Letters to the Editor
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Why This Matters
Chances are many of you were as angered and disgusted as I was by Don Imus's comments. I believe strongly that even protected speech has consequences. We can help send a message that racist/sexist cant like this is not acceptable by pressuring advertisers to not support Imus.
Two of Imus's advertisers, Staples and Bigelow Teas, have already suspened their advertising. To encourage them to make these suspensions permanent, I have written to thank these companies and ask them not to resume advertising with Imus in the future. If you would like to do similarly, you can click on the links below:
http://www.bigelowtea.com/contact/
http://www.staples.com/sbd/content/help/contact/other_quest.html
I understand that Imus is a jerk who can say what he likes. People have suggested that we should just ignore him. I disagree. I don't feel Imus's comments should go unanswered. I look at my young daughter and shudder at the thought that no matter what she becomes, she could be reduced to the most base racist and sexual stereotypes and the country will accept it as business as usual. I won't accept it and I hope others won't either.
To Tim in Auckland, institutional racismis a vital problem, but it is only moments like this when it becomes visible to most white people. Hate speech should be met with more speech (and economic boycotts/pressure).