Imus: From Non-Apology Apologies to Non-Excuse Excuses

Many have offered (and rightly so) that it is hypocritical for Sharpton, Jackson and the like to criticize white people for racially tinged utterances when an entire cultural mentality has arisen from rap music that glorifies violence, racial oppression, violence, etc.

But what I don't think the elder statesmen of the African American leadership understand is that by holding Imus or Michael Richards accountable while turning a blind eye to the culture of hip-hop and it's base mentality, it in fact makes this statement:
"It is wrong when white people say it, because they should be held to a higher standard. It is excusable for Blacks to say it because they are low and not much is expected from them anyway".
Does this not completley counter the efforts to make all equal? If I were African-American, I would be insulted that the leaders of the greater community are so short-sighted, and not putting more energy into steering Black culture to a 'higher moral' ground.

My belief is that it is because Al Sharpton and the like are nothing more than snake oil salesmen that know how to play the media for their own self interest. Shame on him.

I understand that pointing out rascism by a public figure is important, but do Sharpton and/or Jackson do anything positive for the black community? I never hear about either of them raising money for scholarships,etc.

I agree with Shawn...someone please explain why it's OK for Chris Rock, gangsta rappers, Dave Chappelle, or any other black artist to spew vile and degrading words onto black women and GET PAID MILLIONS FOR IT and receive AWARDS!!!

Paaaleez, people...Sharpton and Jackson have credibility on this issue as long as they let black artists get away with it.

This is no big deal. He apologized, let it go.

I wish someone would ask Sharpton if he has ever apologized for his involvement in the Twanna Brawley non-episode. I have been googling the subject and can find no apologies from him. He put innocent people through hell!

Shawn,

Why don't you focus less on Al Sharpton and more on the man who actually did something wrong here. The issue of self-degradation in the black community is entirely seperate from that of a man who has several times over his 40 year career insulted racial and sexual minorities in vicious ways to get a laugh.

I'm tired of people trying to get racists off the hook by pointing out problems in the black community. Sometimes people are wrong because of what they did, irregardless of what other people are doing.

I don't think Imus should lose his job here but I think MSNBC should fine him or at lest reprimand him in some way. He should be sanctioned so that the next time he decides to open his trap, he thinks about what is actually coming out.

And the issue of

There have been hundreds of pages of ink dedicated to this story and to the crucifixion of Don Imus for what were obviously ill-conceived, offensive, and inappropriate comments.

In none of these articles, however, have I seen one letter dedicated to mentioning the myriad good works that Mr. Imus has done over the course of his career. He has donated millions of dollars to pediatric cancer research, and his Imus Ranch in New Mexico offers an invaluable experience to young cancer patients and their families.

The greatest shame in this is not that the witch hunt for racists in the media has threatened to end Imus' 40-year career, but that the media and the public are so willing to overlook and ignore a philanthropic record that few individuals could match.

It seems that some perspective is in order, but sadly, non seems forthcoming in this debate.

I agree. The issue of the black community's unwillingness to challenge black musicians is entirely separate from Imus' racist screed. Sharpton's inconsistency does nothing to mitigate the absurd racism of Imus and his ilk. It is an attempt to shift the focus.

I love watching liberals eat liberals. I hope Imus loses his job. It's political correctness gone wild.

You can argue around it all you want, but the fact is Imus will keep his job because his target was women.

Shawn Dampier, blacks DO NOT call one another "nappy-headed hos". Sounds to me like you're okay with Imus' comment and if so, what does that say about YOU!!! That is a racist statement which African Americans DO NOT say to one another...what you hear in rap/hip-hop music is not along these same lines!

A Proud African American

Both arguments seem to have merit. I just wish it wasn't always Jackson and Sharpton (both hypocritical fools) who seem to be the figureheads of the uproar. They severely degrade the credibility of any protest.

What Imus said was wrong. He should be fined, he should apologize. Maybe even make a donation to a charity chosen by the women he insulted. I don't think he should be fired.

I would also be curious as to what the Rutger's basketball team has to say. We're so busy listening to everyone else, we haven't heard a word from them.

Hey Nina...so you don't think Dr Dre or other rappers insult sexual minorities?

And fine, Imus is wrong I agree with that 100% but can Sharpton say he should be fired from radio then put him on his own show, so he can inturn get ratings? Thats called being self-serving, so the above comments about Sharpton and co are valid to a lot of people out there.

