NEW YORK (AP) — Calling himself “a good person” who made a bad mistake, radio host Don Imus said Monday he would check his acid tongue after being lambasted for making racially charged comments about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team.
“Here’s what I’ve learned: that you can’t make fun of everybody, because some people don’t deserve it,” he said on his nationally syndicated radio show Monday morning. “And because the climate on this program has been what it’s been for 30 years doesn’t mean it’s going to be what it’s been for the next five years or whatever.”
Imus said he was “embarrassed” by the remarks, in which he referred to the mostly black team as “nappy-headed hos.” He said he had made the comments in the course of “trying to be funny,” but he was not trying to excuse them.
“I’m not a bad person. I’m a good person, but I said a bad thing. But these young women deserve to know it was not said with malice,” he said.
Imus said he hoped to meet the players and their parents and coaches, and he said he was grateful that he was scheduled to appear later Monday on a radio show hosted by the Rev. Al Sharpton, who has called for Imus to be fired over the remarks.
“It’s not going to be easy, but I’m not looking for it to be easy,” Imus said.
Sharpton has said he wants Imus fired and that he intends to complain to the Federal Communications Commission about the matter.
“Somewhere we must draw the line in what is tolerable in mainstream media,” Sharpton said Sunday. “We cannot keep going through offending us and then apologizing and then acting like it never happened. Somewhere we’ve got to stop this.”
Meanwhile, the Rev. Jesse Jackson planned a protest in Chicago, and an NAACP official called for the broadcaster’s resignation or firing.
Imus made the now infamous remark during his show Wednesday.
The Rutgers team, which includes eight black women, had lost the day before in the NCAA women’s championship game. Imus was speaking with producer Bernard McGuirk about the game when the exchange began on “Imus in the Morning,” which is broadcast to millions of people on more than 70 stations and MSNBC.
“That’s some rough girls from Rutgers,” Imus said. “Man, they got tattoos…”
“Some hardcore hos,” McGuirk said.
“That’s some nappy-headed hos there, I’m going to tell you that,” Imus said.
Imus also apologized on the air Friday, but his mea culpa has not quieted the uproar.
Jackson said his RainbowPUSH Coalition planned to protest Monday in Chicago outside the offices of NBC, which owns MSNBC. Jackson said protests were being planned across the country.
James E. Harris, president of the New Jersey chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, demanded Sunday that Imus “resign or be terminated immediately.”
Allison Gollust, a spokeswoman for MSNBC, said the network considers Imus’ comments “deplorable” and is reviewing the matter.
Karen Mateo, a spokeswoman for CBS Radio — Imus’ employer and the owner of his New York radio home, WFAN-AM — said the company was “disappointed” in Imus’ actions and characterized his comments as “completely inappropriate.”
11 Responses to 'Al Sharpton Speaks With Don Imus on Al’s Radio Show'
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I appreciate that Al Sharpton is standing up for Black Women! Thank you thank you thank you! We need more brothers standing up for us!
I also want to comment that if black people learn to embrace our images, our hair and get rid of the relaxers then we won’t be so alarmed at such foolish statements.
I hate to say this but this man sounds like some spoiled brat who has gotten his way his entire life. Afterall he is only 20 and he just entered adulthood where you are held accountable for your actions. So wipe the crap out of your diaper and draw unemployment and find another job but hopefully it will not be one that compromises your future like this one.
To all white people who are misinformed:
No black woman would allow ANYONE, regardless of color to call them a ho. I keep seeing these lies being written by educated white reporters that say the same thing. “Well they use ‘ho’ in their community with each other…” That’s bogus and obviously many of you have never really been in our community. Because if you had, you would know not to write that nonsense.
I tell you what, have a black man step to a black woman and call her a ho in the same context that Imus did, and see what really happens in our community.
Black woman have much more dignity than the media and white stupid jockeys try to portray. And most of our men treat us with more respect than what they are given credit.
