Okay, I'm trying to stay out of this fray a bit, because I LIKE Imus...he's sarcastic, curmudgeonly, he asks questions most pundits are afraid to ask, and he does his own thing, politics and parties be damned. Also, he does a huge body of charitable work, primarlily for children, including his ranch for children with cancer, fundraising for SIDS research, throwing a spotlight on autism disorders. He talks often of his wife Diedre's work promoting environmentally responsible living, bringing her ideas to audiences that otherwise likely wouldn't hear anything about her.
With that said, from what I understand, there was a general discussion of the Women's NCAA tourney, and I belive Imus said something along the lines that the Rutgers players were "rough looking". Then his producer Bernie McGuirk upped the ante calling them something like rough-looking hos (thus creating sexist objectionable language), then Imus went one further with his addition referring to hair styling (and turning a sexist statement, to a racist, sexist statement). What he said is reprehensible. Wrong-headed, pig-headed, over the top, just plain WRONG. I cannot defend his language, in any way shape or form. With that said, I believe the reaction to his off-the-cuff remark is waaaaayyyyy over the top for his transgression. He apologized. He apologized on the air. He met with the Rutgers team and apologized to them personally. He has been showing contrition, and has admitted that his actions were terrible. Considering that the phrase he used is sprinkled throughout some current music, with no repercussions, it seems his biggest transgression is being an old white man trying to be "cool," and not fully understanding the impact of his words. By the way, did you see Snoop Dog's justification of the use of the word "Ho" in rap music....made me laugh out loud... Amy the Organic Gal --- In [EMAIL PROTECTED], "Ellen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Does anyone know the context of Imus' incendiary remarks? Was he > criticizing Rutgers women for losing the tournament? Not that it > really matters, I'm just curious what else he said. I'm imagining > something like, "Rutgers women lost the basketball tournament. Oh > well, they're just nappy-headed ho's." Or was it said more like > someone would call someone else an asshole? Like, "those nappy- headed > ho's can't even win a freakin' basketball tournament." What an idiot! > Good riddance. >
