Racism is a Giant Industry
There is no question that the recent comments made by veteran radio talk show host Don Imus were unacceptable!
As I followed the story of Don Imus and his firing and as I heard the comments made by all sides it raised a few questions in my mind:
Spokespersons for both networks (CBS/NBC) mentioned that Don was known to have made offensive remarks on the air before in his career.
That raises the question:
In what moral mindset were the executives at that point in Imus’ career?
It seems hypocritical to react as a network to a demand not by the offended, but by self-proclaimed spokespersons . . . namely Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson. Can we conclude that if advertisers hang in there; nobody in the audience complains, and ratings are up it is “OK”?
-Racism is an industry!
That brings me to the self-proclaimed spokesperson Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jackson. In an interview by the “Today Show” host, Rev. Al Sharpton was NOT willing to forgive Don Imus. (Even though Don apologized several times and asked for forgiveness). Looking at Rev. Al Sheraton’s career as a civil rights activist, I remember the following incident:
In 1991a Hasidic Jewish driver in
It seems that this former Presidential candidate is the equal of a David Duke in his attitudes. Neither one of them seek reconciliation between races or people, but pour gasoline on hurtful moments that divide us. Individuals like Rev. Al Sharpton need these moments, because it offers them a lifestyle, and financial support as a career civil rights leader.
- Racism is an industry!
Then there are the advertisers like P&G, Staples, American Express, etc. who pulled there ads from the Don Imus Show in response to “ ? “. Well, I really do not know the answer! Because, as mentioned before, Don Imus made unwarranted remarks before and I guess it was OK then, but it is not OK now. Hypocritically their ads run on networks like BET, etc., where women are depicted in music videos with (sexual) words that I do not want to repeat on this Blog. The same advertisers sponsor shows on TV that portray adultery as a common part of our society.
- Racism is an industry!
Finally, there are those who produce music videos that have crossed far beyond the lines of decency and common respect for gender and race. Those responsible, like Russel Simmons (who I watched recently on the Oprah Show), explain the artist’s behavior with stories like: “It reflects the upbringing of the artist and the expression of needed change.”
WHAT???
Mr. Simmons [Russel], you make a living from these artists. You make a living by allowing those artists to proclaim words of degradation, sexual obscenity, violence and promote and reinforce racism.
- Racism is an industry!
I say: “STOP!”
We as Christians need to live our values! What Don Imus did was wrong, and there should be an appropriate punishment. What he said should not be forgotten, but must be forgiven. We as Christians must step in and tell Rev. Al Sharpton that he also needs to ask for forgiveness, and that he should set his path on reconciliation. The Gospels tells us of the love God has for us. The Gospel tells us that we are forgiven, once we understand what brought us to the place of needing forgiveness. The Gospel tells us that we must seek peace. Peace in our families, and our communities.
We, as humankind (not as divided races) must bring the industry of Racism down with love and compassion.
Labels: Racism is an industry
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