my thoughts on imus
Upon reading this,
While I feel bad for Imus as an individual, I cannot help but feel this is an important step for the rights of those who have fought for them for decades and centuries. And I applaud CBS for taking the monetary cut which occured from the firing of Imus. In all reality, for those who support Imus, yes, he was making this comment in jest, however, it is a demeaning remark, and just because rap lyrics MAY say the same things, it does not make what he said any less humiliating and hurtful. Maybe using Imus as an example as to what we will no longer tolerate is what has been needed in our society. It may be possible, that this small step from the media (putting morals before money) is exactly what we need in our culture. Besides, I really don't feel like Imus needs the money anyway.
Because of the advantages people like Imus (European, wealthy males) have over the others who work so hard to prove themselves (for example, the law student, or the musical prodigy who happen to also play for the Rutgers Women's Team), people feel like it is socially acceptable to use these comments in everyday language. But, in fact, it absolutely is not acceptable. If the roles were reversed, and there was such a demeaning and stereotyping remark said to such a man as Imus, he would be in the same position as those who are infuriated by his comments. There is no struggle to prove the worth of wealthy white men, they have it easy. So for such a man like that to demean another group that has worked so much harder to prove themselves than he will ever recognize, is disgraceful.
I say, make an example of Imus. We're* not going to take it anymore. We are not inferior to you; and just because we may have not been as privileged as you have in your lifetime, does not make us any less of human beings. In fact, the mere fact that we have overcome such hardships, makes us better off than anything you have ever amounted to.
* Note: I say "we" as the minority, I realize I am not an African-American basketball player, but I am a woman, and I do take demeaning remarks toward women offensively