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Badmovies.org Forum  |  Other Topics  |  Off Topic Discussion  |  The Don Imus Debacle « previous next »
Poll
Question: Do you think Don Imus deserved to be fired?
Yes - 3 (18.8%)
No - 7 (43.8%)
Undecided - 3 (18.8%)
Who is Don Imus? - 3 (18.8%)
Total Voters: 15

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Author Topic: The Don Imus Debacle  (Read 9534 times)
Ash
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« on: April 12, 2007, 10:49:26 PM »

Well, it seems this whole mess with Don Imus has really blown up big time.
CBS actually went ahead and canned Imus.
Here's the article:
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=3035447

Now, I've never really been a fan of his.
Most times, I couldn't stand listening to him for even 5 minutes or even seeing his ugly mug on MSNBC. 
But this whole mess about what he said over the air was blown waaay out of proportion.
Thanks to the Rev. Sharpton and several others, it became a total feeding frenzy.

Do I think what Imus said was right?
Not particularly. 
Believe me, I've heard worse words spoken by other people before.
But now, I actually kind of feel sorry for the guy.
He made every effort to apologize and even went on Al Sharpton's show to speak about it face to face for everybody to hear.

I do not believe he should've been fired.
I agree with the original decision to suspend him...but firing him was too much.

It's funny, they even interviewed Snoop Dogg and he blasted Imus.
Snoop, who is known for saying things 10 times worse than what Imus said is giving his opinion.
Talk about hypocrisy.
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1556803/20070410/snoop_dogg.jhtml

Here's an article that presents both sides:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/BothSidesAllSides/story?id=3030080&page=1

I debated whether or not to post this but since I couldn't think of anything else to write, and the fact that this has been all over the news, I thought some healthy debate could come out of this.

What do you think?
(please, no flame wars)
« Last Edit: April 12, 2007, 11:07:19 PM by Ash » Logged
Scott
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« Reply #1 on: April 12, 2007, 11:01:15 PM »

I'm not defending him, but if he can be fired for this incident then I can think of many cases where others not in the media should also have also been fired for similiar attitudes. If everyone where judged the same there would be a lot of unemployment around Smile. There are also many double standards out there. Just to be fair towards all sides.

I always thought Imus was boring anyway. It seems that the advertising pulled out and that was the bottom line for him being canned.
« Last Edit: April 12, 2007, 11:02:50 PM by Scott » Logged

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« Reply #2 on: April 12, 2007, 11:20:31 PM »

I could just quote Ash's entire post, as it would easily relfect my feelings. I have never cared for Imus, but I find his firing just a bit harsh. Then again, the guy won't be hurting for money and CBS was in their rights to do so. I also get annoyed that people like Sharpton or Jesse Jackson are quick to call for action, but are not so fervent when it comes people like Snoop Dogg (IE other African Americans) that say things that are even worse.
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« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2007, 12:24:58 AM »

Well if Ludacris can lose his Pepsi endorcement deal, then why can't Imus be fired?
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Zapranoth
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« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2007, 01:40:56 AM »

My experience with this thread on other forums is that it is divisive, and doesn't lead anywhere good.

Just saying that.  I'm not a mod or anything, but I'd advise against following this discussion all the way down the rabbit hole, here.   Frankly, I like this forum better than any forum I've ever frequented, and I like the people here better, too.

And besides, I don't need to HEAR Menard's point of view to be able to say that it's wrong... just... wrong...

In all seriousness, though... please, scuttle this one?

(No insult intended to you, either, Ash.)
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Ash
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« Reply #5 on: April 13, 2007, 07:04:44 AM »

My experience with this thread on other forums is that it is divisive, and doesn't lead anywhere good.

In all seriousness, though... please, scuttle this one?

(No insult intended to you, either, Ash.)

Yes...but this isn't your average forum.
The maturity level is a bit higher here than on other boards.
I think we can handle it.   Smile

Sorry, but I'm letting this thread stand.
I stand behind my opinion and to delete this thread because some may think it's "divisive" would be wrong.

