One last view on Imus

By Charles Farmer
Contributing Columnist
Union County Post
By now the entire nation has expressed their opinion on the infamous Don Imus remarks about the Rutgers women’s basketball team which ultimately led to his removal from the airwaves on both television (MSNBC) and radio (CBS).
Imus is a radio talking head who has taken free speech over the top; he must have felt pretty comfortable with himself to refer to the Rutgers players as Nappy Headed Hoes.
During this recent firestorm, Imus remarked that it was normal practice for his radio show to make fun of everyone he saw fit to attack, but the Rutgers women were not deserving of his malice. They were only guilty of striving for success by achieving one of the greatest accomplishments in collegiate athletics by reaching the NCAA women’s basketball championship.
I often wonder if individuals like this feel as if they are above the law of respect. These types of individuals feel they can go over the edge with their words and no one will ever hold them to task.
What is most appalling are some of the scenarios that people have compared the Imus incident to, including the suggestion that since a phrase like nappy headed hoes is used in rap songs which are often produced by young African Americans to degrade women, then why can’t others outside the culture do the same. It should be equal opportunity for all, right?
I would remind the critics that stupidity and ignorance are wrong, no matter where it comes from and while I am in favor of free speech, it puzzles me that Imus’ only defense when he was questioned was that he wanted people to know he was a good person, but could not explain why he made the comments.
Imus’ apology was noted and I hope he was sincere when he mentioned his plan to change the way he does his show.
I often said that pressure can make some people do things that they are not comfortable with including apologizing for remarks that they make.
As an African American man let me say to those who questioned the character of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, who often like to be in the forefront of issues that affect the African American community. These gentlemen just happen to be the individuals who have access to voice their opinions to a larger audience primarily through the media.
They do not speak for all African Americans, but the media is quick to run to this duo for an opinion on how the African American community feels as a whole when things like this occur.
I have also heard many other radio talk show hosts mention that Sharpton and Jackson have done some disturbing things that equal Imus’ inappropriate action, but this is quite disturbing to me because it appears as just another reason to excuse Imus’ remarks.
One would hope that Imus realizes that no matter how popular you are or how much money you have, no individual is bigger than the profession they serve in and if someone steps outside the lines, they should be punished for their actions and held accountable.