Blog Post #2

http://www.iwpr.org/blog/2007/04/raising_gender_issues_in_sports.html

A couple of weeks ago radio show host Don Imus, who’s show aired on MSNBC, made some derogatory remarks about the Rutgers women’s basketball team. Amid a discussion of the team, he called the women “nappy-headed ho’s.” This slanderous statement is a knock both to the ethnicity and the gender of these players, and it has no place in professional journalism or sports casting. After a plethora of complaints were filed, Imus finally offered up an apology and the show was suspended for two weeks as punishment. CBS radio fired Imus last Thursday following a strong public outcry against him and dwindling support from many of the show's sponsors.

As a young woman and sports fan, it’s very disappointing to be reminded once again that the world of sports is still dominated by men who seem to think that they can make such remarks without repercussions. Many in my generation reacted only with a sigh of resignation at the fact that this is the world we live in and comments like these are commonplace, especially in sports. I do not sigh with resignation, rather I get angry and frustrated by the lack of outrage.


My Comments:
It is unfortunate that the Rutgers Women’s Basketball Team ended, not with celebration, but which so much controversy. It is unfortunate, but comments like those that Don Imus made have become a common place in everyday language. Imus met his fate and was ultimately fired, but what is being done to the myriad of others using there words that degrade women?

I do not believe that censoring everyone is the answer to all our problems; as Americans we should all value our right to freedom of speech. It is unfortunate though, that society essentially picks and chooses what they find offensive, often based on who is saying it. Rappers such as Ludacris, 50 Cent, and Snoop Dogg have been using the term ho for years and they have lauded for their lyrical prowess. Howard Stern often views women as merely sex objects, but he is seen as being revolutional in what he speaks about; he was selected to be part of Time Magazine's "Time 100: The People who shape our world".

I am not condoning what Imus said, it was riddled with racism and sexism; I do believe however that in dealing with these situations, there should be a sort of precedent set. This, of course, will never happen because society will continue to applaud what they like, and be offended by what they feel is offensive.