Bishop Jakes blasts Imus; will other moral leaders follow?

I turned off the Today show and will not watch MSNBC or NBC until they fire Don Imus.

Everyone should stand against this ignorance which in some cases is pervasive in the institutions of America. Imus really wants to quit what he is doing and this is just a way to bring it about.

I would hope that this would also lead to the elimination of these same types of insulting comment so prevalent in todays so called music.

I think that Imus should be fired and all those directly connected with “softening” or spinning his comments should receive the same punishment. I also believe that as Black people we need to do more about our own “demons” and get rid of the rude and disrespectful “hip hop music” with the same determination as we rally together and boycott against Imus. Yes, he was wrong and deserve to be fired however, if we do not respect our sisters enough to take a stand and fight against all forms of negative slurs against women, then we, “black folk”, are continuing to add to the problem. Calling women out of their names is wrong, no matter the color of skin.

Roland,

I absolutely agree with the position that Imus must be removed from the airways permanently and that this incident should be the catalyst for all groups concerned about fairness in the media to take the media to task and to bring a halt to the double standard associated with how we are treated in the media. It appears that such derogatory statements are in line with accepted values of the controlling sources and their sponsors.

Although this was an incident that reflected general thought (in my opinion) on the part of the white media, it has seemingly sparked enough interest to bring Blacks together to fight for a common cause that reflects on our very images. This is a fight not only for the dignity of those beautiful Black young ladies of the Rutgers basketball team, it is a fight to put a stop to the negative images the media constantly puts out there on a daily basis regarding Blacks.

I applaud you brother Roland for your astuteness in recognizing the significance of this indignity and bringing it to the forefront and challenging so called feminist groups and others to stand up and be counted. Keep doing what you do so we can do what we need to do.

God bless you man.

George H. Eddings, Sr.

I think that an apology is due to the team and African American women as a whole. I don’t believe that Imus should lose his job – we have comedians, rappers, entertainers etc who refer to our women in this manner and worse everyday. We as a people have lost self respect for our selves in general. I think that the team should direct our actions because they are the ones that were directly affected by these words. We have many so called leaders blasting this but where do they stand for housing, jobs and education. I live in Chicago work daily and cannot afford a place to live in the city
and PUSH is not standing on this issue. Never mind what someone says or thinks about me what do I think of myself

Peace and deepest blessing,
I am in agreement with you one hundred percent. I believe economic pressure must be place on the sponsors, and the stations that carry his program. We know that these closet racists exists, but as they become more enboldened we must take a stand, assuming a position of strength that history shows, worked in the pass, namely the bus bocott of montgomery, hit them where it hurts, and where they place the greater emphasis, in the pocket. One lovwe and continue to do the good work forward ever. bro yakin

I thank Bishop T.D. Jakes for taking this stand and calling on the organizations and people who claim they stand on moral principles. They should be all outraged and should show by their actions that they are no respecter of persons. This can be a true test of where they really stand on family matters for everyone.

WHAT THEY SHOULD DO TO IMUS IS SANCTION A JUDGEMENT AGAINST HIM AND ORDER HIM TO GO TO RUTGERS AND SEND HIM TO THE GYM AND MAKE HIM PLAY BASKETBALL WITH THE WOMENS TEAM, NO RULES BARRED FOR 15 MINUTES, GET DOWN ON HIS KNEES AND SINCERELY AND IN GOODNESS ASK THEM TO FORGIVE HIM FOR CALLING THEM NAPPY HEAD HO

Imus should be fired and msnbc and their sponsers should be held accountable, but more importantly magazines such as Essence should do a feature on womens sports to show how beautiful and strong the Rutgers team is. I would also remind Imus If he was running up and down a basketball court for an hour he would not be looking to pretty his own self. Finally I’m reminded of a saying ” The best revenge is massive success” , I hope Rutger wins the NCAA then does a photo shoot in a fashion mag. later TK

WHAT THEY SHOULD DO TO IMUS IS SANCTION A JUDGEMENT AGAINST HIM AND ORDER HIM TO GO TO RUTGERS AND SEND HIM TO THE GYM AND MAKE HIM PLAY BASKETBALL WITH THE WOMENS TEAM, NO RULES BARRED FOR 15 MINUTES, GET DOWN ON HIS KNEES AND SINCERELY AND IN GOODNESS ASK THEM TO FORGIVE HIM FOR CALLING THEM NAPPY HEAD HO’S

merwyns@sbcglobal.net

Roland,

We need to quit relying on the public face so much. We really do, because all it does is reinforce certain stereotypes and certain standards of behavior to the point where expressing individual revulsion is a career risk. Now, I’m not saying that an outfit like the CWA has donors that would go to the mat for Don Imus, but certain folks are expected to uphold and argue certain viewpoints. And certain folks are expected to remain as they are portrayed in mass media.

It’s been this way since a certain senator by the name of McCarthy got too far into certain people’s social friendships.

Imus’ comment is absolutely unacceptable to any decent human being. As a white person, I cringe when comments of this type are used to disparage anyone. However, let us not ignore the orgin of the term “ho.” Bill Cosby is one of only a few black public figures willing to stand tall and call out the black rap thugs for promulgating this sort of trash talk. Further, the likes of Farrakan can spew forth their hate mongering with little of no challenge from the respectable black media or spokespeople.

