First, let me tackle the recent flap involving Don Imus. The radio shock jock got himself in serious hot water by calling the Rutgers University Women's Basketball Team "nappy headed ho's" on his radio program, also simulcasted on television, the morning following their loss to the University of Tennessee in the NCAA championship game. He apparently thought nobody would notice. Well, people did. And they let him know, in no uncertain terms, that what he said on the airwaves was totally unacceptable. The National Association of Black Journalists immediately called for Imus' dismissal from CBS and MSNBC.A day later, Imus issued an apology which was followed by actions that indicated the apology was not sincere. MSNBC announced it would no longer simulcast "Imus In The Morning," removing his television presence. A day after that, CBS announced it was pulling the plug on the radio show, altogether.
Imus met personally with the Rutgers team and offered a personal apology, which the team accepted. But as their coach, C. Vivian Stringer told reporters, forgiveness will take time.
Don Imus' comments were first seen as racially insensitive, and they were considering the Rutgers team has a African-American head coach and the majority of the young women playing on the team are African-American. But on a deeper level, his comments were just as much sexist as they were racist.
He pretty much got what he deserved in terms of losing his show. While the decisions of MSNBC and CBS were likely driven as much by economics as they were outrage, it is important to understand that while freedom of speech is a foundation of this great nation, there are limits to the platforms from which one may speak, particularly when the speech is offensive and the platform is public.
Oh, Good Evening!
Next, let me say something about the horrible tragedy that took place at Virginia Tech University last Monday. I was standing in a restaurant waiting for a carry-out order when I saw a news report about the shooting on campus. At the time, they were reporting at least 20 people killed. I gasped, then said a silent prayer for the victims and the school's community. By the time I got to work, the number of dead had grown to more than 30.We'll probably never know why Cho Sueng Hui went on his violent and deadly rampage, killing 32 people-- faculty and fellow students-- then killing himself. But, it does appear that he wanted the world to know since he sent a disturbing package of writings, photographs, and video messages to NBC News in the hours between his two shooting episodes.
May the victims of the Virginia Tech Massacre rest in peace. May the family of Cho Sueng Hui find peace as they live on in the shadow of his heinous deed. And, while I'm sure it's very easy for some to wish that Cho Sueng Hui, himself, rot in Hell, I have faith that there is redemption for everyone who seeks it. I pray that Cho is seeking redemption in whatever after world he now exists. It's clear he didn't feel at peace in this world. It's a shame he could not resolve his issues before destroying so many lives.
Oh, Good Evening!
1 comment:
Could not have said it better.
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