Freedom of Speech - The Final Frontier
Why do we let people like Al Sharpton dictate how we are supposed to feel and what needs to be done about it? I was never a big Imus fan. I think he’s very opinionated and usually I didn’t agree with his opinions. What did I do about it? I didn’t listen to his show. What a concept! If you find something on the radio that’s objectionable, then change the channel. Do the same with television or any other form of entertainment. If you don’t like rap music, then don’t listen to it and don’t buy it. That’s how you show your support or lack thereof. We have freedom of speech without actually having the freedom to speak.
Did anyone question Mr. Sharpton about his ethics before heeding his suggestion calling for Imus’ head on the chopping block? I don’t think so. If they did they would have realized what a headline grabbing, bandwagon jumping, loud mouth idealist he is. Remember the Tawana Brawley case? He was quick to jump to her rescue when she accused white men of raping her. But, he never apologized or made any restitution when the truth came out and it was learned she was lying. He was a major contributor in destroying the lives of innocent men and never answered to anyone about it. Yet, when he decides to rant and drag someone else through the mud, we just let him. What, exactly kind of Reverend is he? And what kind of Reverend doesn’t include forgiveness in his repertoire?
I’m ashamed I didn’t do more than I did. Maybe it’s time more people stand up against hypocrisy before all of our rights are gone.
I’ve been struggling for a way to summarize my thoughts behind the Imus scandal. I also don’t listen to his show. I never really cared for him or rather never really cared to listen and hear what he was all about. Every day our freedoms get stripped from us. It’s easy to criticize and point fingers. Some people’s careers are built on it.
I don’t agree with what Imus said, but that is ok. I’m not Imus and it would be a tragedy if everyone thought the same thoughts. Racism and ignorance are terrible things, but firing a radio personality isn’t going to change anything. It only makes it seem like CBS did the right thing. Instead of pointing the finger, getting Imus fired, and then letting the whole thing blow over until the next person says something bad, why are the issues tackled head on?
I believe when a victim plays the part of the victim they make themselves inferior. I think a more appropriate response would have been to stand up and say the comments fell on deaf ears instead of isolating the black community from “everyone” else.
Comment by Eric Brown — April 13, 2007 @ 3:18 pm