Dear Friends:
I thought I’d take a small break from the usual matters of christian Apologetics and put a post up that has to do with the recent happenings surrounding the Don Imus tragedy. Unless you’re on Mars somewhere, you have heard about the stupid remarks and the subsequent firing of Shock-jock, Mr. Imus.
First, I think that the vast majority of Americans agree that his remarks were hurtful, degrading, and very unfortunate. The mere fact that he attacked young women of color who are private citizens, scholar-athletes , and intelligent and classy, speaks volumes to the mindset of Mr. Imus as it relates to how he views people of color. Of course, there was the immediate outcry by so-called Black leaders such as the Reverends Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. Both of these men are amazingly adapt at using the media for their own selfish purposes.
However, it should be pointed out that they don’t speak for the vast majority of Black People in America. We have come to know their rhetoric and hypocrisy all too well. Imagine for a moment that Al sharpton and Jesse Jackson as the “moral compass” for America in general and Black America in particular; wouldn’t we be in serious trouble? I think so. Now, to the point of whether Mr. Imus should have been fired, I realize that there are strong convictions on all sides of the spectrum. I have my own thoughts concerning his ouster by his employers, and other thoughts of the entire matter. Therefore, let me take a few moments to highlight some of them:
1. The remarks are what they are and Mr. Imus must be brought into accountability. However, does that mean firing? I say NO! People make honest mistakes even when they’re trying to be funny! The political climate in America has gone crazy to say the least. Any time a person makes a mistake, rather than offering that person an opportunity to redeem himself, we prefer to assassinate and crucify them…just to make a political statement. what a pity!
2. I see obvious hypocrisy in the firing of this man. If MSNBC and CBS felt that it was appropriate to terminate their relationship with Mr. Imus, then why didn’t they do it on principle alone? They waited a week after the remarks to see what the climate was going to be, and it was apparent that there was mounting political pressure to fire him, they decided to do it on that basis alone. However, what is really interesting is when they were asked why they decided to fire Imus, the CEO’s of the respective networks says it was because of “previous remarks” he had made over the years. I say baloney! Why did it take over 30 years with CBS to decide that his remarks were inappropriate?
3. Black America was NOT shocked by Imus remarks! Most of us, including those young women on Rutgers Basketball Team have been called worst by our own people. I don’t believe that there is a young Black woman in America between the ages of 16-30 who has not been called a “Ho” by a boyfriend, or some male acquaintance.
4. Where is the outcry by Black America against the thugs of the Hip-Hop music industry, who denigrate, devastate, and disrespect OUR women daily? Why did we make these thugs multi-millionaires by buying their Satanic poison and then have the audacity to call them “Artists?” There is nothing in their music that constitutes Art; they are tools and instruments for Satan’s destructive and demonic purposes. When will Rev. Al and Rev. Jesse stand up and boycott and protest against the perpetrators of filth that promotes this kind of deviant behavior?
5. The simple truth about these remarks is a White man spoke them! I am certain had a Black man spoked those words, we would not be hearing all of this fuss, and there certainly would not have been a demand for firing by prominent Black leaders.
In closing, I want to make it clear that as the Father of two young, beautiful daughters, I could never condone such insensitive and demeaning remarks, nor would I hold the person who spoke them guiltless. However, my Christian understanding is that even in the midst of inappropriate behavior like we have heard and witness, there still must be a sense of fairness, compassion, communication, and a desire to forgive, especially when a sincere apology have been given. While I understand that there are consequences to our sins, I also know that the Lord has not dealt with us according to our failures, but He has extended mercy and grace. Doesn’t Don Imus deserve the same consideration? That’s my take, what’s yours?
Don Imus’ comments were racist and he should have been fired. His comments were satanic and hateful.
Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton did what was necessary.
I do not agree with your comments.
I will repeat the comments you decided not to post on your thread. I don’t understand why you censor comments.
I respectively submit the following and ask you to post this. I REPEAT:
MY opinion differs as follows:
Don Imus and Bernard McGuirks’ comments were beyond “hurtful, degrading and very unfortunate.” They were satanic, sinister and hate driven. They were racist and they were directed at all Black people. The young ladies at Turgers just happened to be a convenient target.
As far as Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, they are part of our Black Leadership. And they do have some power and influence. You suggest they manipulate the media for their own purposes. However, there are ministers who get in the pulpit – express their own, personal opinions to pursuade their congreation. So aren’t they doing the same thing?
You state Jesse jackson and Al Sharpton don’t speak for the majority of Black people. Is there anyone who speaks for a whole race? No.
Black Americans are able to think for themselves. No human sets the moral standard. How can man who is immoral and imperfect, set a standard? He can’t. Standards have to be set by someone who is superior. And in gjod’s eyes, we are all equal on this earth, since God is no respecter of persons. So your statement about how much trouble we’d be in IF Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton set the stadnard is without basis. Just your personal dislike of those 2 men.
I am glad Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Al Roker, Oprah Winfry, Condoleeza Rice, etc spoke up. It was necessary for them to come forward. Had they not, then Black would have been ridiculed even more so.
Yes, satanic remarks had to be brought into accountability. And yes, he had to be fired ! Being fired was the accountability – the consequence. Respect had to be shown for Black America. Otherwise, (to be redundant), there would have been an assault of humiliation and disgrace on Black Americans. We are not the butt of racist jokes. the Lord Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead for us and for all who would come to Him. So who has the right to make us the object of hate jokes? Is there anyone above the Lord?
