National Assoc. of Black Journalists: Boycott Don Imus for “nappy-headed hos” comment

I couldn't understand some parts of this article National Assoc. of Black Journalists: Boycott Don Imus for “nappy-headed hos” comment, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.

I couldn't understand some parts of this article comment, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.

connie schmitz Says:

April 10th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Sooooo…… hypocritical. I was listening to Russ Parr this morning on the way to work. What comments. Seemed very racist to me. He said he talks about white people all the time, that everybody should own one and that you just can’t get enough white help. What if this were e-mailed to every major news station?! Would he be fired? Let’s call a spade a spade and give equal justice to all.

Linda Vanik Says:

April 11th, 2007 at 10:14 am
Connie…that is the point I was making in my earlier post. We live in a “double standard” world.

I am a fan of both Imus and Russ Parr. I think they are both hilarious. I think their shows should be on the air. I do, however, think that, as a black man, Russ Parr gets a “pass” on what he can say. One time I was listening to the RP show…they were asking white people to call in so the crew could determine how “white” the caller was, based on questions they were asked, i.e., “What kind of alcohol do you drink?”, “What kind of car do you drive?”, etc.. I am a white woman and I was LMAO!!! Can you imagine the fallout if Imus turned the tables and asked black viewers to call in with the same type of questions?????

I think RP can get away with the things he does, because white people do not take themselves so seriously. And if RP offends anyone, they can just not tune into his show.

Linda Vanik

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I couldn't agree more..would just like to add...I have watched Imus for years. and I know that if he had a personal problem with someone or a group of people that would make what he said an insult.. but he doesn't have a problem with anyone. He entertains. he jokes.. weather it was a joke in bad taste or not.. knowing Don Imus and knowing how he portrays himself on his show and what he does for others and by watching the show that day when he said what he said he was clearly and this is a huge point here so dont miss it.. hE WAS NOT TRYIN TO OFFEND ANYONE.. if he was trying.. then it should be offensive. This just shows it's not always whats said.. but more.. It's who says it!!.. I hope someday people can wise up and realize they have 1 life here on a rock floating in space and we all have to share it.. so. I ask you... why even bring up the racism/ sexism issue here?.. Anyone that knows Don Imus and knows how he is and watched that day knows he was not meaning anything remotly close to racist or sexist.. I think he would have said the same about a man in a different context or the same.. say a white or black nba basketball player.. or a homeless chinese man with a nappy beard layin behind a park bench..lol.. seriously .. he is a comedian.. he is no different than so many.. this was just an oppertunity for a few people to jump in and push the racism issue.. Thanx for keepin it real Sharpton and Jackson.. You will always hold back the black race and surely do your best to keep racism alive in your lives and all the others you have decieved.. Your a discrace.. you are worse then Don Imus ever could be........The preachings you spam Far outweigh the morals you have!!!...Keepin it really real~~~

Connie...that is the point I was making in my earlier post. We live in a "double standard" world.

I am a fan of both Imus and Russ Parr. I think they are both hilarious. I think their shows should be on the air. I do, however, think that, as a black man, Russ Parr gets a "pass" on what he can say. One time I was listening to the RP show...they were asking white people to call in so the crew could determine how "white" the caller was, based on questions they were asked, i.e., "What kind of alcohol do you drink?", "What kind of car do you drive?", etc.. I am a white woman and I was LMAO!!! Can you imagine the fallout if Imus turned the tables and asked black viewers to call in with the same type of questions?????

I think RP can get away with the things he does, because white people do not take themselves so seriously. And if RP offends anyone, they can just not tune into his show.

Linda Vanik
lvanik@yahoo.com

Sooooo...... hypocritical. I was listening to Russ Parr this morning on the way to work. What comments. Seemed very racist to me. He said he talks about white people all the time, that everybody should own one and that you just can't get enough white help. What if this were e-mailed to every major news station?! Would he be fired? Let's call a spade a spade and give equal justice to all.

