Saturday, April 07, 2007

Take Imus off the air

I beseech anyone who listens to Don Imus--and I know most regular readers of this blog do not but....--to stop immediately. Better yet for any of us: email, phone, write, picket to the powers-that-be why Don Imus is an affront to the human race.
Because it is beyond conservative political discourse and can in no way be construed as funny to call the women "nappy-headed hos" and then, in the next breath, compare them to men (consistent discourse has never been the conservative's strength). This is what Imus did a few days ago when he brought up the women's championship between Rutgers and Tennessee. It was the women on the Rutgers team to which Imus directed his misogynist, racist, homophobic remarks.
I know these sentiments exist and I know Rutgers with its predominantly African-American team has been the target of racist remarks. I actually saw them play against a predominantly white team in a very white state. The old white man next to me wondered how we were supposed to tell them apart--you know, because all black people look alike.
But I did not think a prominent radio personality would be so blatantly, so disgustingly discriminatory.
Of course he has "apologized." This m.o. is getting old. Someone famous does or says something racist, homophobic, sexist, then a few days later--when people are calling for resignations and other punitive measures--said famous person apologizes. Then everyone moves on--and nothing changes.
The above link is to MSBNC's story of the apology. MSNBC does not produce the show but it simulcasts, on their television station, the radio show. Imus always says his views are not those of MSNBC's and MSNBC has condemned the remarks. It's ringing a little hollow if you ask me--especially among the universal condemnation by a variety of parties (the NCAA, Rutgers, The National Association of Black Journalists). Show me some action.
And if you are interested in taking some action there are several options:
1. Email MSNBC and ask them to stop airing the show.
2. Get in touch with the National Radio Hall of Fame and tell them that the inclusion of a racist, misogynist homophobe in their halls is offensive and inappropriate and not in keeping with the educational mission of their institutions.
The Museum of Broadcast Communications
400 North State Street, Suite 240
Chicago, IL 60610
phone: 312-245-8200
fax: 312-245-8207
or email archives@museum.tv
3. You can email the show directly at imus@msbnc.com

1 comment:

EBuz said...

WFAN-AM, which produces the program, can be emailed at

fanmail@wfan.com