MSNBC Fires Don Imus Over Racial Slur, Why The Outrage? - Page 2
But why is this such a big deal?
The answer is simple: context. Imus had ZERO context for using such a racially charged and degrading remark about women, let alone African-American women who are in essence, living their dream to the fullest. Back in the 90's I worked for a major women's college basketball team and the competition to get into a school at the level of Rutgers, let alone the upper echalon's like UConn and Tennessee is fierce. These women are pursued for years. Scouted as young as 6th grade through summer AAU camps. These aren't "nappy-headed ho's" these are high caliber females who must not only show tremendous prowess on the court, but present the whole package: good grades, well-rounded curriculum and families who are supporting their efforts from the cradle on.
Had Imus called say, Foxy Brown, a "nappy-headed ho" he might have been met with gasps, tongue-clucking and finger-waving, but the fallout would have been nil. You can get away with calling someone who conducts themselves in the manner of a ho, a ho (no offense Foxy, but come on) but you CANNOT get away with calling highly revered, exemplary people who have done NOTHING to bring on such insults, these kinds of names without getting yourself skewered alive.Â
Off the cuff is one thing -- blatantly hateful racial slurs without even the slightest hint off reality -- is quite another. Imus, maybe it's high time you retire, make amends and apologize to your wife.
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