See, white people may know the words, but you don’t know the laws with those words. And I know it’s a bit difficult for you to understand but we have our own rules that aren’t based on your rules. Just like whites, blacks have written and unwritten rules of conduct. So if you know the word, you should know the rule. And if it had been a black man, he would have gotten beatup, tires slashed, lost a job, a call to his moma, etc. The rules the same.
But hey, I am trying to explain this to white people who have laws that make crack worse than cocaine. Laws that put black men in prison for long terms for non-violent crimes. 75% of the prison population is black men who only make up 14%. Laws that had black men killed when a white woman blamed a black man for attacking her when she was actually cheating on her husband with another white man.
And for the record, nappy hair is not anything that I am ashamed of. But the shame came from white men who would rape the black slaves because they couldn’t stay away from them. Then they would produce these mixed babies and their white wives would become suspicious so they both would joke about their nappy hair to make the white wife feel more important. So it’s kinda come back full circle to white men. You started Nappy Headed Ho and now you are finally reaping what you sewed.
I THINK IT WAS DISCUSTING WHAT IMUS SAID ABOUT THOSE KIDS. ALL THOSE KIDS WERE DOING WAS TRYING TO WIN A BASKETBALL GAME ANS PLAYING THEIR HEARTS OUTS. REV. SHARPTON I DON’T REMEMBER SUCH OUTRADE THOUGH WHEN THE REV. JACKSON CALLED THE N Y JEWS HYMIES, I DON’T THINK THAT WAS CALLED FOR EITHER DO YOU .I’M NOT STICKING UP FOR IMUS I’M JUST CURIOUS
I am offended at Imus’ comments but I must admit, I am more frustrated than angry. I find my voice of retribution squelched by the comments that so many of my Black brothers make towards our sisters in their music and everyday social conversation. It is very hard to hold another culture accountable for the way they treat mine when my own culture does so much damage on their own daily. For every duragatory comment made by a white celebrity towards Black people, popular Black artists and performers make hundreds. In order for us to expect and pursue respect from other cultures, we must first demonstrate respect for ourselves. A queen should and must be first recognized by her own kingdom. If we are to ask Imus to apologize, then on behalf of all the Black men and boys who have disrespected and mistreated Black girls and women, I feel I and other respectful Black men should apologize as well.
We are truly, truly, sorry.
Sincerely,
John M. Swails
THE RELATIONSHIP OF IGNORANCE TO: RACISM AND UNCLE TOMS
As I continue to think about the problems confronting man, I often wonder, just what propels and motivates ignorance. Thus, I have concluded that ignorance must be further defined. As a point of clarity and understanding we will note two definitive classifications for ignorance.
The first definitive classification for ignorance is noted in “lack of knowledge.” Thus, to be without knowledge is described as ignorance. Surely all of us are ignorant because no man has all knowledge. Therefore, for one to proclaim ignorance is not the most negative thing to say about oneself. But, for someone else to proclaim your ignorance often causes some people to become offended. Our purpose is not to offend anyone. We are only in pursuit of information and knowledge. If our pursuit of knowledge offends someone, most likely they are ignorant. This type of ignorance is yet to be described. We pray and hope it is only ignorance gained from a lack of knowledge.
A second definitive classification of ignorance is rooted in stupidity. Thus, this form of ignorance is the most devastating. Stupid is noted as a “lack of intelligence,” and as “foolish.” We further incorporate other elements to this equation. These elements are crucial in understanding the constant battle and confrontation between Good and evil in the world today.
Therefore, we argue that racism and accommodationist philosophy, and/or Uncle Tom behavior are additional elements of ignorance. Even though members of the dominant population in America can be an Uncle Tom the Uncle Toms of an oppressed people are the most degrading. Meanwhile, the ignorance associated with racism and Uncle Toms cause the greatest upheavals in the world thus creating wars, social disorder and the attempt to dominate and oppress the poor.