Some things just aren't funny anymore.

What about Al Sharpton's restitution of the cost to NY for that bogus Twana Brawli incident he so whole heartedly supported...the citizens of NY did not get so much as an 'apology' from him....to be so judgemental of others, he, The Reverand Al should be beyond reproach.

People should keep three things in mind.

1. Context: He was comparing two groups of predominantly black young women--Rutgers and Tennessee. The comment started about the tattoos that were very apparent on the Rutgers Women and not on the Tennessee Women. Even my son commented on it during the game. He complemented the Tennessee women, and certainly criticized the Rutgers women. He may be anti-tattoo, but not a racist.

2. Perspective: Outrage over this comment may be justified. I do understand it. But compared to other outrages that exisit in our world? Please get a grip.

3. Hypocrisy: If you care about these women, and so many others, get them to understand that your college education will not get you the success you deserve in your career if you are covered with tattoos!

I think Imus' level of regret can be measured by the amount of income he will lose if fired. His statement showed a total disegard for the achievements of this group of intelligent, talented, hard working women and their coach. Those in the "rapper" community should not be excused either. These types of characterizations are an injustice toward women, whatever their source.

And as a follow up note, I think Imus wasn't even thinking when he said what he did - I think this type of language has been assimilated into the public consciousness of America. Who doesn't joke with the guy in the next cubicle about 'Bling' dis and 'Ho dat' and 'Beeeeyach fizzil my nizzil' and so on.
Even more reason to call attention to the moral imperative facing our Nation, to steer us to a place of more civility. (A stark contrast to the 'Richards Rant', which was more clearly an outburst of anger, frustration and bigotry.)

I agree with Shawn Dampier above.
I will further go on to say that as a citizen of this country we are given the protected right, through our Constitution, to say whatever we please. While I do not believe that Imus' comments were beneficial to society he has the right to say whatever dumb thing he choses. Imus is known for his controversial comments, views and opinions and we should all take his utterances for what they really are... the rantings of inconsiderate man.

What Al Sharpton perpetrated in the Tawana Brawley hoax is far worse than anything Imus has said in his career. How easily people forget that Sharpton and his two cohorts used an unbalanced young girl in order to boost their profiles at the expense of a man whose life they virtually ruined for no reason. And when Steven Pagones won a civil judgment, Sharpton neither made an apology nor paid out the judgment against him.

Imus is obviously no saint and it appears that his 30 year run of being able to say whatever he wants without repercussion is coming to an end. But I'm far more disturbed by the continued publicity Sharpton receives as a 'voice of the black community.' With a voice like that, I'd rather be struck mute.

The excuse, "but you started it..." or "you didn't say anything when they did it..." really doesn't have a lot of weight once you're over 10 years old.

As a long-time fan of Imus, I know that he pokes fun at EVERYONE. As a traditional Roman Catholic who loves his faith, I was once offended by Mr. McGuirk's portrayal of "Cardinal Egan." I soon realized, however, that everyone is open to ridicule and his humor. As tasteless and repulsive as his remarks, the man has done far too much good to be reviled in this manner. Should 30 seconds override 30 years of philanthropy?

im getting really sick of old black rich guys complaining everytime a white person says something they think is racist, i think its time for white people to start doing the same when black people call us "Crackers" chris rock, martin lawrence

seriously these black old farts just want to get there names in the news

they should be more concerned about there own people degrading women in rap music and promoting crime in the music and movies

How about the time Sharpton called a Jewish shopkeeper a "white interloper," and then continued to look on as associate of his suggested the man's shop should be burned down. When a black member of the crowd did so, killing several people and himself, Sharpton initially denied having been present. When confronted with a video tape showing his presence, he said: "What's wrong with denouncing white interlopers?".

This guy is a fraud. Sure Imus was wrong, I feel bad though that he is jumping through hoops of a man that has been controversial and racist himself. Imus is right, you can't win with these guys.

Yes I agree what Imus said was wrong. Jut not be swept under the rug. He did wrong, should own his mistake but to be fired No i disagree. To be fired for that one regettable remark is wrong. He has owned up to his mistake and is willing to take the heat but to be a whipping post NO. People need to step back and take a deep breath.