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It’s not a matter of skin color- it is a matter of skin thickness.
Topics: Imus, Rutgers, self-help, civil rights
Posted by qvjayne Thu Apr 12, 2007 17:32:47 PDT
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Prior to the extensive media attention to the remarks made by Don Imus, the Rutgers women had not been his fans, and a large percentage of these young women, (if not 100%)  had not even heard of Don Imus. With that in mind, the level of offense taken by his remarks should have been minimal at best. These young women know what they are; they know what they have accomplished; and they know their own goals. Their lives are not validated by Don Imus or any other human being. Nothing has been snatched from them. Their accomplishments are still valid.

 

In comparison, each time a derogatory remark or degrading comment is made about George W. Bush, if public apologies were demanded and as much hoopla was made through the media, all journalists, comedians, or other news personalities would be targeted to be fired at some point.

 

The fabric of effective comedy makes fun of people…black people, white people and every color between. Making fun of people within a comedy venue, though potentially offensive, is meant to entertain and instigate laughter. The social dilemma with Don Imus’ remarks, and the level of insult taken by the Rutgers Basketball team is not a matter of the color of their skin- it is a matter of the thickness. When a black person makes a remark about black people, it is considered comedy, but when a white person makes a remark, it’s racism. Why is that?

 

I asked a very close black friend to explain that to me and this is what he said. “When we call each other the “N word” we are talking about the person we are looking at, but when white people say the “N word” they are referring to all blacks.”

 

From my perspective, that explanation in itself implied that either black people have the ability to look into the minds of white people on a psychic level in order to ascertain the intent and context of their verbal expressions; or there is a huge chip on their shoulders that fools them into believing they are inherently being victimized by all white people. The first time I ever heard the term “knappy-headed” it came out of the mouth of a black person. Never before had I heard it from any white source.

 

When Al Sharpton brought his own daughter onto the set to face Don Imus, the explanation given by my black friend was clearly demonstrated. Don Imus didn’t know Sharpton’s daughter, had never met her before, and knew nothing of her life; but due to the remarks he made on the air about the Rutgers women, Sharpton implied that Imus referred to the entire black female race.

 

If an injustice is done by anyone- regardless of race, that warrants an apology, the person against whom the act or deed was done is the only one that deserves the apology- not their entire race or gender. The person to whom the apology is owed, is the only person(s) qualified to accept the apology and/or forgive the offender.

 

If any news personality, for example, makes a derogatory remark, comment, or opinion about George W. Bush that is inappropriate and he or she owes an apology- he or she owes the apology to George W. Bush and should not be expected to visit all white schools, white churches, and other white institutions to apologize to the whole race for the inappropriate indiscretion.

 

Society is not nearly as victimized as the media contends. The media is responsible for sensationalizing and intensifying situations and embellishing facts to invoke inflamed emotional responses by a vast audience.  It’s the stuff ratings are made of, but that doesn’t make it appropriate. I wonder how many would advocate that Donald Trump and Rosie O’Donnell visit groups that may have been offended by comments exchanged during their cat fight. Since they are the same race, it was widely assumed that they meant the comments for each other and no one else.

 

In order to overcome the divide created between races, empowerment is found first in being comfortable in one’s own skin. Personal choice provides an enormous potential to be validated only by God and not the ramblings of anyone outside the self. Pre-conceived notions are rarely synonymous with reality or fact. Merely assuming through pre-conceived notion that all white people secretly dislike all black people doesn’t make it fact. Brush the chip off your shoulders and focus on your goals. Media attention will not affect your ability to achieve a higher standard each day, but your behavior and the way you react will play an important part in the final outcome of your own personal excellence.  Stand up for what is right- even if you are the only one standing.

 

Americans of all races, colors, religions, and creeds are protected under the Constitution of the United States with regard to freedom of speech. Judgment (above and beyond matters of law) resides within the sole jurisdiction of God. With this idea in mind, Don Imus did not break the law even though his remark was inappropriate. He apologized- it’s time to move on. Imus didn’t take away the glory of the Rutgers women- the media did.

 

Be careful judging Don Imus… lest ye be judged.

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Comment From: tedabrown

Very well said, and I agree fully with you on this... And Thank You for saying it out loud and clear!