Imus Fired Over Racist Comments

Posted by Naomi Rockler-Gladen Apr 13, 2007

I'm a proud Rutgers University alumni woman. I don't take kindly to people who call Rutgers women "nappy headed hos."

By now, you've probably heard the story. The Rutgers University women's basketball team went to the Final Four, losing only the final game. The team consists largely of freshman and were not expected by anyone to do so well, so they were flying on air. Then notable radio talk show host Don Imus made an offhand remark about how these scary "tattooed" women were "nappy headed hos." A national uproar ensued and African American community leaders like Al Sharpton got involved, and Imus was fired.

Read about what they're saying about the controversy in the Rutgers University Daily Targum.

Some people protest that firing Imus is going too far. Why can't he just apologize? He's entitled to free speech, isn't he? Well, yeah, he's entitled to free speech. But free speech doesn't mean there aren't repercussions. The community's angry response to Imus is free speech too.

And really, is "nappy headed hos" much different than using the n-word? This phrase combines two historically loaded and extremely derogatory slurs about Black women leveled against a team of proud young college woman who should be hailed as role models. This isn't a bunch of political correctness gone too far. It is a big deal.

So, Scarlet Knights, shouts out from Naomi from the Class of 1992. You've handled this situation with eloquence, grace, and determination, just like I'd expect from my fellow Rutgers women.