A double standard breeds cynicism regardless of color or form it comes in. If white people were to call for the heads of every black person of national recognition who makes a disparging remark about white people, they would be branded racists of the worst ilk. Why then can Al and Jesse call for Imus’ head and be called heros?

I am no fan of Imus. In fact, I choose to avoid talk radio entirely due to the sensationalism that it seems to promote. All of this human detritus needs to be taken to task regardless of color.

Thank you.

A continuing fan.

what that man said was evil and mean spirted. what he said came from his make up, and because on what platform he said it on we have the right to have it stopped, but i am not the kind of person who are suprise when these kind of comments are made from old white folks.i know that the so called negro in america is the d.n.a decendents of the the children of israel and these things is only prophetcies coming to past(see deu. 28) and if this don’t happend then and only then will i be surprised.in closing amerikkka is NOT our home its only a place for correction temperarly. until YAHOSHUA (who the world incorrectly call jesus)comes back than our flite here is over.we shall not be too comfortable here in amerikkka the land of our captivity. SHALOM SHALOM

Young people of every race, creed and color should be encouraged to develop each and every one of their God-given gifts. Members of our society, working together, will help ensure the continuance of the values, hopes and dreams that will form the fabric of our collective future. Let no man (or woman) stoop to destroy, but bend to support and elevate the highest of ideals in those who hold our future in their hands. Imus, as well as each one of us, should be held to that task.

The fact that there is any debate at all as to whether or not Imus should be fired is a strong indictment of our society and our willingness to accept whatever. His punishment of being taken off the air for two weeks starting NEXT WEEK is an insult to all right thinking persons. Neither Imus or his bosses at NBC even have a clue. Without proper punishment of Imus, NBC’s right to have a broadcast license should be questioned.

What imus said is reprehensible, but indicative of our society as a whole. evil fair seeming,degrading
and hurtful eploitation of women, children and the poor.As we continue toward being on all fours again it
is imperative that we stop and revauluate what makes us human. It is notthe aquisition of every creature
comfort imaginable, but rather the concerned caring for people, other than yourself.So Mr Imus since
you have put your foot in it. i think the healing should begin immediately. first sensitivity training and
community service until the year 2010 and by then i do not think a remark like that will be so funny.

What is the difference between what Tim Hardaway said and what Imus said. If Tim Hardaway was fired for his remarks, Imus should be fired for his.

I feel although MSNBC and NBC suspended Imus for two weeks, they are just trying to do the “politically correct” thing. I’m pretty sure that he is still being paid although he is somewhat out of the spot light. It’s all about the mighty dollar; they are not going to get rid of Imus because he makes too much money for their stations. Not only that, this whole incident is only drawing a wider audience for him and the NBC stations. It’s unfortunate that we as African-Americans are not educating ourselves about our history and ancestors and what they’ve gone through. These hip-hop artists could care less about removing these derogative statements out of their music. They themselves are enslaved to their record labels and to that all mighty dollar. We can’t change the world, but our voices still need to be heard-not yelling in silence, hiding, and allowing these type of things to keep on occurring.

Imus should have been fired immediately. There are NO justifactions whatsoever for what he said. In a recent interview Imus stated that the pharses he used orginated in the Black community. So I guess in his mind that makes it ok?? And for those Black women who don’ think he should b fired, I have one question: If these highly accomplished Black women are “Hoes”, what does that make the rest of us?

To address Nisha first, the difference between Tim Hardaway and Don Imus is that Imus is a journalist and a reporter, who as the original blog says, interviews presidential candidates. We’ve had a history of excusing our professional athletes and giving them a slap on the wrist (and that’s another story for another time.)

Now, for Don Imus,

I just think its interesting that within 48 hours of Bill Maher making his comment that the terrorists that flew into the the WTC on 9/11 weren’t cowards, but rather that America was the coward by flying over various countries and dropping bombs on people, that he was without a job because the corporate sponsors pulled out from under him. So why are the corporate sponsors supporting this ut case?

Of course Imus’ comment was bad, but where do you think he got the word from? If we as a people had gone after the hip-hop thug culture that popularized the use of that word (and worse), Imus wouldn’t have felt he had license to use it. Are we sending the message that only African Americans can call Black women “ho’s and/or bitches”? How can we expect Whites to respect Black women when we ourselves don’t?
And why didn’t we go after Glenn Beck when he referred to two Black women he saw on a TV commercial as “prostitutes” until a caller informed him that they were Venus and Serena Williams?
Let this be the start of a cleansing of our language.

Until we know that Imus has been fired and has been publicly embarrassed like he publicly embarrassed those young women from Rutgers University, no one will really understand the pain of his actions. As a Black woman, I am appalled by the fact that we are still talking about this. It should not be that difficult a decision for intelligent people: FIRE HIM NOW and let him and everyone else know that he can not get away with this; with or without and apology. He is truly a disgusting human being.

Had this been any other racial group, Don Imus would be off the air so fast it would have made your head spin! When are we, as people of color, going to stand up and let the industry moguls know that they can’t say just anything about us as a race without some kind of retribution, i.e. hit them in the pocket book.Our voices would be heard if we hearkened back to the 60′s when a boycott meant something. I suspect all this will blow over in a week or so and it will be “busines as usual” for the networks and Imus. This is a sad day.

