Thoughts on Imus

Okay, so I wrote most of this over the weekend, and it took me a while to go back and finish. But finally, the Don Imus controversy has died down. Unfortunately, it took a tragedy to make it disappear.
Even though Imus apologized more than once, CBS received enough pressure from advertisers to fire him. And after spending several years as a broadcaster, I, just like every other broadcaster in America, have a few thoughts on the situation.
Naturally you have to feel sorry for the Rutger's players. They had a successful season, finishing second, and yet they're receiving more publicity for this incident then they've probably received the entire season. The media is whipping themselves into a frenzy (as is always the case) to get these girls on the air, but where was the media when the actual season was in progress?
However, you also have to have some pity for the team from Tennessee. I realize the remarks weren't made toward them, but this controversy will over-shadow the accomplishment of their season. Tennessee played a tough game against Rutger's to win the national championship and yet the season is ruined by the remarks of a cranky, old radio personality. In most instances, ask people who Rutger's played in the game, and they probably couldn't tell you. And to be honest, I was one of them. In fact, until this scandal broke, I couldn't have even named the two teams that made the final game.
Another of the big concerns is whether Imus is a racist or not. I've never listened to Imus before and can't make that call. Has he been known to make comments similar to this... I don't know. One stupid comment doesn't make you a racist. If there's a visible pattern of his behavior, then I would lean in that direction. The truer statement might be that he's an insensitive idiot. He was trying to be outrageous (like Michael Richards) and said something in poor taste. Unfortunately in our society, shock value sells and the stakes keep getting higher. However, the statements can also be construed as sexist, which doesn't seem to be getting an equal amount of play.
Of course, many people began turning to the rap industry for their portrayal of women in their lyrics and claim a double standard. Maybe, but rap lyrics generally shy away from naming particular women as ho's. Imus referred to a group of women that could be identified and got busted. That doesn't make rap lyrics better, but it's harder to demand an apology. I'm willing to bet if someone used a similar phrase to describe someone like Beyonce, then you'd see an uproar.
Freedom of speech has also been mentioned in some arguments and that Imus has the right to make that statement. However, the fact is that the government can't limit free speech and this was a case where commerce dictated the situation. Sure, the government does control the airwaves, but CBS made the call. Listeners threatened the livelihood of CBS, the advertisers responded and CBS took the obvious fiscal path. And freedom of speech is a double-edged sword; it includes speech you don't want to hear and yet you'll also be held accountable for your statements.
But now the controversy has taken a backseat and hopefully we will soon return to the important things in life, like the father of Anna Nicole's baby.