I don't know Imus, and I don't know what was in his heart. The best I can say is that he is supremely naive about what offends people, and the worst is that his recent comment is consistent with his history of offensive remarks. He certainly needs more than a two-weeks suspension, and taking a public stand is the only way we turn the corner on race. I thank Mr. Martin for his comments. Speaking as a white guy, it infuriates me how many white people are apologists for white intolerance. If we hear a racist joke, we are more likely to act like we did not hear it then we are to confront the person who says it, or if the person is old, we write it off with a "they were just raised that way." It's like Dr. King said. Time is neutral. Good people have to do something constructive with it, so I say keep the pressure on Imus to make sure this dialogue continues.

But at the same time, if we are going to fight this battle against racism, people in the African-American community cannot call it out ONLY when it's against them. I, like Linda Vanik, listen to Russ Parr, and they do the most insulting and degrading impersonations of Asians and folk of Arabic descent on that show that I have ever heard. When former New York Senator Al D'Amato did an impersonation of Judge Ito, he had his head handed to him on a platter in the media just like Imus. But when Russ Parr's staff member does the Asian nail lady every day, nobody even blinks. Why is that? Take your stand against Imus, but don't be hypocrites by failing to address the same issue just because Russ Parr is African-American.

Also, as a guy about to marry an African-American woman, I wanted to add that the Ronald Holts of the world are why racism still exists. It's a corrupt thought process of generalizations that leads to a group prejudice. He says that "A black woman had THE NERVE to defend how well white men treat black women. I'm almost speechless. First of all, white people are no more monolithic than black people, so both you and the woman were resorting to race-based generalizations of the same type used by Imus. Some white men treat black women well, some don't. I find it amusing you accept the premise that white men DO treat black women better but have a problem with that treatment. Thank God you are here to stop all the black women who are apparently way too stupid to make their own choices. Thank God you are hear to bring these ladies into the light. Apparently, you do not see how clearly you reveal your sub-surface contempt for black women's intelligence in this comment? My fiancee was not looking for a white man. She just wanted somebody who would (a) respect her mind (not an idiot who can be duped); (b) treat her as a partner, not as someone who plays the back; and (c) not pigeonhole her into a ridiculous stereotype. Also, my fiancee had a child with a black man three years ago, and he put her on the street when she was pregnant. I didn't divide anybody. That black man did. Ultimately, he realized his mistake, and he tried to get her back. Now you will probably ignore this it runs against your "economic" theory (e.g., that black women are lured away by white men's money), but ultimately he realized he had made a mistake and he tried to get her back. She rejected his efforts even though he made more money than me. So while this is only ONE case, and nobody should generalize from it, might we POSSIBLY, JUST POSSIBLY, conclude that MAYBE any black person has the ability to love any white person and vice versa when they don't have idiots in their ears? I was not looking for a black woman either. I just wanted THE BEST woman for me, and she was it. Maybe you should open your own eyes. You might find a partner who can make you less angry.

I am very upset about the comments that Imus made. Everyone knows that racisim is alive and well, and now it's becoming more and more publicised. I don't understand why the FCC has not at least threatened to pull that station's license over this? Their license or this man's resignation would be justice served...

I am a black female and I have watched the Imus show many time. I watch the show for the political stands of all the politicians who's often on his show. But I recently made a decision to stop watching his show because of his negative comments about people. I remember when he first move to the NBC new news studio and how some of the women host didn't like to appear in the morning segment with him, because he would talk so negatively with them about different things. I was very upset when I heard him make those remarks about the women's basketball team. I think we shouldn't sit well with this kind of talking, or joking about anybody.

Those girls did nothing to deserve that kind of slap in the face.

Now Tom Cowherd on ESPN radio defends Imus because "they say the same thing in rap music".

Two wrongs do not make a right, and that music was never directed against specific girls from a specific college team.