I agree with Jakes, Al, and Jesse. But where is the outrage of the NCAA women basketball, where is the FCC that fined Janet Jackson. This is a wakeup call to all Rappers that refer to ourselves as Niggas and whore , we must respect ourselve in the arts and every day living. I will not watch CBS,WNBC or NBC until he is fired. And if that never happens I will never watch.

You are correct it is not just a black thing. I frequent a news/message board where a lot of people in the tech field post messages called digg.com. The majority say it’s being overblown, blacks are too sensitive, what about the rappers, etc.

I said at
http://digg.com/political_opinion/White_men_have_to_respect_black_women_but_black_men_don_t

“If you think it isn’t racist then you can admit it was at least sexist. For anyone who is level headed and wants to know why Imus’ comment is so controversial … please ask a Black woman that you know how does those comments make her feel and why.

If you don’t know Black women any then fine. Lets strip the “nappy-headed” and “jiggaboo” comments. Ask any woman of any color how would they feel if they heard a radio host call a women sports team a bunch of ugly whores?

Don’t know a woman you feel comfortable asking? Ask a father of any color if his daughter was on a sports team and a radio host called the whole team a bunch of ugly whores.”

A lot of times people have a opinion that offensive remarks shouldn’t be take seriously. Well if those remarks aren’t directed at you, then you can’t judge that. That’s like me saying Native Americans should stop whining about Chief Illiniwek “mascot”at U of I but I’m not Native American.

Imus should be FIRED! Every group that calls themselves in existence for the promotion of, the benefit of or protection of black people and/or women should be jumping up and done calling for Don Imus’ firing, along with issuing every strong edit they can expouse against this horrible behavior. As a 50-something black woman, I detest Rap music belittling black women and I certainly don’t listen to it. BUT while I certainly don’t condone the use of these deplorable terms that Imus used (and which many black rappers use) against black women, I don’t buy the excuse that since our black people disrespect their own women by using these terms, it’s okay (or we’re sending a message that it’s okay) for other ethnic groups to disrespect and belittle black women with these heinous epithets. If a black person goes out and murders 50 black people, is a White people going to immitate that terrible act and say, “Well, the black person did to his/her own people so why can’t I do the same thing to black people?” While we may have a long ways to go in teaching young black men that they have “Mothers” who brought them into this world and that they should not disrespect ANY woman, especially not a black woman, until we get that through these young people’s heads, it does not mean that it’s open season on black women to endure the disrespect of anyone else who chooses to slur us. A black man could not come onto a syndicated national talk TV show and call White women “ho’s or anything else derrogatory” and just expect to apologize publicly with a two-week suspension from his job. Whites would be calling for that person’s “head” and a black man doing something like that would likely be exposed to death threats. So, why is it so farfetched to expect Imus to be fired? Losing his job is lightweight discipline compared to what would happen to a black man on national TV spewing out the same kind of disrespect toward White women. Black people have spent their lives having White people abuse, kick, degrade and belittle them, only to simply say “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t mean it that way”, and then go on with their careers and lives. Yes, Imus meant what he said, and contrary to his “sympathy crew”, he is NOT A GOOD PERSON. The kind of comment he made came from a deep-seated hatred and feeling of superiority over black women.

I was sorta non-chalant on this until this morning.
I figured it would just be another rah rah against some stupidity and it would blow over.
Then I tuned into The View on ABC.
The young girl, Elizabeth, was calling for the firing of Don Imus.
She stood alone. Rosie said America is a country based on free speech and we can’t demand someone be fired for voicing their opinion. The audience applauded.
I was shocked!
Elizabeth fired back, “with free speech come responsibility”
Rosie said if we go down this road we will be like Nazi Germany.
The audience applauded again.
They asked if Rev. Al Sharpton spoke against rappers who used the same language.
None of them were aware of his crusade against degrading rap.
The audience seemed to be sick of black people standing up for themselves and expressing their right to free speech.
I was shocked, amazed, appalled, angry……

We must stand up and speak up against this kind of craziness.
This kind of mindset has been tolerated and excused long enough.
Mr. Imus needs to do more than apologize. He needs to bring the fruits of repentance.
His acts of sorrow need to speak louder than his words.

Hi Roland,

Bishop Jakes comments are self-serving, made to put him in the news so he can sell more books and other products. Where has Bishop Jakes been for the past 10 years when it comes to hip-hop lyrics, music and video produced and promoted by very visible and rich black celebrities that are on TV almost every day? These lyrics are unbelievable. They denigrate black women 100 times more than what Imus said. In fact, what Imus said was a duplication of what rappers started calling black women 10 years ago. The word “ho” is what they call black women in general. Whether they mean it literally or not, I don’t know. But Imus mistakenly thought it was okay to say it, trying to be cool like his black brothers. Bishop Jakes is just jumping on the PR bandwagon, taking a pot shot at a white guy while all the rappers, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson get a free pass. (Remember what they said in the past about white people?) Maybe Bishop Jakes should re-read and try to understand what Jesus said about casting the first stone.

Thanks brother…keep up the good work for the Lord.

David

What did Bishop have to say about Rkelly when he pissed on one of our minor black sista’s?….Hypocrite…..being that Rkelly & probaly gets a VIP SEAT LIKE MOST ENTERTAINERS…I suspect not a dam thing.

