Over the last week the Don Imus fiasco as brought out a plethora of emotions, comments, and discussion. The one that was most prevalent is the issue of the "Double Standard".

Why is it OK for someone black to say it but not Imus? Well first as an African American I do not think its OK for anyone of any background to make such comments. Not all of Black America agrees with the music(rappers) and media(entertainers) that promote and portray the language such as what Don Imus said. Black America is as diverse as America itself on issues and ideas including this one. I do believe however with the fall of Don Imus we must turn our attention to hip hop music and other media outlets. This is the fight that will be fought long and hard on all sides.

First dealing with music. Hip Hop Music is a multi-million dollar industry. In particular "gangsta" rap and music with sexual content. This is what sells. So you now must ask not only the people who make the music to change but the people who give them millions to stop promoting it. Are these people willing to lose money to help stop the culture of violence, hate and sexism to save the children who listen to this music of all ages and ethnic backgrounds? Of course not.

Sales numbers will tell you most of this music is bought by middle class urban white kids. So this not a black issues or white issue this is an American issue. What are we saying if this is acceptable to our kids now? Well we know, look at the news, shootings, violence, and worse. Al, Jesse, and all of those who protested Imus and pulled their ads need to take a breath and take on this issue. Imus though he may have is own issues and hangups would not have felt as comfortable saying this if we allowed others to say it and make it acceptable to a certain extent.

We must take responsibility as well.

As for the media it is somewhat of a tragedy that we never would have learn the gifts these women have if not for Imus. Where is the positive media that promotes minorities and I am not talking about just African Americans? These women not only are basketball players but intelligent woman and future leaders of our world. That is only topic in itself I just had to throw it in here as a side thought.

Back to the standard, I am waiting to see if Al, Jesse, and others pick up the torch and march and protest at Def Jam and other places that promote this music and seek the same results. If not there will be another "Imus incident" and another and another which means who really needs to be apologizing next time and maybe get fired?

Maybe we do... to ourselves, our community, and to our children.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

| | | | | | | |