My wife maintains that she is a Niggerologist. For the sake of clarity Niggerologist is a person that excels in the study and observation of Niggers. The observation of Niggers over time is very important because their behavior has made for a crucial impact on Black and oppressed people. Thus, in order to make adequate assessments of the Black experience one has to have some aptitude in the area of Niggerology. For the record Nigger in this instance does not apply solely to Black people. Therefore, a Nigger is any person moved with ignorance related to stupidity. We argue that this aspect of ignorance accounts for racism and Uncle Tom behavior. Thus, Niggers can be Black or White. Therefore, Nigger is not race but an attitude or behavior.
As we continue to explore the makeup of a person moved by the second level of ignorance, we will apply another observation. I have observed people over time as a Social Scientist. Thus, I have confronted the dilemma of ignorance constantly. It has always amazed me to find a person of letters who has intellectual credentials that are set in ignorance. For the record those that are uneducated do not have an exclusive hold on ignorance. From my observation some of the most ignorant people in the world today have college degrees. These people are set in ignorance that can’t be moved. Therefore, I have more times, than not, seen ignorance in, not the lack of knowledge but, in the realm of the stupid racist and Uncle Tom.
Therefore, as we further attempt to explore and develop our thesis on ignorance we have to bring in some other factors. But let’s ask several questions. How can men of letters fail to understand the negative aspects of racism? How can oppressed people assist in their own oppression?
To be locked on stupid (Thanks Cousin Doc Larsha) is a great tragedy. Even some of those that are labeled as great thinkers have suffered from the ailment of stupiditis. For example, man can acquire knowledge if he is ignorant. But, man cannot acquire intelligence. One is born with intelligence and it is developed over time with rational thought patterns.
The mistake of living lies and the consistent manipulation of Truth destroys the God given intelligence granted by the Creator. Thus, prolonged misuse of the mind causes stupidity and the tragedy and onset of stupiditist.
This explains why so many people in the so-called intellectual community are grossly mis- informed. Once again, let it be written that the greatest thinkers of the world knew the relationship of Truth and God. Therefore, to the believers, since God is at the Center of Truth what power does man have to deny that Truth? The philosophy of Psyche Publishing: The Freedom Journal is to stand on the Word of God. We are not concerned so much with what man has to say, man has no power. Thus, our mission is to please the Creator of all things. Therefore, the opposition to the Word of God only adds fuel to our Divine Mission of Truth.
Those of you that don’t believe in the Truth of God for the reasons we have just outlined we pray that you will free your mind. We trust that you will begin to think in a rational and sane fashion. Meanwhile, the world to those that know God is a fool’s Paradise.
I first heard the term “nappy-headed” in a song by Stevie Wonder, a black man. I first heard the term “ho,” referring to a black woman, in a rap song performed by a black man.
A movie from the late sixties called “The Fixer,” starring Alan Bates, contained a very memorable line: “Respect is something you have to have in order to get.”
When black people start respecting themselves and refrain from calling each other “nappy-headed,” “hoes,” “bitches,” and “mutha fuckas” in their music and in public, maybe white people will follow their lead.
Instead of railing against Imus, who, for entertainment purposes, only echoed or parodied what black people say about themselves in public, maybe Mr. Sharpton should go after those who perpetuate the culture of self-abasement so prevalent among blacks.
Then again, maybe this whole incident was just a setup - like the two owners of adjacent stores who “hated” and “competed” against each other during store hours, but who secretly were brothers and business partners and lived together in a suite above the stores. Stranger things have happened in the Big Apple and the entertainment industry…
I’m a very concerned that in all of the to do about what Imus said, no one has mentioned what the producer said first! “Some hardcore hos”.
Not to diminish what Imus said, but the first issue at hand was McGuirk calling them “ho’s!” What has happened to this producer??? He needs to be on the chopping block first and foremost! Imus responded to what was said and continued this inappropriate comment. Would this comment be as offensive if Imus had called them girls?
Would Imus or McGuirk be upset if their daughters or loved ones were referred to as, let’s say, “stringy headed ho’s?”
In the conclusion of this idiotic issue, do not let McGuirk off the hook!
Head coach C. Vivian Stringer said…”They are God’s representatives in every sense of the word.”