Just as we know right from wrong as Blacks, so does America. We have had Presidents apoligize for the bad and wrongful treatment of blacks in the last ten years, now! lets see if it was real or just more jargon to humor us. Imus know what he said and so does America! why should he be sorry for stating how he feels, after all he still has a constitutional right to be ignorant as he needs to be.

White America for once in America, lets not talk this time to confuse the issue. Instead, lets show all
“Americans” what is real by simply doing the right thing. A wise man once told me ” son! do right because it is right to do right, not because someone is watching you. ” That wise man was my father. Hope America is paying attention to this one and not sweep it under the carpet. We get fired everyday for way less than Imus dumb statement. How can we ever forget where we are?????

I DISAGREE WITH REMARKS MADE BY CALLERS STATING THAT HIP-HOP HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH DON IMUS COMMENTS. MANY HIP-HOP ARTISTS HAVE MADE MILLIONS BY CALLING WOMEN, BLACK WOMEN, NAPPY HEAD-HO’S, BALDHEADED HO’S, BIG BOOTY HO’S, TRICKS, TRAMPS, AND/OR BITCHES.

AS A BLACK WOMAN I CAN SAY WITH FACT THAT I HAVE BEEN CALLED MORE NAPPY HEADED HO’S, BITCHES, AND NIGGA’S BY BLACK MEN AND BLACK WOMEN THAN I HAVE BY ANY OTHER RACE/MINORITY/MAJORITY.

THE HIP-HOP WORLD IS DOMINATED BY BLACK MEN WHO HAVE LITTLE TO NO RESPECT FOR BLACK WOMEN…THAT IS WHAT WE MUST ADDRESS.

YES!!! DON IMUS WAS WRONG FOR WHAT HE SAID ABOUT THE RUCKERS WOMEN BASKETBALL TEAM, BUT WHAT ABOUT US…THE BLACK COMMUNITY…ARE WE WRONG ALSO WE CALL EACH OTHER NAPPY HEAD HO’S, NIGGA’S…ETC…BLACK MEN AND WOMEN NEED TO STEP UP FOR WE ARE THE ONES WHO SET THE STANDARD FOR HOW BLACK MEN AND WOMEN ARE TREATED, SPOKEN TO AND SPOKEN ABOUT.

DON IMUS AND OTHERS LIKE HIM CAN BE FIRED EVERYDAY BUT WE MUST ALSO ADDRESS HOW BLACK MEN AND BLACK WOMEN SPEAK TO EACH OTHER. HEY…LET’S GET LUDACRIS, NELLY, CRIME MOB, LIL JON, PUFFY DADDY, TOO SHORT FIRED, LIL KIM, AND REMY MA FIRED IF THAT’S THE CASE…BLACK CHILDREN, WOMEN AND MEN ARE MORE FAMILIAR WITH THE ABOVE LIST OF CELEB’S THAN DON IMUS.

STOP DEFLECTING…ASK CALLERS (BLACK MALES AND FEMALES) CALLING IN ABOUT DON IMUS IF THEY HAVE EVER CALLED SOMEONE OF THEIR RACE NAPPYHEADED HO’S…OOPS…I FORGOT IT’S DIFFERENT WHEN WE DO IT TO EACH OTHER…YOU ALL ARE FULL OF BS…

I DON’T WANT ANYONE CALLING ANYTHING BUT MY NAME BE IT WHITE, BLACK, BROWN, PINK, OR GREEN…THAT IS WHAT YOU SHOULD BE TELLING CALLERS…

I am so glad to see that Bishop TD Jakes has spoken out. I also must say that I’m glad that Imus said what he said. I have felt that we have been asleep for a long time and it took something so outrageously hateful to be broadcast for people to be jolted awake from their slumber. This has not appeared “out of no where”, it’s been here all along, and we can’t just let it slip back under the radar.

I was pleasantly shocked when Bishop Jakes released his statement. I am so thankful that Bishop Jakes took a position on this matter. I hope he continues using his platform to speak out against social issues such as this.

In response to “A continuing fan”

Bro AL and Jesse have spoken against rappers on numerous occassions and continue to do so when people claim a double standard. They have requested boycotts of the industry and companie, as well as, artist. Many in the black community do not support the negative and immoral value system a good “portion” of rap music promotes. The companies who make the bulk of the money off of that music market those artist more than artist who have non-offensive if not message oriented hip-hop. In addition, monies made in the rap industry come from the white community as well. Do those kids parents tell them as I tell mine how disrespectful the songs are? I doubt it because I take it a step further (as well as others in my community) don’t allow my children to listen to it or buy it. Saying that I am aware of that all parents don’t have such rules so I make them aware that they respect themselves and educate them on things that are disrespectful and I attempt to make myself aware of what is popular.

Ditto to everything David Cawthorn said.

Hi Roland,

I am so glad to have a chance to voice my opinion on this. As a black female, No One should should have the right to degrade black females whether they are a drunk talk show host or a Rapper. I feel these big -time preachers ought to come down on all those who do so and not act as if Imus is the originator of such comments. If we, the people of God start standing up against this foolishness from our own race, then maybe other races would take note that we demand respect from everyone regardless of color. To Bishop Jakes, Rev. Jackson, and Rev. Sharpton I say what are you doing about the Rappers who display the same disrespect for Women of Color? Where are your record Label boycotts and Radio Discussions? Yes, Imus was wrong, but so are many of our black Brothers and Sisters who do the same thing every day. If you are going to take a stand, make it against all who violate the word of God and not just an opportunity to jump in the Lime light!!!

