Did Imus Get Off Easy at MSNBC?

46. Debra,
Great explanation of the womans perspective. I wonder about that whole dynamic of feelings of protection and being made to feel less than you are. I have often wondered why, from my experiences, women let men treat them the way they do. I think there is a cultural cycle that is involved here. Of course this is based on some sterotypes, but I have found them to be more often correct than not. A man of today seems to only have respect for his mother, grandmother, etc. When it comes to the way he treats his woman, well lets start with that. He usually refers to her as "his woman" indicating ownership. Often I would see acceptance, blind or otherwise, by these women that their men were going to cheat on them. I am not sure if this is based on their own feeling of self worth or the fact that it is more culturally accepted. This also brings up the overt sexuality that often seems required in order for a woman to "attract" a man. From their appearance to their mannerism, all seem to feed the sterotype that the man is dominant and the woman is the one who is the fortuante one to be with him. I know these are all sterotypes/generalizations, but this is what I have seen in my real life experiences. Yes, what Imus said was not funny, but he did open the doors to discuss what some cultural differences in the community. Granted, he does not need to be a part of the discussion, but it is not like those words are not used within that community.

Posted at 12:43PM on Apr 10th 2007 by Buster

47. This is what I think. Don Imus is entertainment much like the Afro-American and Hispanic rappers and comedians who use idioms and slurs about other ethnic groups and gender-sexual orientations groups. The entertainment and poltical elites who feel so outraged by his senselss but nonethless humor, should take a big breath and blow it out. It is when we begin to cease laughing at ourselves (much like the Muslims who cannot either receive or understand humor) is when we are in trouble. Imus is funny and is a positive release of pent up anger and frustration with the silliness of ordinary life. These young women have made a mountain out of mole hill. Don apologize and freaken move on.

Posted at 9:20PM on Apr 23rd 2007 by Harry

48. #44 retsel, nobody today is in that situation. You are useing excuses that are no longer legitimet. Wake up this is the 21st century. Social situations today are what people LET them be. Quit looking for a free ride, N word.

Posted at 2:28PM on Apr 10th 2007 by Bob

49. Imus said he was sorry,and sasha is rosys best friend,if only the pillows could talk

Posted at 2:08PM on Apr 10th 2007 by Amy

50.
I think Imus should be canned. He is an idiot that gets millions of $$$ for being stupid!!!
He made nasty comments about our Governor Bill Richardson which is the straw that broke this camels back.
I wish he would move out of our state, New Mexico would a much more beautiful place with him out of our state!!!
His broadcasting reminds me of Ted Knights character (Ted Baxter) on the old Mary Tyler Moore Show, a big bafoon!!!
Enough is enough with all these celebrities and the stupid things that come out of their mouths!!!!

Posted at 1:52PM on Apr 10th 2007 by molly

51. Jesse Jackson......Job... thats funny.

Posted at 12:46PM on Apr 10th 2007 by Ned

52. 20 years of the man getting it right and we crucify him for one bad opinion. Come on America we all are not perfect. Don Imus is part of American culture. Leave him alone and focus on what you can do to make this a better world. The pointing all fingers at one guy when all of us had made mistakes many times.

Posted at 12:47PM on Apr 10th 2007 by Bridgette Brereton

53. A few weeks off is just a vacation for him. That's no kind of punishment. He is a jerk. But I guess Talk Radio Show Host and Jerk are synonymous. He is sexist and racist. Oh, and ugly, inside and out.

Posted at 1:56PM on Apr 10th 2007 by Rhea

54. not all black people think imus should be fired. the black lawyer who has been the most intelligent and reasoned voice on anna nicole has the best take on this too

Posted at 2:55PM on Apr 10th 2007 by allison

55. Great comment #36. Sad thing is most non blacks believe all the rap stuff they see. These rappers making these songs and videos r laughing all the way to the bank. The majority of them do not even know what the ghetto is. Not all have been in jail or done or been in drive bys. This is pure "business". and an "empire"is being made. So I say if that is how they want to make their money "go for it".. It is up to us as parents to know what r kids r watching and listening to.. My kids r the ones who say " Mom it 's just entertainment.". BTW. I did not even know who Imus was until his comments. So who else is getting exposure and probably picked up a few new fans on the way (while he to is laughing straigth to the bank).

Posted at 12:52PM on Apr 10th 2007 by Robin

56. #42 Stop the Racist
Did you read your comment before posting? And your screen name, what a joke. Perhaps you should practice what your screen name projects you to be.

Posted at 12:52PM on Apr 10th 2007 by So Many Uneducated Posts & Hypocrites

57. Chappelle and Mencia have made millions on humor like this.I have'nt noticed Rev.Sharpton waving his arms in defence of the people they offend.People need to stop being so damned candy-assed.This comment,was made with tongue firmly in cheek.

Posted at 2:41PM on Apr 10th 2007 by charles

58. I think that Imus, convince in his heart that he is not a racist, has no ill will or malice towards black people or anyone really, has helped black people of all size and ages, thought that he would be given the same PASS, that black people give each other when they call each other the N word or rib each other in that gutter ghetto toilette locker room humor. Well Imus found out to his dismay that times HAVE NOT CHANGED. He is white, and there is a racial problem in this country, and he does not have a PASS no matter how pure his heart or intentions and how without malice his heart is, which I happen to believe, given his life's track record. I say instead of focusing on "language" inequities, how about we "fix" the causes of those inequities, like disparities in education, healthcare, etc between the races...oooops...no that would be too complicated...far easier to hate on Imus.

Posted at 5:47PM on Apr 10th 2007 by Vina Yan

59. I do believe that 90% of the people who say Imus should be fired have NEVER watched his show - much more intellectual than one might imagine - and is not aware that he has raised over 100 million dollars for causes including childhood cancer.
The man's heart is about as big as his mouth.

Look, I'm a GREAT mother. I've done so much to help my sons become the best they can be. But I have also told my kids to "Shut Up" and I'm sure I've cursed at them along the way, too. WRONG, but I did it. I can use the excuse of how much pressure I had as a single mom, but it was still wrong.
But taken as a WHOLE, I've done 10,000 times more GOOD in their lives ... making some bad judgement a few times with WORDS should not have made anyone say "You can't be their mother anymore".

GET IT? Losing his job would be ridiculous. He's done so much good in the world. He should apologize ... he should give each girl some money towards their education ... he should add some new programming that showcases GIRLS' COLLEGE SPORTS TEAMS around the country .... he should HIGHLIGHT YOUNG WOMEN OF ACCOMPLISHMENT ..... there's a lot he can do for this country and our attitudes.
But he should absolutely not lose his job.

Posted at 6:31PM on Apr 10th 2007 by Janet

60. Why wasnt Rosie suspended when she made remarks about the Chinese? Hmmmm..
I guess the Asians dont have a big enough voice in the US.

Posted at 2:20PM on Apr 10th 2007 by pj45