No offense taken Zap.
« Last Edit: April 13, 2007, 07:11:59 AM by Ash » Logged
Jack
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« Reply #6 on: April 13, 2007, 07:58:49 AM »

I used to post on political boards, but these days, the thought of phrasing each and every sentence in a way that no one could possibly take offense at anything and allowing for the fact that hyper-sensitivity seems to be the norm, well, it's just exhausting and for the most part makes an honest exchange of opinions impossible. 
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Andrew
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« Reply #7 on: April 13, 2007, 08:00:50 AM »

It is a potentially touchy subject, but also one I was surprised had not been brought up yet.  When I thought about the subject being discussed on here, I knew there would be a possibility of it getting out of hand, but also that some interesting and useful thoughts could come of it.

In general, I think that "shock jock" radio hosts play the line every day.  It is merely a matter of time before they say something that is offensive enough to get them fired or cause advertisers to shy away.  This one turned into a circus because what he said had racial overtones, he is white, and Al Sharpton became involved. 

Honestly, I am disappointed that the Imus issue has gotten this much press (same-same with anything Anna Nicole Smith).  A woman recently died due to a stupid contest (chugging water - she died of water poisoning) held on a radio station.  I think that was on the news for about a day, then it sunk under the main radar.
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Ash
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« Reply #8 on: April 13, 2007, 08:40:47 AM »

So Andrew...
Thanks for chiming in.

Does that mean you're undecided?
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Zapranoth
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« Reply #9 on: April 13, 2007, 09:29:02 AM »

The general pattern, on other boards, appears to be a debate on whether or not this is a free speech amendment issue (which it isn't).

Interestingly, on this board, we don't appear to have a vocal minority that stridently argues that there's a "slippery slope" involved in Imus being fired by his corporate sponsors.

I concede that it's possible that this group of people might be able not only to talk about the issue, but even to listen to what the others have so say...   hot
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« Reply #10 on: April 13, 2007, 10:01:49 AM »

And besides, I don't need to HEAR Menard's point of view to be able to say that it's wrong... just... wrong...

 Question

About ready to ruin your world, honey. Watch your toes; we don't want to see you chip a nail.


(No insult intended to you, either, Ash.)

Happy to see I was included in that. TongueOut


Don Imus.

Other than having heard the name, I was not familiar with him until now. A special thank you to the media for so familiarizing me with yet another personality for whom I don't give a damn.

I do believe I have made it well known on this board before, but for some weak minded pussies that have not gotten it yet, I shall reiterate myself: I Detest Bigots

Bigots are beneath narrow mindedness. Bigots are people who try to judge others by the color of their skin, their religion, or for any other damn reason they choose to use to look upon someone as less than themselves, when, in reality, there is very little in this this world less human than a bigot. (if anybody toes are feeling stepped on at this point, they really need to take a long, hard look at themselves)

As much as I detest bigots, however, as stupid as they are, they have every right and privilege in this country to think and say what they want.

One of the ideals upon which this country was founded is freedom of expression, yet, in the past and in the present, that very freedom is constantly under attack, largely by those who have agendas beyond limiting freedom of speech.


Al (I'll whore anybody) Sharpton: political wannabe.

Al Sharpton has a radio show?

Didn't know that until this Don Imus thing.

Al (I'll whore anybody) Sharpton parades his own daughter out in a face-off with Imus; to use her as an example of the girls to which he referred in his remark. Al (I'll whore anybody) Sharpton whored out his own daughter for a soundbite to further his own self-centered purpose. Al (I'll whore anybody) Sharpton simply uses people for his own, and his alone, purpose, regardless of who they are.


Al (I'll whore anybody) Sharpton, Rush (to judgement) Limbaugh, and Don (who the hell is he) Imus all have radio shows, all say stupid things, are all bigots, have zombie followers who can't think for themselves without a daily dose of stupidity, and all have the right to say any stupid thing they want so long as it does not directly incite a riot or lead to a crime. This is, of course, provided that the networks that back them have the balls to do so; and the networks don't give a damn what anybody says so long as the sponsors are happy.