@David Cawthorn

I’m not sure where you are from but I heard the word ‘Ho from ordinary people in my black community before I heard it on a record. I’ve been listening to hip-hop since the early 80s. Don’t blame rappers for Imus terrible comments. Also ‘Ho is short for whore. And that’s been around since probably the beginning of the English language. Imus knew what he was saying.

Are you also going to blame rappers for calling them “Jigaboos” and saying they look like the Toronto Raptors?

Dont get me wrong rappers need to be held accountable but Imus gotta take the heat for his own actions.

P.S. Rappers been saying ‘Ho long before 1997

can you get a list of the sponsors on the station(s). This is who we write our protests. these are the people who care especially if they sell products that black consumers buy.

Imus’ statements are a recent blaring example of white male privilege. Our children can be arrested for speaking in public in such a manner. We can lose our jobs, police can brutalize us for ‘saying the wrong thing, but Imus is above the law and apparently mainstream people think it is OK to demean us and then say ‘I’m sorry.’ Yes this event exposes the reality of male white (cash) privilege.

Don Imus’s comments were reprehensible, contrary to his statement of a joke, he felt safe, comfortable and right (as a while male) in uttering those racist statements. He not only should be fired, but the sponsors of his program as well as NBC should be boycotted. I mean seriously boycotted, till it hurts (them). Black people, are we up for that challenge?

(Why do some of us continue to allow our opressor to make us turn on ourselves before we hold him accountable for his actions? just asking, because what Imus said has nothing to do with rappers.)

Ed Liverpool made some very good points – a double standard does exist – otherwise how do people like Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence , the Waynans Brothers etc., get away with some of the things they say and depict on their shows and movies. One can say that it is not the same because those individuals are comedians that are obviously employing caricuture for laughs – but still, people could be hurt is my point. I understand where you are coming from Ed.

Simply puy, he should be fired.

Simply put, he should be fired.

Excellent. I am happy to read that Jakes took a stand. It is now time for all the other religious leaders in this country to take a stand. It is time to take back our culture and to regain the love and respect that was traditionally found in the black household. The next task after the strong stand against Imus is to get the rap industry to stop stripping the black culture for financial gain.

It is time to let this go. Imus should go to Rutgers, meet with the ladies he disparaged, apologize and allow them to explain to him why his statement was offensive. Imus should not have went on Sharpton’s show. Sharpton is an opportunist and a publicity hound who latches on to controversy to further himself, and he has zero credibility. Imus should not be fired; let him serve his 2 week suspension and let’s move on. Far worse is happening in black areas across this country with black on black crime at epidemic levels, yet blacks will turn out in full force because a ‘shock jock’ offended someone. If black folk put half as much effort into battling ignorance in our own communities by demanding accountability and respect within our own quarter, as we would with some of us trying to marshall a tidal wave against Don Imus, we would be way better off than we are now. We have a right to protest ignorance, as much as Imus has a right to speak in ignorance…but if we keep along this path, with extinguishing Don Imus because of wrong headed speech, then one day, someone black folk like to hear will be eliminated because a statement caused controversy. And then..where does it stop?

I applaud you and all others that are speaking out against the remarks made by Imus. It is time we stand up. Imus is making comments like this because he feels secure, when you consider Trent Lott is again a major voice in the Senate and Cheny rides around the world in the Spirit of Strom Thurmond. It is action time, and like others, I will not watch MSNBC or other channels that support such behavior. I am not a leader but I will follow you and the other leaders. Also, I was so proud of the Rutgers coach and the players that addressed the news media today.

If sports media would do a better job of covering female athletes, Imus and the general public would have known more about these young women. During the NCAA tournament, sports media covers every angle of the men’s game and players. Outside of Parker and Harding, the features on women were weak at best. I learned more about the Rutgers team today than in three weeks of post-season play. The sexism and racism starts in sports department newsrooms. I worked in one for nine years and saw it first hand. Men in sports media are the gatekeepers of news and information about female athletes.

I am very, very saddened that Imus thinks in 2007 that it’s still OK to call black women whores. I am deeply anguished that our society accepts this and feels the same way. We live in a SICK society, and I don’t see it changing anytime soon, at least, not in my lifetime. Of course, Imus should be fired, but he won’t be. He won’t be fired because not enough black people will speak out, and he won’t be fired because his comments were directed at black women, and those in power to make him accountable couldn’t care less about black women. They also feel we’re whores or they wouldn’t have let Imus stay on the air for so many years making degrading racial slurs. These people and his fan base enjoy hearing Imus speak so hatefully about blacks – they love him because he has the nerve to say what they feel. These Willie Lynch clones will continue to use public airwaves to humiliate and degrade blacks and spew hatred, because that is their sole mission in life. If they had their way, all black people would still be in the cotton fields, or swinging from a tree, or being raped in their beds. Imus is the worst kind of racist, because he’s reaching millions, has the support of millions, and knows for sure that no matter what Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson say to him or the media or his employer, HE will prevail to laugh at us and find new ways to express his hatred on a daily basis.

