Radio and TV show host Don Imus is facing heavy criticism both nationally and here at VCU following his recent comments about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team.
Imus, host of the nationally syndicated radio and TV show, “Imus in the Morning,” referred to the Rutgers University team as “nappy-headed hos” after their loss to the University of Tennessee.
King Salim Khalfani, executive director of the NAACP Virginia State Conference, held a press conference Wednesday, which VCU’s NAACP President Corey Boone attended.
Boone said he is concerned about how Imus characterized black women.
“Don Imus’ statement was degrading to black women. His comments were immoral, and there were no grounds for them,” Boone said.
The comments struck a nerve with freshman Essence Jackson, who felt attacked personally. Jackson said the statement about the team was directed toward all black women.
“It (the comment) goes to all black women, not just those women,” Jackson said. “I was highly upset that he was downing these women. I want him to be fired.”
Both CBS and MSNBC broadcast Imus’ show on TV and radio. While CBS has suspended Imus for two weeks, MSNBC announced late Wednesday it planned to cancel his simulcast. In a previous statement, MSNBC said his future depended on how he conducted himself.
“In addition, his dedication – in his words – to change the discourse on his program moving forward, has confirmed for us that this action is appropriate,” the release stated. “Our future relationship with Imus is contingent on his ability to live up to his word.”
Lynn Owens, assistant professor in the School of Mass Communications, said Imus’ punishment has less to do with his comments and more to do with the bottom line – money.
“I think a lot of what happens to him is going to be based on the company looking to see if what he said is enough to make any kind of impression on the bottom line,” Owens said. “Are people no longer going to listen him? Because if they are not going to listen to him, then there’s no need to have him on the air any longer.”