I suggest boycotting Cowhers. Teach him a lesson.

Roland.. be a true brother., and tell your friend Sharpton he needs to step up.. Just because im not msnbc or fox that doesnt mean i shouldnt have my say. Don't be a coward Sharpton.. Ill be back to blog this everyday and I will blog it on my site also.. Till cowards let me have my say.. Would it help if I told you I know snoop doggs cousin?.. I have talked to her and I have her Phone number?.. Im tryin to appeal to the "Black" side.. Maybe if I am known to be Black I can then get my say.. Don't be a racist yourself Sharpton or a lIar by telling everyone your show does not screen calls then after 2 hours you hang up on me... derek40@roadrunner.com .. thats how u get ahold of me.,, maybe Roland you can be a man and have me on your show since Sharpton can't be taken for his word.. I demand MY say.. I waited for hours... Let me have my say on your radio program.. I have many offers to come back and broadcast internet radio again.. Maybe I will take all the spots just so I can let some know how crooked Sharpton's radio show is and how He lies to his listners.. I expect to see or hear from either Sharpton himself or you ROLAND.. STEP UP!!!!!!!!!!!!.. DONT LIE!!!!!!!HEAR ME!!!!!!

I have listened to a multitude of radio talk shows, read many articles and many blogs concerning the 'Don Imus' comment in reference to the young black female basketball players from Rutgers and Tennessee universities. In response to Imus' inflammatory comments and his producer, I say to the black community in America, "Wake up sleeping giant, before it's too late!" What I mean by this profound statement is that black Americans should not let Imus off the hook! Imus is not sorry for the statements that he and his producer made! His apologies are contrived and not sincere. Imus and his producer knew full well what they were saying. Imus is nothing more than a "benevolent bigot" who thought he and his producer could get away with making those inflammatory and degrading remarks! Imus and his producer, like so many other men of the caucasian persuasion simply do not respect black Americans. This has nothing to do with rappers disrespecting black women in the lyrical content of their songs. Heaven knows that respectable black men in America do not condone the incendiary lyrics relating to black women that are spewed across the radio airwaves and videos. I know for a fact that rappers who disrespect black women and women in general in thier lyrics, are constantly being admonished on a daily basis. In fact, a story about how rap lyrics are used for the mysogony of women, was recently reported in the Chicago Sun-Times printed on Feb. 1, 2007, titled "Youth to rappers: clean it up!" What Imus and his producer said goes beyond how some rappers disprespect black women in their lyrics and blaming rappers for the impetus and right of passage for other cultures to feel they should be comfortable with making de-humanizing and racist remarks at a whim. When a person articulates his or her thoughts in relation to any subject, I feel that that person meant to say what was on thier minds! Espcially if that person is an adult and in a position of power and influence, such as Imus and his producer. Imus has power, influence and in a position to change the minds of free thinkers in relation whatever comments he makes. This is the definition of a racist, pure and simple. Imus knew what he was saying and he menat what he said. This is an on-going character assasination of black women all across the United States and the rest of the world. This is one reason why I become mentally and emotionally infuriated and impassioned when I see black women dating white men and jockeying for the affection of white men. Black men, we must become very vocal and diligent in our efforts to silence white men like Don Imus. I don't give a damn what he does in the way of charitable and race-conscious matters and issues in America! Don Imus is what I thought he was all along, and that is nothing more than a god-awful redneck version of Rush Limbaugh! He is nothing more than a racist who because of his sense of "entitlement to America because he is a white man" feels that he can make racist, spontaneous comments whenever the mood strikes him. That "WHITE MAN'S ARROGANCE" had gotten "imus" into trouble. Would you believe I engaged in an impassioned debate with a beautiful black woman, who had the nerve to defend white men and how well they treat black women. I simply responded by saying that most black women are duped by white men into engaging in a relationship them just so most white can satisfy their lustful and sexual pleasures for black women. White men have used this formula historically. First by dividing and conquering black men women since before the days of slavery in America. They have achieved those objectives primarily through economic means, in that blacks on a whole have been kept out of the mainstream business of collectively acquiring wealth. A man's primary function in society is to provide for his family. When this does not happen discouragement, divisiveness and consternation sets in. Women, especially black women lose their confidence and faith in thier black men who they to for support. This view is just a microcosim of what black America is faced with on a daily basis. The economic injustice directed at blacks in America is blatant, pervasive, intentional, systemic and institutionalized. The aforementioned is a economic blueprint version of the "WILLIE LYNCH LETTER." Let's not let racist Don Imus off the hook like we let Michael Richards off the hook. Let's keep Imus on the meat hook. AND I SAY TO ALL THE RAPPERS WHO USE MYSOGONISTIC LYRICS IN YOUR SONGS, CLEAN IT UP, DAMMIT! This way the hip-hop culture cannot be subliminally and subconsciously blamed for what a racist like Don Imus spews out of his damn pie hole below his pig-snout! If this racist, Don Imus, refers to his wife in the same manner that he characterizes black women, he truly is an ignorant, backwards thinking, low-life behavior, trailer-trash redneck who should be silenced. Let's hit Imus where it hurts. Not in his bad-breath mouth, but in his bulging bank account! Don Imus should be fired and put out to pasture because he is a has-been and a damn hypocrit!