Bishop Jakes comments about Don Imus was right on point but the truth of the matter is Imus earns the communications moguls money that the is why he still have a job. But the larger issue that has not been addressed is the lack of respect rap artist have shown for black women in their music. That cancer, has given Imus the since of liberty to make to dispicable comments he made. the net result is this is a good time for right thinking person to take a moral stance.

In the end it will all be taken care of, Do you rememder when Grandmom told you, you won’t know the summer from the winter except for the buding of the trees. Well that time has come so hold on,you will not have to wait to long.And in the next life the tables will turn, lets hope we can do a better job. By it comeing out of his mouth,now you know what he really feels. If he had not said it you would never have know. And I would want to know, how he feels I need to know the summer from the winter.

Roland, my brother, thanks for posting this. I’m encouraging one of my largest clients to show support for the team at Rutgers in as well. This is an outrage. And to anyone who says that the call for Imus’ job is out of order because of teh way SOME rappers and others use these derogatory words, think of this: There are plenty of African-Americans who deplore that verbiage from these particular rappers and anyone else, and they are working hard to clean it up. If we don’t like to hear it from our own, why should we be give someone else a pass? As well, if I call my sibling a name–it’s still wrong; but I have every right to defend her if someone else attacks her with the same rhetoric, and you better believe that I will. Although this isn’t a first for Imus, I stand with NABJ in saying ENOUGH.

I sent an earlier message, but as I watched you on Anderson Cooper’s show tonight, I felt compelled to write again. Keep up the pressure. Please don’t let this die. Our children and grandchildren deserve better and you are certainly trying to make a difference. I am so glad Whoopi Goldberg is also speaking out.

Roland,

I believe that our ignorance as African-Americans about the power of the words and negative images that our culture embraces, internalizes, and carries as a badge of honor is the root of this situation. Why is it cool to use the n-word, b-word, h-word? Why is it cool for sisters to call themselves or each other b’s or h’s? Why is it cool for brothers to call themselves or each other b’s or h’s? Just listen to high school students. If they think it is cool, then why shouldn’t other races and cultures? After all we are the trendsetters when it comes to music, clothing, language, and pop culture. If we allow our children and youth to continue this trend of morale decay and self-degradation without correction, then why should we expect others to respect us as a people.
We should not only call, write, email MSNBC to take action against Imus, but the same actions or greater should be voiced against the rap music, video, and tv industries that are selling the dignity and self-respect of African-American people for the greed of green billions. If there is not a national or world outcry by people of color, we tell the world that our self-esteem is so low or non-extistent and the world can call us whatever the dollar deems will sell to the public.
We must redeem our race, self-respect, and our youth. We must let the world know that our dignity cannot be bought for a dollar.
I found the “Jet Magazine”, April 9, 2007, (54-59) issue so appropriate for this situation. IS HIP-HOP DEAD?Rapper NAS Tells Why ‘The Whole Industry Needs To Be Destroyed’. “No one who knows rap and loves it has the power to help,” he told Jet. “We don’t have direct control at radio or the video channels. Those people who are in charge have always destroyed music, which right now is good. It’s good they are messing it up so bad. The whole industry needs to be destroyed. Shut down. Labels and everything. It needs to start over from the ground up!”
Commercial Rap is destroying HIP-HOP and it is destroying us as people of color. Those is power steal our culture from us , sell it back to us, destroy our culture and destroy our youth.

……….and Black men should stop calling Black women the same names as IMUS. IMUS is wrong and rap artist and musicians who use the same language should all cease and desist!

Don Imus is a sharp tongued, crusty, grumpy observer of life in the fast, middle, and slow lanes of politics, athletics, show business, journalism, etc. If you ever listened to the show for an extended period of time, you’d realize his No. 1 target is … himself. Everyone is fair game. When you listen to his show, be prepared to laugh at others — and yourself. If you can’t handle it, please don’t listen.

Over and over again I keep hearing “Well, the hip-hop artists are playing a ‘character’ in their performances.” A character. OK. Well, if Imus can’t hide behind that sorry excuse, neither can the gangsta rappas and their nasty, filthy products that ALL kids are listening to.

I believe that Imus’ comments have been blown wayyyy out of proportion. I mean, where have you BEEN for the past 30 years? He’s been on the air EVERY DAY with this style of show. Where were you when he was calling the New York Knicks “car-jackers in shorts” 15 years ago? Were you asleep at the wheel? Likely story.

I am, however, proud about how Rutgers University stepped up and helped turned this into a true college-level classroom experience. Because there is a lesson here. You can say whatever you want in this country. But there are consequences. This, I believe, applies to everyone.

The only reason contemporary mainstream America knows anything about the terms “ho” and “nappy” and “jigaboo” is courtesy of Black America. Don’t slam the whites for having the audacity to pay to watch and interpret Spike Lee films and countless other artists. Nobody — NOBODY — would have known today that the term had roots on the plantation if it were not for the careless and harmful use of these types of the terms within Black “culture.” You don’t want to hear the N word? Quit saying the N word. Set an example instead of wallowing in victimization. Take some responsibility. Clean your own house first. Help us help you.

