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Black Collegian News & Views At
Rutgers, We Want Imus' Resignation
By Jessica Durando
Black College Wire
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| Jessica Durando |
First it was Michael Richards, then Ann Coulter, then Gen. Peter
Pace, and now Don Imus.
Richards, the stand-up comedian, used a racial slur, Coulter, the
conservative commentator, used a derogatory term for gays in connection
with former senator John Edwards. Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, tried to play down his statement that "I believe homosexual acts
between two individuals are immoral and that we should not condone
immoral acts."
Another apology, another suspension. What else is new?
Don Imus made severely damaging comments against women and women of
color. He also attacked the pride of the Scarlet Knights basketball
team, Rutgers University as an institution of higher learning and every
student on campus.
He does not deserve a two-week suspension from CBS Radio and MSNBC;
instead, he deserves to be removed from his syndicated radio show, which
goes out over more than 70 stations.
As a student at Rutgers University, I feel deeply saddened that
swifter action has not been taken by the networks to fire Imus.
And I do not believe the Rutgers community is asking for his apology;
I believe we are asking for his resignation.
Walking through downtown New Brunswick, N.J., during this past
basketball season, I saw the sense of Rutgers pride toward these
outstanding women. With banners donning the words "Scarlet Knights
City," it seems that through sports, Rutgers has infiltrated the outer
community.
I followed the games where Coach C. Vivian Stringer brought a team
from having next to no shot to competing in the Final Four.
And Imus dared to take that away from them — by making ludicrous
comments, which inflicted hurt and pain on a Cinderella-story team.
The networks' reaction and Imus' seeking an in-person apology conveys
our society's attitude toward bigotry. It is a tell-tale sign of where
our country stands on offending innocent, successful individuals with
sexist, racist remarks.
Another slap on the wrist, another suspension. What else is new?
Better yet, when will it change?
Jessica Durando, a Rutgers University student,
is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Targum. She is an editorial intern
at DiversityInc, for whom this was originally written. © DiversityInc
2007. Articles in the Voices section represent the views of their
authors, and not necessarily those of Black College Wire. To comment,
e-mail bcwire@hotmail.com.
Posted April 11, 2007 |
