I think you have to consider the source in order to determine the level of inappropriate behavior.
Yes, terms like that are commonly used between people who are friendly with one another. As Imus hadn't met any of the girls on the Rutgers team, it's unlikely that he was on such familiar terms with them. Also, he was broadcasting. It's not just that he was at work, he was being broadcast live. Perhaps those comments wouldn't have been so inflammatory if he'd been on MTV or BET, but I'm not sure that even on those networks referencing players in such a way is common or acceptable. I don't know if sportscasting is something Imus does regularly, because I don't listen to Imus or pay attention to sports. From viewing the clip it sounds like he wasn't intending to disparage anyone, but rather make himself seem more relatable to a younger, more urban audience. It failed, miserably, because one has to be on a different level of familiarity than he was with the people he was calling "nappy headed hoes". So his attempt to show off his familiarity ended up showing off his ignorance. And of course people were offended. It's like if Pat Robertson were doing a running commentary on a gay pride parade for the Logo channel and said "those are some silly looking pole smokers, I tell ya...Satan's gonna love brutalizing them in hell". (Of course, that's what we'd get for having Pat Robertson do anything for the Logo channel.)
As for your situation, do you seriously allow subordinates to use language around you such as "towel head" or "fag" without reprimanding them? Do they do that because they know you're a homosexual person of middle eastern descent and they are trying to ingratiate themselves to you by using that kind of language? Because if so, you can understand the uproar over Imus' comments.
If they use this language out of ignorance, then you should speak up and let them know that such terms are offensive to you.
I guess a question that I have had brought up in discussing this with people is this: Would this be such an uproar if Imus was a black man? I do not know the answer to that.
I'm still laughing over the image in my mind of Pat Robertson hosting a gay pride parade! LOL
Most of the people who use the word "fag" or "towel head" have been high school age "kids". I really don't go off on them about it. I just explain to them that we have guests of all kinds, and those types of words should not be used at any time. Maybe I'm not a good 'mo because I don't make a big deal out of it. As far as the middle eastern thing, it is so far back in my lineage, that one could not tell my ancestry by looking at me.
Maybe it wouldn't have been such a big deal if it had been a black man who said those things. But I'm not sure that a black talk show host would have said those things. Maybe a rapper rapping about them would. I just don't understand seeing a basketball team play and having the words "nappy headed hoes" come to my mind, and I certainly can't understand saying them even if they had come to mind.
As for work, I don't think you should make a big deal out of it, but I do think that saying, "I find that offensive" would make a very clear point.
Oh yes! He is quite the hottie! I first saw him in the 2002 Summer Olympics. He is heaven. If I can figure out how to do it, I'll send you a pic I have of him on my computer.
Yes, terms like that are commonly used between people who are friendly with one another. As Imus hadn't met any of the girls on the Rutgers team, it's unlikely that he was on such familiar terms with them. Also, he was broadcasting. It's not just that he was at work, he was being broadcast live. Perhaps those comments wouldn't have been so inflammatory if he'd been on MTV or BET, but I'm not sure that even on those networks referencing players in such a way is common or acceptable. I don't know if sportscasting is something Imus does regularly, because I don't listen to Imus or pay attention to sports. From viewing the clip it sounds like he wasn't intending to disparage anyone, but rather make himself seem more relatable to a younger, more urban audience. It failed, miserably, because one has to be on a different level of familiarity than he was with the people he was calling "nappy headed hoes". So his attempt to show off his familiarity ended up showing off his ignorance. And of course people were offended. It's like if Pat Robertson were doing a running commentary on a gay pride parade for the Logo channel and said "those are some silly looking pole smokers, I tell ya...Satan's gonna love brutalizing them in hell". (Of course, that's what we'd get for having Pat Robertson do anything for the Logo channel.)
As for your situation, do you seriously allow subordinates to use language around you such as "towel head" or "fag" without reprimanding them? Do they do that because they know you're a homosexual person of middle eastern descent and they are trying to ingratiate themselves to you by using that kind of language? Because if so, you can understand the uproar over Imus' comments.
If they use this language out of ignorance, then you should speak up and let them know that such terms are offensive to you.
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I guess a question that I have had brought up in discussing this with people is this: Would this be such an uproar if Imus was a black man? I do not know the answer to that.
I'm still laughing over the image in my mind of Pat Robertson hosting a gay pride parade! LOL
Most of the people who use the word "fag" or "towel head" have been high school age "kids". I really don't go off on them about it. I just explain to them that we have guests of all kinds, and those types of words should not be used at any time. Maybe I'm not a good 'mo because I don't make a big deal out of it. As far as the middle eastern thing, it is so far back in my lineage, that one could not tell my ancestry by looking at me.
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As for work, I don't think you should make a big deal out of it, but I do think that saying, "I find that offensive" would make a very clear point.
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Agreed 110%!!!
Now if it was me watching Alexandre Despatie diving and I would say "Slam that sexy Speedo bulge in my ass!" now that would be entirely appropriate!
:-)
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