Ultimately, this is not about what was said. A lot worse things have been said and glossed over. What is afoot here is people taking advantage of a situation to get their soundbites in. Don Imus will come out okay and probably be picked up by even more listeners, both out of curiosity and there are plenty enough people in this country who will heat bigot and think 'I am there with that'. Al Sharpton has made his radio show known and gotten yet another soundbite for himself. Even the coach of the Rutgers team got in her soundbite.


One thing I detest (yeah, make out your own list of things I detest) is simply people who take advantage of a situation for their own purpose. I hate ministers at funerals. They constantly turn a funeral into a conversion speech, and barely say a damn thing, other than the name, to do with the person whose funeral it is.

During my mother's funeral, one minister found himself in the unenviable position of being in a room alone with me just before the funeral. I was just, ever so kindly, telling him how he would behave at my mother's funeral.


All in all, people rushed to their mikes to get in their soundbites yet again. Stupid people with radio shows have gotten more free publicity than any amount of money could have bought them. A basketball coach is probably going to get a raise, or several offers from other schools. And, other than Rutgers, nobody will remember a single player on that team.


All is fair in the world yet again.
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ulthar
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« Reply #11 on: April 13, 2007, 01:22:22 PM »


A lot worse things have been said and glossed over.


Don't have much of an opinion about Imus either way, except to say that I agree with the above quote.  One name I'd like to throw out that I haven't heard.  This guy is often offensive and I really cannot stand him (or his brand of humor).  The thing is, though, he's "offensive" in "the right way."  And he's no dummy.  He knows who not to p**s off and who to kow-tow to.

Of course, I'm talking about Howard Stern.
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« Reply #12 on: April 13, 2007, 04:34:34 PM »

Allnews in this country is entertaiment. To take your mind of the REAL news and IMPORTANT events in the world. Geraldo and Bill O'REIlly had some kinda yelling match on TV awhile. And these to media whores made THEMSELVES an issue.....like they were important! Hollywood,and the media industry live in theyr'e own,self important world...none of which is relevant to  improving society. Yet, clueless dullards eat this sh!t up.
  Don't matter.The publicity of this will eventually get Imus another job real quick.Hell,he should thank MNBC...the guy was old hat...now he's "news"...or what passes for news nowadays....Like an old Russian farmer I usta work for as a kid usta say..." Who cares,doe.It's all bulls**t,doe."( For some reason he said "doe" after every sentence,when he was feeling his oats....)
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« Reply #13 on: April 13, 2007, 04:37:27 PM »

I'm surprised this didn't turn up sooner, but I was away for the first part of the week.

I voted no, but like I said in another thread, I'm surprised this is what did him in. He has said plenty of other things or been associated with such things on his show I would have thought were worse.

I used to watch his show for years on MSNBC. When I lived in Arlington, I listened to him on the radio. I was a fan, I even read his novel God's Other Son. I always considered him an equal opportunity offender. There were things said on his show that bothered me (mostly from Bernie and Bo Dietl), and parts of the show I thought were lame and unfunny (mostly any Rob Bartlett "wacky song parody" and lots of bits with Bartlett and Larry Kenny). When he moved from the radio studio to the MSNBC studios, I thought the show went downhill.

Was it crude, yes; was it offensive, often. But he also had interesting guests from the worlds of politics, sports, history, music, and culture. I enjoyed the mix of high and low. That the same show could have Bernard's Cardinal O'Connor/Egan bits and also have guests like Bill Russell, Kurt Vonnegut, Jeff Greenfield, Willie Nelson, and many of the politicians who were regular on his show for serious or insightful interviews got me to stick out the stuff I didn't like. His show introduced me to The Saw Doctors, a band I love a lot.