There is no hypocrisy in firing Don Imus. Bernard McGuirk should be terminated as well. so I say YES ! His mistake was not honest. His comments were intentional. He laughed as he said ‘nappy head ho’. That isnt’ a joke – it’s an attack ! CBS and NBC is not interested in Black America. They fired Don Imus because they have a corporate policy of no racism. And because of public outcry from Black Leaders, Don Imus was fired. CBS had to save their image, to re-gain their sponsors, to satisfy stockholders and to play hardball politics.
He cause himself to be fired ! He has been insulting people for years. You reap what you sow. That was his crop. That was his harvest. He planted seeds of hatred and evil and he got evil in the end. He got fired. He insulted people and had a certain pride about doing it. Satan lead him down this trail for years and being fired was the consequence – the last straw! Can’t you see how satan tricked him?
It took over 30 yars because noone protested. However, had someone stood up before now, he would have been fired earlier. The results would have been the same.
I am part of Black America and I WAS SHOCKED!!! How dare you assume that all Black women have been called nappy headed ho. I have never in my entire life been called that. NEVER ! How dare you try to justify Don Imus’ comments.
There is an outcry against hip-hop which is a choice. If one chooses to listen to hip-hop, then that’s their CHOICE. They choose to listen to filth. If a person wants to do drugs, then that’s their choice.
There is no comparison between Don Imus and Bernard McGuirk’s racist comments. It is not the same. NO IT’S NOT ! I think for myself and I don’t agree with your statements.
Even the beginning of your statement says the comments were ‘hurtful, degrading and very unfortunate’. Don’t downplay what has happened. THEY WERE RACIST !! And intentional.
You said ‘the simple truth about these remarks is that a White man spoke them’, WELL DUH !! hOW CAN A bLACK PERSON BE A RACIST AND PREJUDICE AGAINST HIMSELF? Even the Bible tells you, a house divided against itself cannot stand. Of course, people are upset because these evil comments came from a White man. THAT’S THE POINT !!! And had these comments been made by a Black man, he would have been fired as well. It’s verbal assault. It’s racist because Don Imus IS White.
There is no fairness and compassion with a racist. There was no fairness when Black people were hung, tried in court for crimes they did not commit. There was no fairness when Blacks are rejected on jobs, can’t get salary increases, have to contend with the KKK – how can you use the word fairness and compassion.
WHAT PLANET ARE YOU ON? Or have you evolved above your race? Have you ‘arrived’?
I don’t get it !
What do you say about “Gary in the Morning” show in Allentown, PA. who encouraged women to call in and announce that they were nappy headed hos’ Of course, he was fired the next day.
what do you say about the German military Instructor who told the soldiers to imagine Blacks getting out of a Black van and they just said something about your Mother — so shoot ! Kill! Scream profanities. LOUDER!
So now Blacks are target practice for the military.
I disagree with your comments. None of them have a basis.
Dear Human of Color:
Again, thanks for your response; it is appreciated. However, I think you’re very misguided on several key items:
1. I did not assume that “All” black women were called those “specific” words that Mr. Imus called the young ladies. What I said was that I believe that if the truth be told, most young black women between the ages of 16-30 have been called by some “Derogatory” name by young black men in the same age group, mainly because this age group is deeply involved with the hip hop movement, and unfortunately, many of the young men have that mindset that it is okay to denigrate our women! I can assure you that “mature” women for the most part will agree with my assessment of this point.
2. Yes, “fairness and compassion” should always be considered in situations like these. Our task is not to see how we can get even with someone who has offended or who has hurt us; we should do the right thing even if others disagree with our decision. In this case, I certainly believe that Mr. Imus deserved some form of discipline, censure, fine, suspension; but NOT Firing!
3. You are quick to talk about the racism of white folks toward black people. I am well aware of my people’s pain and agony, and I know that many of our precious people have suffered untold injustices! That being said, we must also note that our people have been guilty of shedding innocent blood as well!
Everyone agrees that “Two wrongs don’t make a right”. In 1991 when the Rodney King verdict came down, many “innocent” white people were attacked, pulled from their vehicles, beaten to the point of death, were hit in the head with Bricks, had their businesses burned to the ground, and in “OUR” insanity, we even destroyed our own community, disgraced OUR race, and physically attacked each other!
The white people who were attacked, were guilty of nothing but being white. However, to their credit, when the verdict came down in the O.J. Simpson trial (by the way most white people and black people believed he did it as I do) white folks didn’t go into their neighborhoods and destroy everything in sight. They didn’t loot, burn up peoples property. In my years on this earth, I have not had to worry about white folks doing me harm; however, I have many painful experiences that have come from the very people who look like me!
Yes, my young sister there are many black folks who will have to stand before God for the many,many, many senseless deaths, drive-by shootings, drug and alcohol abuse, disrespectful of our women, our elderly, our children, and one another.
My advice to you Human of Color, do not let bitterness skew your perspective on what is really happening in America!
Don Imus is a racist who was fired and rightfully so.
Today, I read that his Manager, Bernard McGuirk was fired because he laughed, agreed and made the same racist remarks.
Those 2 men being off the air is a great public service. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are to commended for their persistent work. All the Black leaders who insisted on these men being fired are to be congratulated.
Hateful, racist comments stir up trouble – hate crimes. Shock-jocks don’t need to be on radio nor TV.
At least, 2 of them are gone.
Signed,
Hyacinth
Hurricane State