The Imus Incident

Everyone has an opinion about the recent actions of Don Imus. In response to the calls of many, Mr. Imus has been fired from both NBC and CBS. I never have cared for Mr. Imus' style and was not a listener. As both a woman and someone who loves basketball, I have a lot of empathy for the women's basketball team from Rutgers. As a Christian, I think the fact that the women forgave Imus says more about the way they live their beliefs than sitting through hundreds of church services ever could.

However, I believe the recent incident teaches the entire world a much broader, more important, life lesson. It is the year 2007. For all of the progress and other advancements that our world has been blessed with, we continue to live in the ugly darkness of denial. We naively say, "We have learned from our past, racism and sexism no longer exist." Yes, sadly, both racism and sexism are still alive and hateful. In my view, the Imus incident has some good in it. There is a silver lining in this incident of hurt.

Imus is no role model. The networks were right to fire him. By taking action, the networks helped to save our moral fiber. As a world, we must not allow hurtful remarks and stereotypes to be condoned. Imus wasn't a hero. His apology was the right thing to do. Conversely, if we want to point anyone out as a role model, I believe it is the Rutgers women's basketball team.

Although they are relatively young, I think the Rutgers women's basketball team is wise beyond their years. These women followed the terrific example provided by women's basketball coach Vivian C. Stringer. In a difficult and hurtful situation, the team truly were champions. The team reacted to the situation in a way that's so often atypical in modern society. The women did not spend time and energy retaliating against Imus. Instead, they exhibited maturity, respect, grace and dignity. By forgiving him, the women set a classy example. They loved their neighbor as themselves.