There is much that can be said regarding Don Imus’ incident, but in this brief assessment I will keep my comments to some general ideas that surface behind the scenes. Imus’ words were unfortunate, but beyond unfortunate, they were said in a context where certain words can be treated as dangerously as those by the KKK. Liberal Postmoderns may be saying: “But words do not have meaning outside of what we give them.” In this case, each word has a profound meaning, leading to profound consequences. Janet Jackson’s bodily “oops” is nothing in comparison to this. The radio airwaves are becoming more and more limited in what can be said. The spies are everywhere seeking to find a meaning within the meaning. But in this case the spies did not have much work to do. It was just too clear. Before continuing, let me recommend my friend Dan’s excellent remarks on De Civitate Dei.
The publicity of this event is superb in light of the shallow ratings of both Al Sharpton and Don Imus. Both are second class radio talk show hosts with little knowledge of political theory, and both are “progressive” thinkers. By that, I mean they are both for anything that is for anything.
Al Sharpton invited Imus to his program to discuss his remarks (hence, the title of this article). The interview is replete with apology after apology. Sharpton continues to be the sole representative for the liberal black community. Perhaps I should mention Jesse Jackson, but in the end of the day both share identical ideologies and both hide behind the title Reverend; never earned by a Trinitarian church, hence making their ordination a hoax.
There is no need to rehash all the incident and background (here is a summary); my purpose here is to state the ideas behind the incident. First of all, what happened with Don Imus was more than a slip. It reveals what is deeper within, but Imus is not an amateur; he should have been more careful, but it is possible that he may have had a particularly bad morning. It happens with everyone. Nevertheless, in our politically correct culture – he should be fired. a Why? Simply because this is the direction of a politically correct society; say only what you want others to hear. And if this is the direction of our sensitive culture, then Imus deserves to be fired.
Secondly, Imus’ racial comment reveals an interesting reality about our society: our skin color dictates who we are. No longer are we bound to the teaching that says: “God looks on the inside.” Our outward appearing carries on the climax of human existence today. This is not to say that the outward does not matter, indeed it does. But one can hide who he is without revealing too much of his inner being.
Thirdly, Imus’ words reveals his perception of the world, or his worldview. He perceives women who are black and who tattoo their bodies as prostitutes (this is a more direct summary of his phraseology). This is a powerful reminder that all people have presuppositions and that it affects all of us. The way we perceive reality will be clearly demonstrated in our assessment of society at large.
Fourthly, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are deceivers. They fool portions of the black community to think that there is a war raging America; and it is either the whites or the blacks that will hold the trophy in the end of the day. If it were not for their roles in American politics in the last 30 years, it is possible that this country would have made much more progress in this great racial divide in our culture.
Fifthly, it must be noted that these men do not speak for all blacks. b They speak for a group of people that still abide in the days of the Civil Rights. Even if they are treated properly they still think they were not treated properly enough. These people still believe that society owes a large debt for the misery of their forefathers. This reminds me of what Thomas Sowell c once said: “Civil rights used to be about treating everyone the same. But today some people are so used to special treatment that equal treatment is considered to be discrimination. ” Further, the state and the Lincolnian cult d are their great fathers. This great father provides for all their needs. When disaster occurs, our father is there. When there are no funds to attend college, our father is there. But there are blacks who still believe that working hard brings food to the table; that sacrificing for your family, brings hope to their children, and that loving out Father who art in heaven is much greater than loving our father who art on earth.
So, Don Imus will continue to apologize again and again. First, on his miserable government endorsed radio program, then in a pathetic way to Al Sharpton, then to the girls in the basketball team (these are the only ones he needs to ask forgiveness), and then to all peoples, because he has become the new target for self-aggrandizing con-men with “Rev.” as their titles.
- MSNBC drops Imus simulcast (back)
- I am a dark skinned South American, in case anyone is wondering; so I have an invested interest in this issue for may reasons (back)
- Sowell is a black economist (back)
- A term used to define the all-powerful state, due to our 16th president, see Thomas DiLorenzo (back)
Amen.
I’m certainly no fan of Don Imus. Quite frankly, I thought his show was rather boring. He is, however, a professional who should have known better.
The sad fact, however, is that he said nothing but that which is constantly repeated in gangsta rap music, blasted into the ears of our young people on a daily basis. In fact, much of that stuff is even worse.
Therefore, it wasn’t what was said. It was the skin color of the person who said it.
I agree, except gangsta rap music is not under scrutiny of mother government.