matter of closing the door to discussion and forgiveness. It's a matter of saying enough is enough.

It's also not a matter of censorship. If Don Imus wants to perpetuate such a culture he is free to do so, but not on public airwaves. Write a book, go on a speaking tour, or record a CD. It is not censorship for a society to insist that all human beings be treated with dignity and respect in a venue such as radio.

I think it does make sense to fire him. It tells everyone that thoughtless comments are lazy discourse and have consequences. It keeps the discussion going among those who follow in his footsteps.

I don't hate Imus or McGuirk, but I do believe we have a responsibility to hold them accountable. Our world has more than enough dehumanizing discourse without facilitating their contributions.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

65. Well said. Firing Imus is NOT censorship.

The rights enumerated in the Constitution do not include having a radio or TV show to air your views. Plus, CBS Radio and MSNBC are private companies and they can fire someone for making offensive comments, or for any other reason. It's called editorial discretion.

[threadkillaz]

57. Let the Great Media Purge begin.

nt

[swwallace81]

62. Where's the outrage toward rap "music"?

It's on the public airways and is much much worse than anything Imus said. Not making excuses for him, but Sharpton and Jackson must be OK with rappers, right?

[eringer]

63. McCain, Bush's hand puppet lost his pulpit--TOO BAD

Without Imus we will never hear from McCain again. As to that thought--Good Riddance. This leaves the remaining GOP hopefuls with Limbaugh and Hannity. I am sure that Hannity is just giddy at the prospect of picking the next GOP nominee. Of course, that would be Jeb Bush. One more thing, Imus==don't let the door hit you in the a$$ when you leave the studio. Just think how much more time you will have at your ranch. So Long--Adios--GoodBye

[vincent_vega_lives]

69. Oh please

He's had plenty of democrats on as well, to include John Kerry.

[eringer]

71. John Kerry Was His Buddy

He half-heartingly endorsed Kerry. I recall that McCain came on his show during the campaign for Bush. That was it for me.

[vincent_vega_lives]

73. He also heavily backed Harold Ford (n/t)

[vincent_vega_lives]

70. It was a stupid remark

Juvenile and insensitive. He should have to apologize, though I do not think he should loose his job. I listen to him quite often as he has great guests.

He is crass and curmudgeonly, but he is no racist. He was attempting "ironic humor" and meant to be outrageous as he often does. I think he has been legitimatly contrite.

[Arugula Latte]

74. There are so many of these white men frantically undermining other's humanity

Rush, Hannity, Imus, Stern, Savage Weiner, etc. etc.

They wanna be the ruling class, and they will say anything to make non-white males and females into the lesser "others."