Teammate Matee Ajavon said: “…Right now I can’t really say if we have come to a conclusion of whether we will accept the apology.
Would a true representative of God not accept an apology? Especially over something so misrepresented by others.
I keep hearing Imus getting blasted, but what about McGuirk? Was he not the first to utter the words? Sounds like people are attacking Imus because it gets them more attention that attacking someone who has hardly been in the spot light.
People like Jackson and Sharpton need to set back and stop stirring up trouble. They are the ones that keep the racial pot stirred. I don’t truly believe Imus or McGuirk meant the comment in a terrible way. And yes, I’m white, but we never get offended when someone calls us “white trash, honky, trailer trash, redneck, hillbilly, etc.”, and you sure don’t see us trying to cause trouble over it.
If you play be Jackson and Sharptons rules, how many white people should have been apologized to after the black based sitcom “The Jefferson’s” aired? I believe it was the setting for the word “honky”.
Nothing to do with the Imus incident, but I’m wondering…What are Sharpton’s views on the LaCrosse players who were just cleared of all charges? Here we have a scenario where a black female accused white males of a terrible crime. Where are all of the apologies that these boys deserve? I don’t see Sharpton or Jackson rushing to defend the white people. Or are there a different set of standards?
Kilbrower, Al Sharpton happens to fight for black people and in this case for black women. You asked a question and how do you know that he didn’t do anything? The media doesn’t report everytime he takes a poop. Secondly, he doesn’t just go after white people. He has criticized black people like 50 Cent and most of us for not standing up and fighting for our economic and social issues.
It’s the same as America, we don’t fight every single battle in the world. And we also had a civil war and fought amongst ourselves just like Al Sharpton has fought his own, too.
On a different note, Kilbrower, I will tell you that I do APPRECIATE YOU for coming here and speaking to us about how you see it! You have strength, courage, and a true interest to make the world a better place and I truly appreciate your opinions.
I don’t like or respect the comments made by Mr. Imus regarding the Rutgers, Women’s Basketball team. I often don’t like or respect the comments made by Mr. Sharpton. Mr. Sharpton’s “do as I say, not as I do”, mentality infuriates me. Let’s not make this an “I have freedom of speech! -YOU shut up”, mentality! Like it or not, people can criticize other people, people can be mean to each other. Protest, stamp your feet, turn Imus, or Al Sharpton off, but if you are on the side of silencing them, be carefeul, you too may loose your freedom to speak one day. Imus has the right to say what he wants to say, in the way he wants to say it, so do you and I and Mr. Sharpton. Although I may not agree with or respect an expressed idea, I thank God for our right to Freedom of Speech! I am on the side of developing our consciences not taking away our “rights”. Go Rutger’s Women’s Basketball, you’ve got more class than Imus or Al Sharpton!
This is a 911 call for assistance for someone to advocate for the
employees and the Black Farmers to bring attention to the injustice at the
Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was to ensure that all have equal
rights. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the United
States Department of Agriculture is an office delegated to enforce
civil rights laws for the Department. There have been numerous public
writings about how Black Farmers were treated by USDA and how their civil
rights complaint processing within the Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights has been mishandled. What is not known by the
public is how the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
mistreats their own employees. Employees are mistreated so badly that some
have been hospitalized for stress, fired, and treated without dignity and
respect. If these employees are mistreated, you can imagine how it
impacts the processing of Black farmers civil rights complaints and
employee complaints. For that very reason a total of 60 minority employees
since 2004 to present have either been terminated or forced into
retirement or detailed to other agencies or lateral to new positions
in other agencies.
No one has ever gotten to a root cause analyses of why Civil Rights
management at United States Department of Agriculture Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights is so dysfunctional.
Something MUST be done about management within the Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights or else taxpayers will continue to
make enormous settlement payments for civil rights violations as in the Black Farmers Class Action Lawsuit and these employees will continue to be violated.
Farm Bill
agriculture.house.gov/inside/Legislation/110/FB/TitleXI.pdf