The Definition Of A Bigot & A Lie

There have been many people who are defending Imus. Some are defending him because they believe in free speech. There are others, who like Imus during his interview with Reverend Al Sharpton, choose to say “well rappers and some African-Americans use the word ho and the N word.” There are problems with both of these arguments. Individuals need to stop pointing their finger at everyone but themselves.

Yes, individuals have a right to free speech. However, individuals such as Imus have been given an opportunity to reach millions of people. With that opportunity comes responsibility. Individuals such as Imus have influence over what the public thinks/believe to be true and effect and shape public attitude on ideas and individuals within that public. Imus has a history of making objectionable commentary, but yet maintained a steady stream of listeners to his now debunk radio station and television show. What Imus said was purposely directed at the African-American basketball players. Those women were bettering themselves through higher education and striving to be the best they could be. Due to Imus’ comments, those girls will now remember and be remembered as “nappy headed hos.” There stoicism is commendable.

A person recently posted the following “I do agree that if rap artists say the N word alllll the time, then why can't white people? They say that a white person saying that word hurts them, but if that were true, any mention of the word from any race would hurt them I think it is sick and disgusting for anyone who did not personally go through slavery to use that word freely and then say that any white person who was never involved in owning slaves is a racist.”

The world of hip-hop/rap needs to be examined. First, the record labels, television media who play degrading videos, and the radio stations who play the music of a small group of rappers who only spew degrading comments to women and use the N word should be held accountable. The rappers have been an easy target because the majority do not come from high class society and are not white (Eminem seems to avoid being scathed …hmm wonder why). However, the “white” executives should also be held responsible. They choose to produce and finance such material. At the same time the executives choose to not sign or sign, but not promote hip-hop artists such as Common, The Roots, Mos Def who have a positive message. Which leads to why aren’t artists such as Common given high budgets or promoted. This is because the rappers perpetuate negative stereotypes that make the majority feel comfortable. Individuals such as Common are radicals because they have something intelligent and uplifting to say. The majority of individuals purchasing rap CDs and watching MTV are suburban white kids – the media has “failed” as usual to mention this fact.

Many people want the Imus debacle to quickly be swept under the rug and quickly. Again, the question is why? That is because Imus stands for a lot more than “nappy headed hos.” Imus stands for the bigotry and ignorance that has permeated the fabric of the United States. That Imus thought such a comment was just a joke speaks volumes. Imus’ comments were representative of the sexist and racist attitude that must change and hopefully will change. Individuals are being forced to examine themselves and that is scaring many who do not like what they see. Whether liberal or conservative, Republican or Democratic, everyone has something that needs to be changed. The reaction by the majority of the public is encouraging. Maybe the United States is moving toward healing and dialogue. However, the reaction of some members of the media and individuals is greatly disappointed.

Finally, the Imus scandal will go away for a time. However, there will be another Imus like figure that will pop up in the media. The United States has to let those individuals know that such behavior and such comments will not be tolerated. Because when you call female a ho you are not just degrading her you are degrading your mother, your sister, your daughter, your niece, your grandmother, your aunt. And calling someone Nappy is saying that a group of people are somewhat inferior or not as good as the “majority.” Maybe the United States community will use this opportunity to not just have a dialogue but examine how the attitudes were created. The first place to start is changing K-12 education to include the truth instead of myths and fables and, also, to not relegate and condense African-American history to a month and Martin Luther King, Jr.