I just want it known somewhere on the net because Sharpton's email wont receive mail. saying its full.. I listined to the show on Monday April 9th.. and I followed by lisning to The Rev Sharptons Show featuring Don Imus! I called to the show at 1:00 pm I asked to be a caller.1-877-532-5797. I was asked my name and where I was from.. I was told. ok thank you turn down your radio and hold on.. I then heard the show in Live format over the Phone vs hearing over the internet connection..I held the line till just before he announced the second time he was going to take callers and then all of a sudden my connection was lost and I thought I was hung up on or maybe Since I was actually on the line Holding for almost 2 hours by that time it was possibly some other reason I was disconnected.. Either way I feel cheated out and I could have and wanted to help defend Mr Don Imus as I feel Sharpton was really trying hard to inflame and insinuate the reputation on Don Imus.. At the very least.. I could have been givin a chance to express my opinion.. So Mr Sharpton.. Im trying to reach you this way thru here.. If your a fair man.. You will give me a chance to voice my opinion.. as you had me on hold for almost 2 hours or longer waiting to be cut off just as you take callers.. to me sir.. that is just as bad if not worse then what you accuse Mr Imus of which is racism and that man is the farthest thing from being a racist.. You said yourself you dont know him.. just hear his words.. well .. Pssst.. news Flash.. get to know him.. Mr Sharpton.. give me a chance to air my feelings on air since I got cut off.. Mr. Sharpton said on the air he was not screening calls and then what happens.. Im cut off?..Id like you to contact me Mr Sharpton If I'm worthy of being heard ?.. derek40@roadrunner.com... I will be expecting to hear from you if you are really a fair man

Anyone who is calling for the head of Don Imus, obviously does not listen to his show, on a regualr basis. Imus has a dark, dry sense of humor, as anyone who watches show understands. He was just "Imus being Imus"...it is OK...his viewers understand him. One of the funniest things he says is , "green ho", when referring to his wife.

I also listen to the RUSS PARR MORNING SHOW. On that show, they brag about offending everyone!! They even do a game show called "name that stereotype". They also do a character, a closet gay man, who follows Black male athletes into the showers and then comments on their bodies. Both the "stereotype game" and "coach" are hilarious (as well as many other games and characters). A person tuning into the RPMS, would probably find it offensive, but his loyal listeners understand his humor...it's OK...it's just "Russ being Russ". I wonder if all these people, who are against Imus think Parr is funny when he is crackin' on whites, asians, hispanics, gays, etc...(insert double standard here)

I heard Mike Wilbon talking about Imus, on PTI. I guess he wants Imus to resign/be fired. Wilbon also says, he doesn't listen to the Imus Show. Wilbon should not speak on what he does not know. MW always calls people "punks" and "thugs". He also sometimes talks about being violent with some people (i.e., little league parents) Again, it's just "Wilbon being Wilbon"...it's OK...his fans understand him.

