This is a bigger problem than we can blame on a washed up old guy in New York. The man said the wrong thing, made a fool of himself and dishonored his profession. He has apologized and is paying the price... and I don't think anyone is questioning those facts.
But if this Imus discussion does nothing more than shed light on the hypocritical nature of the industry of racism, he's done alright by me.
In racism today, the black community is its own worst enemy. They have built an industry on demeaning and degrading women and themselves... then mock outrage when others pile on. I'm glad to finally see members of the black community turn their high-powered microscopes on themselves and realize their own complicity in perpetuating the stereotype. If you ever want people to stop thinking you're lawless, female-demeaning thugs, you have to stop SAYING you are.
Fair is fair. When I see hip-hop artists apologize for the harm they’ve done… when I see companies like GM boycott the hip-hop industry as quickly as they boycotted Imus, I’ll believe that we’ve made progress. Until then, I put the words “racism” and “hypocrisy” on equal footing.
Imus was wrong. He’s an embarrassment to his profession. So are the “artists” who do daily damage to the black community in the same manner cancer kills its victims – from the inside out.
Now about Haley Scarnato being voted off Idol... eh, never mind.
15 comments:
Amen!
Er, sorry, still got some of that religious terminology floating around in my head from the Spiritual Mathematics post.
interesting blog!
One of my best friends is a very strong, very independent, ridiculously intelligent black female lawyer. I can't even begin to tell you what a tough time she has had finding black men worth dating. She runs into so many who try to pull off the gangsta rapper facade. It is kindof an insult to all that she's accomplished. Here she is, an amazing role model for anyone regardless of race or creed, and her male counterparts are the main ones who created the stereotypes that she had to overcome. I makes me so angry to see her struggle - she's such an amazing person.
(On a positive note, she is currently with a wonderful man who is a college professor working on his PhD, they do exist.)
I think the hip-hop community could use a repremand as well. I have a young female cousin who downloads tons of music laced with inuendo. She sings along to every word, totally unsuspecting. One day, if not already, she'll know what she is singing about. It is hypocracy if I've ever seen it.
Blake
I'm as liberal as anyone, but I couldn't agree more. Chris Rock and other comedians do the same thing too.
Racism is disgusting no matter what color you are.
Thank you for addressing this today, Dave. I couldn't because it's a topic rather close to my heart and I need to settle down a little before I say something (or, gasp! think something aloud) that threatens my wellbeing.
Excellent post.
I agree with Dave. However, I'm sick and tired of the "Political Correctness" crap. Why is it OK for this certain race to make fun of my race, but not vice versa? Yes, hypocracy at it's best.
I'm sorry, but the shot they showed on TV that he was commenting on... the girls did look like Nappy headed hoes! *shrug* Even the girls' of my race...that's what you look like when you play a heated sport, Nappy!
I'm so tired of being tolerant, I just can tolerate it anymore!
What ever happened to freedom of speech? If you don't like what someone is saying on the Radio or T.V., turn it off?
As Em would say... I'm just sayin'.
Well said, Dave. Though I, like many others, have mixed feelings about this. For one thing, as an air personality, I have used the word "Ho" on the air more than once. Meg Ryan used it in 1993's "Sleepless in Seattle" which airs on TBS about 30 times per year. Will they now edit it? does the political correctness of the world take all the humor out of our lives? If "Blazing Saddles" (1974) were released today, Mel Brooks would be publically hanged. On the other hand, if any average joe working at any other job in America called someone what Imus called these fine young atheletes, they would be fired on the spot. Then there's the other hypocrisy: People like Jesse Jackson getting all hysterical. The same Jesse Jackson who referred to New York City as "hymie-town." John 8:7 "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone..."
Definitely well said Dave!
I'm sick of the double standard, and you are right on so many counts.
I'm with you all of the way on this Dave. Through hip-hop, these themes have become normal and every day and mainstream?! "Bitches and hoes" are romantic pet names in some sectors. You romanticize it in any form, how do people draw the line?!
People, particularly under the age of 21, KNOW no different?! If Adam called me his "bitch" he would have calluses the size of my "nappy head" on his hands!! ~snicker~
I totally agree with you Dave!
industry of racism
INDEED!!!
That was my exact thought on this. Without making excuses, that 3 second remark was a clearly off the cuff piece of idiocy, whereas every misogynistic rap song you hear took weeks and months to produce and was signed off on (and profited from) by many. Where's the outrage against that?
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