Black America suffers from a hopeless lack of leadership. And if this isn’t true, it’s a well-kept secret. Because the Revs. Jackson and Sharpton have little credibility when it counts — Election Day. And that is the ONLY time the African-American community will ever have a true chance to make a difference. Too much time has been wasted. Dr. King’s legacy has been wasted. For God’s sake, get it together. Disdain the mainstream and you’ll continue to be left out of it.

Because this will blow over. Imus will be back on the air, whether it be on WFAN, MSNBC, or satellite radio. Whatever White listeners you have today will stop listening to your show. Life will go on. And what will we all be left with then? I’m guessing nothing.

I feel that Imus’ comment was totally unacceptable. He should be suspended for a period of time. I would not like to see him lose his job. However, he needs to be sent a message that this kind of language will not be tolerated.

Has anyone considered that rappers couldn’t make their videos…there would be no porn…men’s magazines…strip clubs…no Hooters, etc., if women refused to degrade themselves???? Everyone is quick to blame the rappers and the white industry moguls who pedal this garbage – and rightfully so – but no one wants to talk about how women objectify themselves as well as allow themselves to be objectified by these men. When will women stand up for themselves and say NO MORE!?

Thank you Bishop Jakes and Roland for taking a stand.

I agree Imus should be fired. I believe he is a Serial Apologist meaning he apopogizes for the sake of apology – not because it is heart felt or that there is any conviction involved. After reading about previous remarks against others made by Imus with no reprisals, he now believes he is above Media Law – and apparently the Networks agree.
A truly dark day for the media. I believe the Buck should stop here, lets send a message.

Roland,

It’s easy to see what this issue has done to our community. I think that everyone is right with their reaction to what was said. As I think about what has taken place in this country over the last forty years, I must say that, “The black man has allowed this to happen to our women”. We have taken the laid back silent approach for too long. It is time we stand up and protect our black women. We should have put a stop to this when the rappers degraded our women; now white men feel they have the green light to say what they want to about our women. Black men where are you? Wake up and take control, become great leaders of the community, Take Your Rightful Position, protect our women. Boycott and do whatever you can to stop this everywhere.

Grace and Peace,

Mighty Frank

IN RESPONSE TO F WILSON

Bro AL and Jesse have spoken against rappers on numerous occassions and continue to do so when people claim a double standard. They have requested boycotts of the industry and companie, as well as, artist. Many in the black community do not support the negative and immoral value system a good “portion” of rap music promotes.

“BOYCOTTS” ARE YOU SERIOUS…BRO AL AND JESSE ARE BUDDIES WITH MANY OF THE SAME RAPPERS THAT DISRESPECT AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN DAILY…ATTENDING BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND/OR OTHER SOCIAL EVENTS…LOL BRO AL IS THE SAME PERSON TELLING THE GIRLS OF RUTGERS NOT TO MEET WITH IMUS BUT BRO DAMON DASH CAN CALL US HO’S AND BRO AL IS STILL BUDDY BUDDY WITH HIM…LOL…GIVE ME A BREAK

T.D. Jakes said it all!! It is unfortunate that in 2007, we are still exposed to these types of racist, sexist and degrading remarks. Imus and his general manager must not have any respect for their mothers, sisters, aunts or any woman in the world for that matter, because it is unlikely that a “good person” would speak so negatively of others.

I would also like to address the Black men who make the same remarks about Black women, in song, in the spoken word or just in passing conversation. You are setting the tone for others to follow, so Imus just repeated your words. We have not yet arrived, so we must give respect in order to get respect. Young women and young men, you must respect yourselves, so that you will not fall into the trap of believing that you need someone else to validate you.

You are our future leaders and it is time for a change!! Pull up those pants, secure them with a belt and take your rightful place, with Barrack Obama leading the charge.

When are we as (BLACK PEOPLE) are going to UNITE for Justice ,Peace . Most of all… RESPECT from each other and others and THE WORLD……………………….

Mr. Martin, I truly agree with you in regards to holding a higher standard. In some respect, what Imus said would be regarded as harassment in the workplace, and he would’ve been escorted out the front doors in an average American corporation. Since Imus works in an televised arena, he didn’t merely insult a couple of co-workers; he insulted millions of American women! Therefore, he should be removed from his job. Except, it’s not only about his removal, but also about the responsibility of advertisers and consumers. Advertisers MUST represent a standard that states they WILL NOT sponsor such degrading language against any race or sex. As for us consumers, our all mighty dollar can speak louder to those advertisers that continue to support shows as such. When sales drop, so does the sponsorship to their affiliates. Simple as that.

Last, there needs to be a much higher standard among our own Black community. We CAN NOT continue down playing a song or a comedian that refer to us as niggas, bitches and hos.

I wonder what kind of music is playing on the Ipod of the Rutgers Women’s basketball team ?

Rap that calls them out of their name ? But that is ok.

Come on now, you know you would not step to any of those chicks on Rutgers team, except for maybe “Heidi”, that cute little white one….