I wonder, if the same people who want Imus fired also want Stevie Wonder, Ludacris, Jay-Z, Eminem, etc., to stop making music and videos. I buy their music, even though they use words like "nappy-headed" and "ho" in their lyrics. I don't think they are intending to offend anyone. I also don't think they want people to take their music personally. They sell millions and millions of albums every year, so they words they are using can't be all bad. One more time, just to drive my point home...it's Ok....it's just "Stevie, Ludacris, Jay-z, Eminem, etc., being Stevie, Ludacris, Jay-Z, Eminem, etc.," (issert double standard here)

Thanks for considering my opinions,


Linda Vanik
Woodbridge, VA

hey i totally agree with you. i try to find the link to the gay coach skits online and came up with nothing...any suggestions

Whine Whine Whine.. Oh My grow up.. It was a joke.. Furthermore.. if he called my daughter a nappy headed ho I would laff and say.. that imus is such a jokester.. and do you know why?.. Ill tell you why.. Because I know who he is.. How he is and what kind of person he is.. So does many others.. we know the good he has done for so many children and others in this country including our solders . Its ok for blacks to call themselves the very same thing.. its ok.. why?.. because we are black.. he may have said rutgers but .. but do i need to remind you all that whites and mexicans can be nappy headed and also ho's.. men or women.. oh.. and general motors wont take him off the air.. some of your callers are really lost as well as unintellegent. some actually sound uneducated.. i listin to your show on the air and yet unfortunatly I cant get thru .. I think you screen your callers so no one can side against your views. You want to fire a man for making a joke... GROW UP AND STOP PLAYING THE HURT BLACK NEGRO PEOPLE.. you all make me sick calling for Don Imus to be fired or taken off the air.. maybe, Roland S Martin should be takin off the air also?.. He personally sounds jealous to me and to all the people here with me listing to his show.. Mr Martin.. I have news for you.. there are many Negro people in this country that love and respect Don Imus.. your views are not the Gospel truth.. sorry pal.. it just isnt. Id love to email your pal Sharpton. I have a few comments for him also but his mailbox is full and they never answer his phone.. Go figure.. Whine Whine Whine

I've been a Imus-show watcher for five months, and mostly just the political issue interviews and commentary. Bernard ticked me off the first time I saw him "impersonate" Mayor Nagin. This incident, however, was like a door slamming in your face. Still, I don't think making them fire him is the best remedy and here is why: My mother always said attack the sin but save the soul. If Imus is seriously humbled and changes (as he said he would this morning), allowing him to keep his show could educate a new generation that this crap is never OK. Just a thought.

You can complain to the FCC about Don Imus. I filed a complaint online. I may be contacting the NAACP and other organizations to see if they will follow suit in filing a FCC complaint - maybe if they get enough fines they will pull the show. Here's the link to the FCC: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html The company that owns wfan is http://www.infinitybroadcasting.com

Pass it along. Let's get this show off the air!!!

Roland,

Thank you for telling the WVON audience about this incident. I don't listen to IMUS because I knew he was a racist, so what he said is not surprising.

Brother Rowland -
Thank you for a great show this morning and for keeping us aware. I had the opportunity to be on and I say shout this from the tops of every hill. I for one am behind NABJ's request for Imus to -- in the very least -- offer an "unequivocal apology." There is no reason for this, not in this day and age. Maybe Imus needs some sensitivity training in race and gender. We seem to keep fighting the same battles when these situations come up and that's why we can't sit and let this slide. I'm ready to sign a petition if you or the NABJ posts one.