Imus, A Distraction From the Real Problem?

There is a line that we all draw somewhere in the sand, each of us places it where we'd like and then those that cross it are racists, unless, of course, you yourself are a member of that race. In that case you can say and do anything you want without fear of criticism, even when it is duly owed. Don Imus said something he shouldn't have, but he said it on his radio show, where listeners tune in, or they don't. And that is the choice we are all blessed with, we can watch what we'd like, or not, listen to what we'd like, or not, and we can say what we'd like...or not? Apparently not because you'll be fired if you do. However, my guess is that Don Imus wasn't fired because of racially charged rhetoric, which mind you was not inciting violence, mob behavior, or even hatred, but rather he was fired because advertisers started pulling from his show. CBS masked this fact by saying what's the point of a code of ethics if no one has to abide by it, but you can bet this came down to dollars and cents, as everything in business does.

Now, lets stop for a minute and ponder this: is there racism toward whites? Undoubtedly so, but when was the last time you heard of an African American being lambasted for saying something racially charged? If you think they don't then you live in a false reality. When was the last time some one was fired for degrading women, or gays (both historically suppressed minorities)? Rappers have been making a living off degrading women, and gays, for years, and they have a right to do so, AND we have a right not to buy their CDs, but we do. Ann Coulter called John Edward's a "faggot," but what punishment did she truly receive? Eminem makes fun of homosexuals in his lyrics, where are the groups calling for his dismissal from his record label? Art is no excuse for racism, is it?

Back to that line, when is it crossed, that depends on an individual. Was it crossed when George W. Bush called a reporter from The New York Times an "asshole" in 2000? Probably not, but why not? That's mean, should we call for his firing? Maybe, but for several different reasons not relating to that comment.

Society, and each of us, has a right to draw the line, where ever fit. But none of us have the right to stifle free speech. If you don't like Imus making jokes and making fun of people, don't listen. Had Imus incited violence I would have a very different take on this and I'd be over there with the ban wagon demanding his dismissal, but I draw the line at free speech, and jokes, whether I think they are funny or not, fall into that category.