Hello Sybil and Everyone,
I agree with Sybil that we have a much bigger issue at hand here---how
do we hold the Imus' of the world accountable when the rap industry is
making millions of dollars using the same language.
As an instructor who teaches the Intro to Mass Media class on our campus
regularly, I often challenge my students-most of who are white
citizens-to become more media literate. For example, with the issue of
rap music, it is a known fact that (white) rap music genre (company)
moguls are known for overwhelming choosing to give their largest, most
lucrative contracts mainly to rap artists who use explicit and offensive
language targeted to (black) women. Very few artists who make
liberating, conscience type rap music get the big contracts. At the
same time, white males ages 16-24 purchase 70% of all rap music. So, is
there any wonder that Imus didn't have a clue? Though I'm sure he has
one now.
For more on the rap music controversy, I recommend viewing the recently
released documentary "Beyond Beats & Rhymes," by Independent filmmaker
Byron Hurt. You may read more about the film at:
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/hiphop/
Lillie M. Fears
________________________________
From: Sybril Bennett [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2007 11:50 AM
To: LILLIE FEARS
Cc: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Imus apology too little too late; 'It's time for him to go'
Hello Everyone,
I am encouraged by the public outcry. Unfortunately, MSNBC and CBS Radio
did not sanction Imus properly. Clearly, if they wanted to send a
message, his suspension should have included part if not all of the
month of May which is the sweeps/ratings period. I wonder will he be
using vacation time. Some news personalities take vacation just before
sweeps.
The other challenge is the issue raised on the Tom Joyner Morning Show
as well as in other forums, how do we hold the Imus' of the world
accountable when the rap industry is making millions of dollars using
the same language?
We need to have forums nationwide to determine if the Black community
collectively cares. I know I'm on a tangent but many of you understand
what I am saying.
If we do not value ourselves, who will value us?
Peace,
Sybril
LILLIE FEARS wrote:
From: Lionel C. Barrow, Jr. [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Saturday, April 07, 2007 7:32 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Imus apology too little too late; 'It's time for him to go'
I agree. Imus and McGuirk have to go.
l.c. barrow, jr., ph.d., former dean, School of Communications, Howard
U. and a NABJ member.
From: NABJ <[log in to unmask]> <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Date: 2007/04/06 Fri PM 06:01:00 CDT
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Imus apology too little too late; 'It's time for him to
go'
Imus apology too little too late; 'It's time for him to
go'
Imus apology too little too late; 'It's time for him to go'
WASHINGTON April 6, 2007
The
National Association of Black Journalists remains outraged after the
racially inflammatory insults made by radio personality Don Imus, even
though the shock jock offered a two-line apology days after he called
members of the Rutgers women's basketball team 'nappy-headed ho's.'
NABJ is calling for the immediate removal of Imus and his WFAN
producer, Bernard McGuirk - who referred to the players as "jigaboos and
wannabees" - by Monday morning.
The association also questions if sponsors of his show - which
include
the New York Stock Exchange, The New York Times, Simon & Schuster,
Random House and Newsday - will want to continue to be associated with
the program.
"What he said has deeply hurt too many people - black and white,
male
and female," said Bryan Monroe, NABJ president. "His so-called apology
comes two days after the fact, and it is too little, too late."
Imus has had a history of racial insults on his program, having
called
award-winning journalist Gwen Ifill of PBS a "cleaning lady" and
referring to columnist William Rhoden of the New York Times as "a quota
hire."
"As journalists, we firmly believe in the First Amendment and
free
speech," Monroe added. "But free speech comes with responsibility, and
sometimes with consequences. His removal must be that consequence."
"These were nothing but hard working student athletes - young
women,
just trying to do their best. After 40 years on the air, it is clear
that he has lost touch with all that is decent and honorable in
America," said Monroe. "It is time for him to go."
NABJ appreciates the swift action from NBC and its cable channel
MSNBC
in condemning his remarks, and now hopes the network will continue to do
the right thing and separate itself permanently from the incendiary
host.
On his show at 6 a.m. Friday morning, Imus read the following
prepared
statement: "Want to take a moment to apologize for an insensitive and
ill-conceived remark we made the other morning regarding the Rutgers
women's basketball team. It was completely inappropriate, and we can
understand why people were offended. Our characterization was
thoughtless and stupid, and we are sorry."
MSNBC also issued the following statement: "While simulcast by
MSNBC,
'Imus in the Morning' is not a production of the cable network and is
produced by WFAN Radio. As Imus makes clear every day, his views are
not those of MSNBC. We regret that his remarks were aired on MSNBC and
apologize for these offensive comments."
An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ
is the
largest organization of journalists of color in the nation, with nearly
4,000 members, and provides educational, career development and support
to black journalists worldwide.
Contact:
Kristin Palmer Communications Manager
Email: [log in to unmask]
Phone: 301.445.7100, ext 107
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