So has anyone been convinced by these discussions over Imus?

[crispini]

Poll question: So has anyone been convinced by these discussions over Imus?

Just curious. I tried to make these categories kind of broad, because I'd really rather see the explanation -- and also, it was kind of hard to get the subtleties of the various categories right once I started thinking about it.

[Spazito]

1. I have changed my opinion based on information provided on

DU, I have become even more disgusted by Mr. Imus and his producer, if possible, after reading about his long history of racist, misogynist, homophobic commentary, information and articles provided by DUers in the various threads about this issue.

[crispini]

5. Yeah, I think that's where I am too.

When I saw how long of a history he has of this stuff it really made me dislike him.

[MedleyMisty]

2. Wait, I voted wrong

Because although I do still have the same opinion - racism and sexism are bad - it has made me realize just how far we still have to go on these issues and how pervasive bigotry still is.

[crispini]

7. Isn't that the truth?

I have learned a LOT about racism in general here on DU. I have really changed my opinion about it over the last couple of years based in part on discussions I have participated in here. I used to think it was not so bad and/or not so prevalent. Now it's MUCH more on my radar.

[Sapere aude]

3. I've never liked Imus and showed it by not turning him on the radio.

[MrModerate]

4. I was pretty sure that shock-jockism was another symptom . . .

Of the coarsening and dumbing down of American culture. I'm still convinced.

[undeterred]

6. I have never listened to Imus

and am aware of his remarks. There are way too many right wingers on the radio anyway, let the herd be thinned, and let all the bigoted white males shake in their booties.

[juno jones]

8. I haven't really changed my position per say

But I am realizing how pervasive and all-encompassing this dialogue has become, how many tentacles of hate have taken a hold of public airwaves that are often imposed on bystanders in workplaces, waiting rooms, and other public areas in our country. I have learned that the roots run deep. That racism and sexism in our country is as American as God's own Apple Pie. I am appreciating the threads in which we discuss this and look for solutions. In discussing with others on this board or in the outside world, I am discovering how many people dislike this kind of discourse and are losing tolerance for these spewers of bigotry. I have had my comfort zone pressed, and I hope I've shook the complacency of others.

This is an important topic. This institutionalized racism is the engine behind this current invasion. It is the reason that so many of our soldiers are blacks and hispanics have been driven into the armed forces in search of a 'better life'. When the second woman died in Iraq, I cried. She was a black woman who wanted to use her veteran's benefits to go to school and become a chef. When you must risk your life for a cooking job...I'm almost crying again. What the fuck is wrong with us?