Ambivalent
So, MSNBC has announced they are cancelling the simulcast of Don Imus' radio show. Apparently eight major advertisers - including American Express and General Motors - have decided to pull their ads. CBS Radio has suspended him for two weeks and are also considering cancelling his radio program. Here's what's going through my head:
- I'm glad he's getting his comeuppance for being such a jack-ass
- I feel horribly for the young women who were inexcusably attacked by this idiot and am so proud of their dignity and grace during this whole circus
- I'm uncomfortable at the idea of a media company taking someone off the air due to what they said
- A private company is allowed to eliminate someone who is costing them profits - but should media companies be held to a different standard because they (supposedly) serve the public interest?
- Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are coming across (to me at least) as somewhat hypocritical for calling Imus out on this, but not really criticizing language of an equal or even more offensive nature from some rappers and hip-hop singers
- Why aren't women as critical of Imus' use of the word "ho" as the Black community is over the use of the term "nappy-headed"?
- This, along with the Mel Gibson/Michael Richards fiascoes may be an indication that finally we as a society will not sit back and put up with hate-speak
- There's a lot of stuff going on that should get our attention such as the war, the Alberto Gonzales scandal, a plethora of Presidential candidates, etc. They are important issues - are they more important than this? I don't know.
Things that make me say Hmmmm...
What do you think?
Labels: Current Events
posted by Hilda @ 11:59 PM
3 Comments:
Here's MY question re: his firing. Does this mean that AMEX & GM up until now have always listened to every word/comment/idea/thought/utterance made by Imus and supported/agreed with it? I thought the thought/opinions he made on his show were his and not those of the station, its advertisers etc.
I think it a shame that advertisers decide what bafoonery should be available to the public. If we get rid of all of it there will be a lot of white noise going over the air waves. Unfortunately, that's life. EVERYTHING is a business. Too bad.
It's my understanding that the disclaimer is to avoid any potential lawsuits that might come from something said by "the talent", such as slander or libel, etc.
However, as advertisers, if people contact them and say they will boycott their products as long as they advertse on his show (a perfectly legal action on the part of the consumer) - are the companies wrong to pull their advertisisng dollars?
When country stations stopped playing the Dixie Chicks for this same reason, it upset me. And this is making me feel antsy as well, even though I find what Imus said appalling.
But on the other hand, is it worng that they want to disassociate from someone who has said such awful things about people who aren't trying to be public figures and who have done nothing wrong?
I'm telling you, this is a toughie.
Some idiot wrote into our local paper today and said "We should just check what's on those girls' iPods -I'm sure the language on their rap music is much worse than what Imus said."
I was surprised at the level of ignorance and generalization of people the writer displayed, though I hesitate to label him a 'writer'; rather, maybe just 'idiot' would suffice.
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