Like I said much of the controversial material on the show came from executive producer Bernard McGuirk. He often made me squirm with things he said, about women as well as minorities. However he also made me laugh like when he and the black comedy team Stephan Dwack and Monteria Ivey (who were frequent guests until one died) would try to hail cabs on the edge of Harlem and then harangue the cabbies for bypassing a black man to pick up a white fare (Bernard) instead. McGuirk has said he drove a cab for about nine years so he may have done the very same thing himself, I have no doubt he's a bigot and an expert button pusher.  

IMO Imus deserved another shot, it's not like his track record was a secret especially to his bosses. But it was the loss of advertisers that ultimately sealed his on-air fate. His bosses may hide behind the storm of outrage, but it was the bottom line that cast the final vote, I'd respect them more if they owned up to it.

He couldn't hide behind drug and booze problems and take the rehab route, he's been clean and sober for years. He's probably someone I wouldn't want to meet in real life, for all the good he's done with on-air telethons, donations, his ranch for kids with cancer and SIDS siblings he comes across as a arrogant jerk who has the money and position to not associate with people he doesn't like, of which there are many. Once met a man in DC who said he had lunch with Imus years before, said he was a real jerk, and the guy in question was a notorious curmudgeon even among people who liked him. There are plenty of entertainers, writers, artists, etc whose work I can enjoy or appreciate yet I wouldn't want to associate with them IRL.

I consider Sharpton and Jackson to be opportunists and exploiters who hide behind the veil of being religious and community leaders. They know they can always find an outrage to ride the coattails of, or can whip one up, and won't be called ou it by too many without being able to cry racism at anyone pointing fingers at them.

Sharpton's record can be seen easily, it's been rehashed plenty lately. I thought he was funny on SNL a few years ago, but it was a variation on his attention mongering. Unlike Menard I don't consider him a political wannabe, real elected office would bring some degree of accountability, which he'd never put up with. He can make more money and get more attention doing what he does.

Jackson is Sharpton with a bit more polish and a pretense of respectability (again he made me laugh on SNL in the past, but he's still a scammer). After it was revealed that he impregnated an aide who was with him when he went to the White House to "counsel" Clinton during the Lewinsky mess, I hoped it would do him him in. Of course it didn't. He has his own history of comments that he has outlived.

I heard some of Snoop Dog's comments being read on Dan Patrick's show with Keith Olbermann, when he began to bring up Pac Man Jones, I wrote him off as to having anything revelant to say concerning this. Rappers have gotten away with saying some pretty bad stuff and hiding behind the whole "keeping it real/telling what's happening out there" motif of their genre. It's a double standard as far as I'm concerned.

Limbaugh I consider a cynical performer at this point, like many in talk radio (which is as much entertainment as movies or TV or so much of pop culture which they lambast so often), and another hypocrite in the public realm if he really holds the values he espouses on air, big surprise and get in line. He's well paid to attack people and call it humor or political commentary, whichever serves his purpose at the moment.

Sorry if I'm rambling, I'm bouncing between topics right now. I can remember once upon I a time I said I tried to stay out of threads like this here. I notice our discussions have branched out as the forums have increased, also a a former regular Imus listener/watcher I had some history and perspective to hopefully add.
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« Reply #14 on: April 13, 2007, 04:59:33 PM »


Does that mean you're undecided?


I do not care if he was fired or not. 

The only thing I found surprising was that the remark that caused all the furor was pretty tame for a shock jock.  I never heard of him before this, but was pretty sure he had said worse things many times before (and Yaddo seems to verify this).  Shock jocks work by pressing buttons.  Sooner or later they do it wrong and get reined in, fired, or screamed about.

Frankly, if I was the coach of the team and heard somebody say that, I would not care and would advise the team to do the same.  Great on them that he insulted them and they caused enough of a ruckus to get him fired.  I wouldn't have wasted the time or the emotion on it.

And, as has been noted, the furor was just the latest issue that a couple of "shock activists" selected as their best opportunity to pick up and wave as a flag.  The only reason I think they do any good is that their extreme, cartoon-like reaction makes some people take interest in the real issues that sometimes are a basis for the problem.
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