Don Imus Assignment 4/19

Short Answer: a few sentences for each question:

1. According to the NAACP, why should Imus be silenced?

The NAACP is worried that Imus' statements will enforce bigotry and homophobia in society. They also say that it could cheapen people's views on minorities and women and further promote negative veiws on those people by making racist and sexist comments.

2. According to Frank Rich, why should Imus not be silenced?

Frank Rich's main point is that freedom of speech makes it so that you have the freedom to say whatever you want no matter what affects that it has. Rich also points out that Imus isn't the only comedian or shock jock that could face reprocusions from the desicion to can him.

Long Answer: Write a short essay, w/ intro, body and conclusion, about 4-5 paragraphs with at least 4 sentences each.

3. Do you think Imus should be silenced? Why?

The Don Imus statement was a very serious one. But before judgment can be dished out, you must first look at the situation on both sides before making an opinion on the matter. In the following paragraphs I will tell you my opionion on the controversy after I had reviewed both sides of the battlefield.

Don Imus may not have made the smartest decision to open his mouth that day and utter what might be his downfall, but he shouldn't be condemned for it. As a matter of fact it is his civil right to say whatever he wants to say about anything. The first amendment in the constitution is the right to free speech and this is exactly what he was exersizing. Imus' comment probably wasn't the smartest decision but it was his decision and everybody else needs to deal with it.

Another great thing about our country is our level of technology. We have the technology to broadcast radiowaves across the country so that one little voice can reach the ears of hundreds of millions. Now if these hundreds of millions happend to be angered or offended by the opinions of one person we also have this great little technological advancement of radio tuners which can be moved. If you don't like one radio jock's opinion, switch the channel!

Honestly I think that it was a shame that Imus was put out of a job and will probably screwed over for the rest of his life as he will be branded a racist and sexist and will have a very hard time keeping or reciving a job. I hope that he is able to find a home on XM or Sirrius radio so that people, who would like to hear his constitutionally provided opinions, can. Fortunatly I do not believe that he was fired strictly because of what he said. While the reason does have to do with it, it is probably more due to the loss of advertisement money and listener approval; and not because CBS and MSNBC were acting against our rights.

I happen to be a strong believer in the right to free speech and highly against censorship because the priviledge to be able to be exposed to uncensored opinions and thoughts is what make our citizens different. They are able to think for themselves and form their own thoughts on events and happenings. Who are the NAACP to come into the situation to tell people that they shouldn't be able to listen to somebody's opinion? where is the democracy in that? if I am talking to a friend about something the the NAACP doesn't like, are they going to come tell me that I can't continue to say that because it might offend my friend? of course not! this is America people, we have the freedom to think, feel, and decide without the help of Big Brother and that's what makes us great.