Pamela Baggett-Wallis & Persuasion Communication: Crisis Management, Media Training & PR

First, Imus and his producer got carried away with their bad behavior. Then they didn’t take it seriously enough and let too much pressure build up before beginning the groveling. News stations endlessly repeated the very words they condemned. Imus made the de rigueur appearance to grovel on the Rev. Al Sharpton’s show, but it was apparent there was no forgiveness there. The National Association of Black Journalists, who should be defending the First Amendment, called for Imus’ resignation. We met some of the young women Imus insulted and learned what extraordinarily admirable people they and their coach are. As offensive as Imus’ words are, they are by no means the worst thing he ever said. Besides, they could be “opinion” and therefore not illegal.

Can we all agree that what Imus said was intolerable? Can we agree that he does lots of good things with his money? Can we agree that powerful individuals we admire considered it a coup to be on his show? And can we agree that the true villains are those who listened to his show and gave the advertisers a reason to pay him big bucks?

So, get angry at Imus if you will. But take a look at the bigger problem of runaway radio opinion shows, and in particular, the people who listen to them. As Pogo said, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

Through all of this, I detect something really wonderful. The pendulum is swinging away from juvenile, even vicious public commentary. It’s not funny any more to take verbal swings at women or minorities. Good manners may actually be making a comeback!