How about conforming to our world today . and live it and stop crying and pretending your slaves still.. oh my.. freaking Grow up.. If you whine about Don Imus and what he says. then shame on you for ever watching or laughing at any other comedian which is what Don Imus is. or pretending to be hurt by a comment your little brother or friend has probaby said to you personally already. You only show who the real racists are.. Keep following people like Sharpton and Jesse jackson and it will allow you to never move on and get away from how oppresed you once were as a race… I hope none of you ever watch mad tv or listin to ludacris.. you would be shocked and so demoralized then.. Bleh

I am the father of a beautiful six year old daughter. This recent tirade of Don Imus has actually encouraged me to tell my daughter daily “I love her and am so proud of her” more than I previously did. Every father, husband, brother, and male concerned about women should also be encouraged to lift up our sisters. Recently, TVOne aired Roots in celebration of the 30th anniversary, the language of the day referred to men as “niggahs” and women as “niggah-bitches”, amazing here we are 250 years removed from the era depicted in Roots and even still women are being referred to as “nappy headed ho’s”. A clarion call must go out to encourage every brother to speak a positive word into the life of women and let them know they are appreciated. Every brother must remind our sisters of the words spoken to Kunta Kinte by Fiddler “they may call you Toby, but you will always be Kunta.” Sisters, they may call you “ho”, but know that you are a queen.

Should Imus be fired? Yes! There are several factors to consider:

1) Corporate America is about money period. Imus generates money. Eventually, it will come down to, money over values and standards. Where does 80% of the funds come from to keep non-profit companies going like the one you alluded to?
2) Politics is about power and money, Senator John McCain’s (Presidential candidate) stated he will appear on Imus, McCain said; Imus apologized so I will forgive him. I also forgive Imus, but he is fully accountable and responsible for his actions.
3) Our Hip-Hop-Black Culture through audio, video, print and digital communications promote these types of statements, the level of influence is so great, white teens and young adults utilize it, both blacks and whites state it is just being current.

I agree with Rev. Jakes’ statement and quote from the bible Matthew 15:11 NIV. What we say, we think about and what we think about we say and it becomes our reality.

Imus must get the axe, and so must the rap artists and other entertainers who have, for years, denigrated black, African in America women.

You know what bothers me about this is the quick response and outrage by the black communities and black leaders. As Iyanla said today on a show, she pulled up the lyrics to some rap songs and they were more degrading and offensive than what Imus said. How many of us watch BET and listen to these songs? How many of us allow our kids to sing these songs and watch the shows and buy these albums? where is the outrage then?

These rappers are profiting from degrading our black women and we sing and dance to the songs but the minute a white man uses the same language we as hypocrites get all self righteous. I am not saying he should have said what he did but we teach people how to treat us.

We have accepted this and the N word from our own for so long we have no credibility on this issue. Just my opinion. If we go back to the same old stuff after this “outrage”no wander we are the race that gets stepped on. Where is the protest at the record labels headquarters or the rappers/comedians mansions. We as a people need to have one standard and not demand something else from others we are not demanding of ourselves.

A lady was on the radio and said she went to Africa and was called a bitch by the person she was talking to. After talking to the person she learned that the person thought it was ok because they hear it in our music and from our comedians and listen to how we talk to each other. We need to stop being hypocrites and get it together. Imus cant degrade something already degraded!!!!
I really hope we use this as way to have a bigger dialogue about this issue. This is not about Imus and the statements he made. I really hope we get it

Its about time,we address the issue of disrespect shone to black women and women of all races by, shock jocks, and especially the vial so call rap animals who say its all about the BLING. THEY TO SHOULD BE REMOVED from the air-ways,they are parasites who must be delt with. HARSHLY & SWIFTLY . WE MUST DEMAND IT…..

I take my hat off to Bishop Jakes, we need to address the issue of black women and women of all races. I have forbbiden my 20 year
old grandson from listening to gangster rap and watching BET in my home. I made him sit and listen to all the excuses that white people used to justify Imus’s comment, the rappers say it, Christ Rock say it, we didn’t start it your own kind started it. I told him that Bet is a pornographic station and the only way to get rid of these kind of cancers is to not watch them. We need to put a stop to these rappers dispespecting our black women and women need to have more respect for themselves. Put on some clothes stop walking around with all your body parts out and calling youselves the b and h word.

First of all I think Bishop Jakes should be more involved in social issues. In the beginning rappers were speaking of a certain type of women or man, one that will use their body to get what they want or need and, a women or man that always had a bad attidude until they want or need something from you. Somewhere along the way these labels were misunderstood to only mean all black women. However it still does not give anyone the right to assume and label you as such until they have first hand knowledge. What Imus said was very wrong it is about time they fired him. He has been making comments like that for years. I was really suprised and happy that something was actually done. I applaud the forces that lead to his dismisal. When anyone including whites are totally wrong they get defensive and try to justify their action by using examples of others doing the same or similar things. Which is why rappers and other examples are mentioned by the media with regard to this issue.

What Imus said was an example of the racist culture that minorities allow to exist here in america. This is the same culture that we blacks have allowed to exist in which white police officers shoot unarmed black men, women and children and say the infamous line ” i thought he had a gun”. how come white men, women and children are never shot under the same circumstances? We as a people should demand that BET and TV1 show positive mental imagery of blacks during the hours of the day also show positive messages and thought provoking programming to train our people young and old to complete in society and the world and win. Yet all we hear is the negative and see worthless rap videos the result, this is what we gravitate too for lack of direction.

We as a people helped get Imus fired. We need to use the same energy and momentum to change the racist culture we all live in across america and the world will follow. America’s greatest fear and weapon is an educated black person. Thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts.

I couldn’t understand some parts of this article Bishop Jakes blasts Imus; will other moral leaders follow?, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.