Is Don Imus a racist?

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at and discusses an inappropriate verbal attack made by Don Imus about the Rutgers basketball players and analyzes how people in positions of power reacted.

Outline:
Introduction
Critique of Imus Incident
What did the Rutgers Players do about the Situation?
What is the Upshot?

From the Paper:

"What is the meaning of "nappy-headed"? The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines the adjective "nappy" as "kinky." The inference is highly suggestive in this case; there is no secret that the hair of many African Americans is "kinky" (naturally very curly with tight curls). As to "ho" - there is no doubt this is slang for prostitute, or hooker. Had any of the Rutgers players been involved in prostitution or any illegal activities, in order to give Imus the idea or the justification to refer to the entire team as hookers? The answer is no, and even if there had been a scandal involving at team member, would it be appropriate for a television commentator to call any member of the team a prostitute? Certainly not. There is also the specter of libel associated with such an unfounded remark, especially when the word "alleged" is not used in conjunction the assertion that someone is a hooker. The blatant defamation of one's character by a nationally known television personality on live programming is very serious indeed."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hampp, Andres. (2007). Advertisers take wait-and-see approach to Imus. Advertising Age. 78(47), p. 4.
• Kelley, Raina; Starr, Mark; & Conant, Eve. (2007). A Team Stands Tall. Newsweek 149(17),32-34.
• Kinkhabwala, Aditi. (2007). The Righteous Scarlet Knights. Sports Illustrated 106(7), 16-18.
• Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. (2008). Nappy. Retrieved May 8, 2008, from http://www.merriam-webster.com.
• Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. (2007). Most say Imus's Punishment Was Appropriate: Whites Say Imus Story Has Been Overcovered, Blacks Disagree. Retrieved May 9, 2008, from http://people-press.netcampaign.com.

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