Letters to the Editor
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Imus, and his less couth brethern, live for such scandals
Here in Philadelphia, the airwaves are full of minor league shock jocks who would love to be at the center of this Imus scandal. The more they offend so-called special interest groups (women, African-Americans, Latinos, Gays and anyone else that isn't precisely them), they more their listeners hail them as heroes. And frankly, I’ve heard things locally that far out-offensive what Imus said.
And what Imus said is offensive, but his show is so popular because it reflects a kind of "man on the street" reality that endears him to his listeners. I believe his comments do reflect the sentiments of certain people who sit around shooting the breeze in sports bars. His comments also, as some people have pointed out, feel tame and quaint when compared to some of the gangster rap lyrics that Al Sharpton has said reflects the reality of his community. Of course, the context of those lyrics is different but I do believe there is a relationship between that music and perpetuation of racist attitudes among non-African-Americans.
Do I like what Imus said? No. Do I approve? No. But I do believe the massive popularity of his show and the sheer number of his local imitators reflects uncomfortable things about our society. Not just racism, but anger, misogyny and stupidity. And I find that useful in that it keeps me from feeling safe in my little liberal bubble.
Calling for his head makes many people feel good, but it doesn't solve anything. The same conversations will go on in private. Imus makes the private public, and again, that is the great thing about free speech. It lets us know what we are dealing with and what work still needs to be done.