Big Brother

Folks, we are really getting ridiculous with the politically PC stuff. Here is one of the most successful progressive talk show host of all time banned over one remark. It is impossible, if you work for 30 years on the air three hours a day, five days a week, that you aren't going to say something off color and if you don't, you ain't no human being I would want to listen too. I worked in radio for 15 years and I managed to say a few stupid things that upset people, and I worked in MUSIC formats !


So there is Randy Rhodes harping and snapping at his heals. Why Miss Rhodes ? does that mean less competition for you ? Broadcasters eat their young.. Here was a slow talking cowboy type who somehow managed to be #1 in NYC.. Imus was not to my taste but in order to do what he did, you need to have some talent. I understand his show is one of those which at first seems dull and pointless but then draws you in and gets you hooked after a couple of weeks. No doubt the fact that the guy wore cowboy hats automatically made him 'racist'.

So what is the upshot, we lose one of the few independent, progressive voices in America capable of reaching the man in the street, over a few stupid remarks. REMARKS THAT HE APOLOGIZED FOR. The PC crowd don't want apologies,... they want BLOOD.


Thanks for listening


Big Bro

Ghost Rider

I can't stand IMUS. I'm glad he is off the air.

However, he has a very good case to sue his former employer. His contract specifically states that he was supposed to be controversial. He did that with his gross 'nappy headed hoe' comment. It also said he got the 'first bite free'. In other words - he was to get at least one warning about going too far before he would be let go.

He followed his contract AND he didn't get his 'first bite free'. No warning.

I hope he's gone for good. But the fact is that his former employers didn't follow the contract and therefore are subject to be sued by IMUS.

Big Brother

I was not a regular listener to his program but I do know he was a staunch opponent of the Iraq war, which I heard him describe as 'ridiculous'. That alone would identify independent leanings as opposed to the staunch right wing crowd led by Limbaugh, Hannity ect.. He identified himself as a Democrat on a morning news program, again this was years ago so I don't know the ins and outs of his political leanings.


At any rate it seems strange to hear one poster call him a habitual maker of racist comments and another say he should sue his company for not getting an 'out' as a first time offender.


My opinion stands about the world being uptight about stuff that really doesn't matter ie, political correctness. Look at all the racial humor that was on the old SNL program, way beyond what goes on today. Those were different times. The racial stuff that Limbaugh gets away with( why isn't he called on THAT) is mild by comparison.







Big Bro

MikeT

It's true that Imus was warned many times, and had to apology many times, for his racist and offensive remarks. So, contractually, there was nothing his employers did wrong in firing him.

As to why this is important:

I think we can all agree that we have racial inequity in our country--from wages to justice to education, etc.

This inequity is based on the original mythology and propaganda that accompanied slavery and segregation, handed down through the generations, passed on into our culture in myriad ways.

In order to work toward a more just society, in order to honor our founding documents, we must speak out against that propaganda when it's perpetuated publicly.

I truly believe it's our duty as a patriotic American to do so.

Now, as to Limbaugh's racist comments--he has definitely been called out on them. If I remember correctly, this was part of the reason he lost his job as a sports announcer. (My memory is shaky on this, so I welcome information from someone who knows better.)

Also, I would like to point out that there's a difference between a comedian doing a stand-up routine (ala in Chris Rock) and a man spouting racial insults heaped on people based on their skin color (ala Michael Richards.)

Intent has a real place in evaluation--hence the reason we have degrees of murder in our judicial system.

Ghost Rider

When was he warned? I don't remember anything about that.

The TV news is reporting that his contract specifically states that he's supposed to be controversial and being obnoxious is part of his contractural agreement. At least that's what was reported on TV. His contract also states that he is supposed to get 'one free bite' - he gets to screw up once big time and get a warning before being fired.

He was following his contract by being controversial.
He didn't get warned about his ignorant and disgusting language - nappy headed hoes.

I think he's got a case to sue. I'm glad the jerk is off the air, but I think he's got a case to sue.

Seriously - when was he warned? Do you have some info?
I'd like to read it. Thank you.

Sebelius for VP, not Hillary

From what I heard from people talking about Imus is that he was anything but "progressive." The words that were used included "shock jock", contributing to the American problem of drawing amusement by putting other people down, and GOING BACK ON HIS PROMISES to stop insulting people of different races, creeds, ethnicities, etc.

A lot of people (guests on his show) said that he had a long history of just making fun of people on the air and that was his show, just attacking people in extreme ways. It was not "progressive" nor was it constructive. It was destructive humor.

I think Fox should bring him back and put him on their network. Just bring down Fox's credibility a bit more.

__________________
Forum Rule 3: Discuss the Issue, not your opponent.

Big Brother

I hate dissecting peoples arguments but I'll make an exception. Pat Robertson, who you rightly identify as a maniac, has a definite political agenda. IMUS was an entertainer who's main focus was not politics. There is a difference.


Yeah...again, Maher is more of a political commentator. By the way, I once heard a liberal radio host say that all white folks are white trash racists, a racist comment which didn't offend me because I knew he was not attacking me personally, only making a dumb and false generalization. So for me the rule is "let it slide".




I don't either. I pity those PC political action groups that have nothing better to do than stand around all day waiting to be offended.




Big Brother

Big Brother

Most of the antisemitic remarks were made tongue in cheek by one of his Jewish co hosts. Again, sense of humor required. It's in short supply these days among many Liberals.



Again you miss the point of intent. The reason more foul and 'bigoted' commentators get away with it is because they know the rules and are more guarded and phony. IMUS' crime was being a little more genuine than ass heads like Rush Limbaugh. Limbaugh knows that as long as you can't be quoted out of context then anything goes, so he uses infinite shades of sarcasm to achieve 'better' results.




Big Bro

superdude17*

Imus is a puppet of the screwed up racial profiling system we have currently in this country. It is not acceptable for whites to criticize blacks, yet it is ok for African Americans to say prejudice things too whites. F*** that. Imus should get his job back. She is a hoe. Screw Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson and the Democrat party.

Where is equality? Its his show, he can say whatever he wants. Its not as if he said her name directly.

Pray for Imus, W and our Troops!

Big Brother

Stop right there. How long has Imus been on the air in major markets ? Since the mid 70's....early 70's ?

This proves only that he has not changed but the world has. To the worlds detriment.


Did he suddenly decide to make racist comments ten years ago ?... or did the perception of what he did say change ?




Big Bro