Since the remark, he has apologized on-air and both WFAN, the flagship station for his syndicated network, and MSNBC, where his daily program is also aired, have condemned his remarks.
The National Association of Black Journalists is calling for Imus to be fired and his show boycotted.
Al Sharpton is calling for Imus to resign and has threatened to picket WFAN-AM.
The Right to be Offensive vs. Choosing to be Offensive
Most morning radio shows function to entertain. Imus, is a very satirical, acerbic, and politically incorrect entertainer. If you choose to listen to him, you should not be surprised at what he dishes up.
Now, does that give him the right to say things which are offensive? Well, those listening who are offended by his comments would say "no".
But, radio performers - within the confines of the law - can use the medium to be offensive and the constitution allows it and even protects it.
But, whether or not a radio performer (or any performer) chooses to be offensive is his or her decision and has to live with the consequences.
Hate Speech, Free Speech, Who Decides?
Let me ask you: is an HBO performance by a known comedian like Chris Rock much different than a syndicated radio show by Don Imus in terms of it’s reach and effect? The attitude of Rock’s comedy isn’t much different from Imus: biting, sarcastic, offensive, and controversial.
In a post at rateitall.com about the “Chris Rock: Never Scared” DVD , one person recently wrote online:
"Any one listening to Chris Rock's new HBO Special will hear his racist remarks. Oh. He makes a few cracks about blacks but his remarks about Whites are meant to defame and devide [sic]....A White comic would never get by with the same type of humor and racist remarks..."
Is Chris Rock a racist? I guess it depends on your point of view and your sense of humor. View this clip at YouTube of a portion of Rock’s performance or this older clip of Rock talking about racism and see if you are or are not offended.
Back in February, 2006, Bryant Gumbel on "HBO's Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel" made this remark in reference to the Winter Olympics:
"So try not to laugh when someone says these are the world’s greatest athletes, despite a paucity of blacks that makes the Winter Games look like a GOP convention."
Me? I think it’s funny. But, somebody else might think it’s not only offensive, but racist.
Three examples of remarks meant to entertain: Imus on radio, Chris Rock and Bryant Gumbel on cable. Did any of these entertainers mean to say something mean spirited or hateful? Or, were they simply doing what they do because our country affords us the right to express ourselves whether or not we like how they do it?
Ultimately, Radio and TV performers are judged by their listeners and viewers - or pressure brought to bear on those who employ them.
However this ends, I just hope as a reader you at least accept that our own personal interpretations and personal agendas have at least a little to do with how all of us perceive what the world is saying to us.
