April 25, 2007
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Hmmmmm, I wonder why this didn’t make a bigger news splash? VTech overshadowed it? But it happened a day after the Imus incident and was replayed a week or so afterwards. Maybe because they were not a national radio program and because we don’t have an Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson. (Thankfully we don’t.) I’m still surprised that none of the women’s lib groups didn’t join in the slaughter of Imus.
The fallout has been interesting though, the comparison of hip-hop and rap music to what Imus said and how one is considered art and MUST be protected under the First Amendment. And then we know what happened to Imus. Double standard definitely. Even if Russell Simmons says there needs to be a cleanup of music; racism and derogatory comments will always be present. Pessimist viewpoint? Sure, but I grew up being mocked by the same minority major. Did they enjoy it when they were mocked by others? Not at all. I’m still standing by the double standard viewpoint.
And yes, what Imus said was wrong and hurtful but he should have been protected by the First Amendment. It was the right of CBS/NBC to fire him because he represents them and they don’t want that connection to those comments. However, no one has come out to say he should have been protected by the First Amendment. Oh well, he’ll just end up on XM/Sirus like Stern.
I’m still waiting for those changes to the Second Amendment as well.
