Imus: My critical response

The people have spoken. Because of his bigoted and inflammatory remarks, Don Imus was given the boot.

OK. What now?

I’m left to wonder if this story will merely get filed away as another sad display of public bigotry that leads to no significant change or if it will be the catalyst for raising awareness and sparking intelligent debate about the idea of freedom of speech, dissipating bigotry, and the responsibility of the media. While its my hope that this incident (using the many years of our nation’s despicable history as a context) will lead to an open and honest discourse about race and gender relations in this country, the pessimistic part of me (or perhaps the Keepin' it Real part of me) isn’t counting on it.

Now that Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson have gotten what they exhausted their airtime protesting over (Imus’ firing and, of course, boosting their own publicity), I’m interested to see how (or if) they’ll shift their attention toward fumigating the airwaves of these so-called “artists” in the music industry who perpetually produce the same shit for which Imus was fired (in fact, I would argue that their “entertainment” does more damage to black folks than what Imus could ever do.). To not have the same passion against the music industry (rappers and producers alike) for committing similar offenses will make folks like Sharpton and Jackson larger-than-life hypocrites. Some may disagree (it wouldn’t be the first time), but Imus’ insensitive comments pale in comparison to the imagery generated by music and movies that manage to find its way into millions of homes every night. Let’s keep it real here. There are more people who watch videos on BET than who listen to Imus.

That being said, entertainment companies who make a fortune by using exploitation as their medium must be challenged to stop their highly profitable cultural degradation. Or else, this hoopla about Imus will be nothing more than an individual crusade against one bigot, a total waste of resources, and a major defeat toward any progress that has been or could be made.

Now, I’ll admit: there are millions of folks in this country who could care less about any of this. Regardless to the progressive ideas that could come out of this story, BET will still be a popular choice for entertainment. The objectification of woman, the obsession with material, and the embracing of violence as a means to secure credibility are all concepts that will continue to be sold to the masses; as long as a demand is evident. Also, as I suspect, strong proponents of the 1st amendment will view any attempts to censor this nonsense as a violation. Given these irrefutable facts, I frankly consider it unnerving to think that Black America and the media have somehow allowed for people like Sharpton and Jackson to become our more forefront vocal advocates. While I give them credit for being able to forcefully and eloquently speak for the marginalized groups in this country, I also see them as being opportunists, blatantly self-ambitious, and contradictory. The incredible amount of self-significance with which they crown themselves is not only unwarranted, but it’s a clear indication of the extent to which ‘black leaders’ have failed us. There's far more to being a leader than jumping in front of a camera threatening to boycott every time someone cries “racism”.

Again, I give them credit for standing up to challenge Imus; a challenge that ultimately led to change. MSNBC, CBS, and co. would not have likely responded had someone not plant the seed of protest. But now that that’s over with, will it lead to a more involved movement against the ills of society? Will it lead to a much needed reform in the black community?

I guess that remains to be seen.

- ACL