Don Imus, take responsibility for the impact!

Blog: 4/11/2007
Imus comments
Pastor Flo’s Perspective


The "shock jock" style of radio talk hosts has finally given us a true indication of just how insensitive we as Americans have become. While it is obvious that bigotry, racism and sexism plague our society, we often times” ignore it”, call it "funny" or try to reduce the impact of these harmful thoughts and words. As far as I am concerned this is a lack of integrity on the part of Don Imus. It appears that his words are simply a reflection of his inner thoughts. What was meant to be "entertainment", “funny” and a “ joke”, wasn’t funny at all. In fact his remarks were insulting, insensitive and embarrassing to all parties., especially himself. This type of behavior is intolerable, and someone must take responsibility starting with Imus,
Should he be fired? Not necessarily! Because there is no responsibility without accountability, Imus, must be held accountable for his words. ( After all this isn’t the first time his “words” have been racist, sexist and bigoted). While he has made a public apology, he also needs to apologize in person to the women of Rutgers basketball team and staff. (which I understand has been done) He also needs to be required, (mandated) during his suspension to attend extensive diversity training that intentionally deals with racism and sexism. In order to restore his character he needs to see the impact of his words in a live setting, with women, people of color, rich and poor. If he refuses, then termination is in order.
As a person in the public eye, Imus will have an opportunity to demonstrate what an apology with “teeth” looks like. By taking seriously what it means to atone for one’s wrong, people might get a glimpse of humility, up close and personal. While this type of training might not change his heart, it will change his "mouth", and it help him to respect women and people of color or at least examine himself.
Perhaps this is just what we needed, a wakeup call to see just how sexist and bigoted our society really is. I don't care who does it, referring to women by derogatory names is demeaning and disrespectful. Who makes these types of comments, whether they are comedians, talk show personalities, radio personalities, or any person in the eye of the public, it’s barbaric. As a civilized nation, we should value the humanity and dignity of all people. Blog: 4/11/2007
Imus comments
Pastor Flo’s Perspective


The "shock jock" style of radio talk hosts has finally given us a true indication of just how insensitive we as Americans have become. While it is obvious that bigotry, racism and sexism plague our society, we often times” ignore it”, call it "funny" or try to reduce the impact of these harmful thoughts and words. As far as I am concerned this is a lack of integrity on the part of Don Imus. It appears that his words are simply a reflection of his inner thoughts. What was meant to be "entertainment", “funny” and a “ joke”, wasn’t funny at all. In fact his remarks were insulting, insensitive and embarrassing to all parties., especially himself. This type of behavior is intolerable, and someone must take responsibility starting with Imus,
Should he be fired? Not necessarily! Because there is no responsibility without accountability, Imus, must be held accountable for his words. ( After all this isn’t the first time his “words” have been racist, sexist and bigoted). While he has made a public apology, he also needs to apologize in person to the women of Rutgers basketball team and staff. (which I understand has been done) He also needs to be required, (mandated) during his suspension to attend extensive diversity training that intentionally deals with racism and sexism. In order to restore his character he needs to see the impact of his words in a live setting, with women, people of color, rich and poor. If he refuses, then termination is in order.
As a person in the public eye, Imus will have an opportunity to demonstrate what an apology with “teeth” looks like. By taking seriously what it means to atone for one’s wrong, people might get a glimpse of humility, up close and personal. While this type of training might not change his heart, it will change his "mouth", and it help him to respect women and people of color or at least examine himself.
Perhaps this is just what we needed, a wakeup call to see just how sexist and bigoted our society really is. I don't care who does it, referring to women by derogatory names is demeaning and disrespectful. Who makes these types of comments, whether they are comedians, talk show personalities, radio personalities, or any person in the eye of the public, it’s barbaric. As a civilized nation, we should value the humanity and dignity of all people.