Say What????? - 4.17.2207.1

By guest author Audrey B.

The recent statement and subsequent firing of Imus brings to light a major issue. Are women, particularly black women, getting the respect they deserve? The young ladies at Rutgers certainly did not deserve the derogatory statement from Imus. What he said was not only insulting to African American women but to all women. These are young ladies who are in pursuit of higher education and also athletics. It takes a great deal of talent and intelligence to manage both a college schedule and an athletic schedule. These are women who have made a conscientious choice to do something positive with their lives, and yet a disc jockey thinks that he could use his freedom of speech to degrade them.

I have heard theories that he is a racist. I have heard another theory that he forgot his race for a moment. He thought that he had the ability to talk about African-American women as though he was part of the race.

Let’s explore the second theory. Why would it be acceptable to call young ladies “Nappy-headed Hoes”? When would it be acceptable? Would it be more acceptable if these were sisters shaking it on a rap video? Would it have been more acceptable if Imus was a rapper?

I say it is never acceptable. Women and men must be respected regardless of race, color, religion, or culture. This brings me to the whole of issue rappers. It is never acceptable to refer to women as B……. and Who………
All of us were given life and delivered into this world by a woman. It makes you wonder, would these individuals care if someone was calling their mother or grandmother by the terms above?

As women we can not allow this degradation to continue. We must teach out daughters, sisters, nieces etc that they are precious jewels and always deserve to conduct themselves with respect and be treated respectfully. Our ancestors fought hard to ensure that we receive that respect. We must therefore uphold that respect.

Audrey B.
CEO of FLY-Fostering Leadership in You