Usually not much into commenting on pop culture issues but the Imus saga seems worthwhile to explore a little. . .

The perspective offered is from that of a mental health professional who happens to be of color. One thing has nothing to do with the other but chances are this perspective is not commonly heard. I think what happened can turn out to have a net positive effect. I think the punishment was a bit harsh and abrupt but also understand that he should have been aware of the consequences of crossing the line from the past mistakes of others in the business. A patient told me that Snoop Dogg had commented about how it was acceptable for him to use similar descriptions repeatedly in the lyrics of his raps but did offer some criticism of Imus' use of such language. I couldn't help but laugh. I have never been a fan of rap music but have dug the charisma of a few artists. It has been my opinion that keeping it real has often been a big pile of b.s. Art can imitate life only so much then it becomes time for art to take some responsibility and accountability and contribute to a positive vision to help lead the people out of the Egypt of ignorance and despair. It seems that many artists don't realize the overall negative impact that some of their creations play. It's referred to as selling out when an artist makes an attempt to blend in the mainstream. I think it should be called maturity and growth when the individual truly has the talent to pull it off. Many rappers have functioned to illuminate problems in society but seem to have eventually offered either nothing or have contributed to worsening of the situation.

Nothing touches the mind and the soul the way music does. I still remember tunes and lyrics from early childhood. I'm really bothered when I see an artist with so much influence over masses of people and nothing is done to try and empower those people through their work. Such an artist is believed to only be concerned about their own interests no matter who is hurt in the process. They are often pimped by the media moguls and those of considerable wealth who really run the show. I believe this to be a major source of the black stereotype of being stellar athletes and entertainers but not good for much else. Reality is far from that stereotype as evidenced by myself and millions others who never get a chance to be seen on the televisions and magazine covers across America. To many we don't really exist despite achievement by African Americans in every imaginable area. When entertainers and athletes are the main positive characters piped into the homes across the globe and the negative characters consist of pimps, hoes, or criminals, there is no wonder that a negative image exists in the minds of most of the majority population.

Much of the non-news entertainment media has a double standard of what is acceptable. There is no line for black comedians, but in their favor, it's understood they are just comedians. I think they too have an obligation to be socially responsible. Often they are not during standup or in films. Many whites become confused when observing some of the things black entertainers get away with on stage. Most black comics that make it big do tend to mellow out a bit as their careers grow. This may represent a social and personal conscience at work. Still, I think over the past several years the line has become somewhat blurred which has resulted in the Freudian slips of those such as Michael Richardson and Imus. I sincerely believe that harm was not the motive of their gaffes. Psychologically, it must be considered that all human beings harbor certain prejudices about those different from themselves. It is a fact. These prejudices usually tend to diminish once the individual has the experience of interacting and learning about those who are different. Most normal individuals eventually are able to separate fact from fiction in regards to their ideas about others. A person described as a racist differs only in the reality of being in the majority culture which can posses the power to negatively influence the individual he holds the specific prejudicial thoughts against. So yes. black people are at least as prejudiced in thought as whites but in the present state of society it is moot for a black to be considered a racist, except under highly specific circumstances. This is the basis of the double standard that exists. Socially we are still evolving and from time to time a phase of regurgitation of stuff that is tainted occurs. Thank God for Comedians such as Pryor, Carlin, Murphy, Rock, Chappelle who allow us to laugh as we vomit. We cannot avoid or hide from the issues they have addressed from time to time. I think their talent has made more of a positive impact on society than most gangsta rappers. 

Back to Imus' slip up... Let's face the reality that black personalities seem to be able to say what they choose over the airways with little repercussion, mainly because few in the majority population seem to really care about what their particular topic is. Many white personalities have felt forced to suppress their darkest thoughts on the air or in public. I'm pretty sure they probably let it flow in the privacy of their own home or social circle. The average mind lacks the capacity to filter 100% of the thoughts 100% of the time before they are sent to the speech apparatus. So if one really thinks and believes certain things in private, sooner or later something will accidentally escape publicly. It never fails. What's done in the dark will eventually come to light. I feel mostly pity for Imus since he has no direct impact on me one way or the other. He offered his apology and actually a public service was done by allowing the Rutgers players to articulate their thoughts and feelings about the situation before the public and erase any doubt about their intellectual abilities as well as their basketball talent.

Imus has been the scapegoat of the month, but we as a nation need to stop sweeping racist propaganda and ideology under the rug and address the issue once and for all publicly. Our nation is too great to continue this and other hypocrisies. We have lost enough credibility throughout the world through the past 6 years of repeated episodes of dishonesty from those in high places. We should bring freedom to Americans in need at home before proclaiming the liberation of other nations.