With due respect to Fatman Scoop, whom I have never heard on the radio, his logic is incredulous and inane. Words have meanings, and while meanings do change over time (which is a slow process) that change in meaning is universal. Blue does not mean ‘light my cigarette’ just because illiterate, or uneducated, or trend-followers chose to accept it as so when the majority of the WORLD does not. If the meanings of the words used by Mr. Imus, or any person, have changed in meaning then everyone should be ok with them and there should be no debate over it. This is not the case. Words and their meanings are not dependant on the artificial prejudice of the color of the skin of the person using it. If it were then how is it possible for Eminem (Mr. Marshall Mathers) to be able to use the same words as Mr. Imus without insult?? The meaning has not changed, the prejudice has. To try to justify this prejudice is to look foolish in my opinion.
As I mentioned above Mr. Creekmur tried to shore up the obvious fallacy of Fatman Scoop. Mr. Creekmur stated that it was offensive for Mr. Imus to use these words as their meaning has not changed. But he further added that the use of these words is an internal matter for the Black community to resolve. While this is a better argument it also fails. African Americans do not exist in a bubble, separate of all other Americans [even if we feel unfairly treated by the government and/or the society]. We have commoditized our culture, and placed for sale our speech, preference for clothing, and other aspects of life. In doing that we have invited the use of the words we use to be used by others, even if that usage is not the same as what is desired. That is part of the deal in making this sale, you lose the choice of how what you sold is used.
But I do agree that this is something that must be address by the Black community. I have said from virtually day one of this website that I disagree with the sub-genre of gansta rap music. I still maintain that it needs to be removed, or at the least not promoted at the exclusion of all other forms of rap. Rappers need to take responsibility for their words, no different than Mr. Imus does. Look through the posts, I’ve always said that. So have many others, this is not a new argument, but it has taken a new impetus due to this situation.
Of those that need to take responsibility there is Mr. Broadus and his comments. Mr. Broadus announced his definition of the term ‘ho’ and it exemplifies, for me, the need of education among African Americans. Beyond the fact that the statement by Mr. Broadus is ill-formed, horribly articulated and obscenity-laden, it tried to justify his career while attacking others for using the same terms his career is built upon. [I must interject that I strongly feel that use of obscenities in place of thoughts is a direct communication of the lack of intelligence of the person using the obscenities.] Mr. Broadus has placed himself as the high-arbiter of the English language and its use by the Black community. That alone makes him delusional. I will never accept an uneducated, drug addicted, low class criminal and former gang member as an authority on a language that he displays a clear lack of mastery for.
Cocluded in part 3...
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