Shock Jocks

As an addendum to the McGhee story, Tom W also mentioned the Don Imus Affair. The story he referenced comments on Imus' connections with mainstream media, and why he has been tolerated so long. Imus' comments were uncalled for and are part and parcel of a long sordid history that stretches for decades. I frankly don't believe the man gives a rat's ass about what he says. However, he is not alone (Howard Stern anyone?), and that includes African-American counterparts who probably need to be taken behind the woodshed, such as this duo.

The N-word, slurs against women, homosexuals and nearly every ethnic and religious group under the sun interspersed with philosophical musings are staples of the peppery banter

If debasing language and slurs are offensive, then they are offensive no matter who speaks them. What passed for acceptable in the 19th century ought not to be acceptable today.

Referring to Power99, the radio station;

It rejects the notion of being insensitive to the community it serves, pointing to hours of anti-violence and youth leadership service projects, education forums, money raised for Katrina survivors and other causes and activities it has sponsored through the years.

If the foregoing is not an acceptable excuse for allowing DJs (like Imus) to make offensive comments, than it should not be an acceptable excuse regardless of the DJ's race, ethnicity, gender, age, religious beliefs, or gender orientation. If I left anyone out, consider yourself included now.

The suspension of Imus is appropriate. Whether or not he keeps his job is up to CBS. I don't know if we will ever rid ourselves of shock jocks, one can only hope.