DUE THUR 4/19 Don Imus Controversy

1. According to the NAACP, why should Imus be silenced?

They quote "needed to eradicate such hurtful speech from out popular culture."

2. According to Frank Rich, why should Imus not be silenced?

He think Imus shouldnt be censored becauser he isnt the first person in the media to use racial slurs.


3. Do you think Imus should be silenced? Why?

I personally, STRONGLY agree with Frank Rich because was Imus said wasnt racist or any different from the things some music artists say in thier lyircs. And if you think about it if a rap artist were to say 'nappy headed ho's' in his/her song they probley would have a number one hit. I dont think it makes okay to say a certain thing just because your ethinicity.

So maybe Imus did say mean or hurtful things about the basketball players BUT it is no different then what some people sing about. And i dont think the statement he said was racist, i think it was percieved of being a racist comment because he was not black or african american. Also, if you take out the part 'nappy headed' is that racist?? No, it isnt.

I dont think that the basketball players should be passed as innocent non-celebrities without opinions, because everyone has opinions. I think that the NAACP are completely blowing the whole issue out of preportion. I can understand if they followed thru with thier origional plan to suspend his talk show for a couple months or the rest of the season but to completey fire him is not reasonable.

In conclusion, im not agreeing with Frank Rich as in supporting what Imus said. Im just saying I understand why Frank RIch is supporting Imus. And i do as well because i dont think...I KNOW that Imus was NOT the first person to say hurtful things thru the media. So if they want to erase racist and sexist slurs then they probley need to earse one whiole genre of music. As well as a few channels.