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"We Deserve Better" Than Imus Editor: This letter is a response to Neil Friedman's April 12 "Attitude" column in which Mr. Friedman suggests that Don Imus should not be fired for his outrageous, stereotypical remarks about the Rutgers University Women's Basketball Team. Radio personality Don Imus' recently made sexist and racially charged remarks in reference to the Rutgers University Women's Basketball team on his nationally televised and syndicated radio show, "Imus in the Morning." In the wake of these comments, CBS Radio and MSNBC- both of which broadcast the show- suspended Imus for two weeks. Unfortunately, this punishment does not do the situation justice- Imus should be fired for his shameful remarks. The Rutgers Women's Basketball team has eight African-American members in addition to an African-American head coach, C. Vivian Stringer. These women defied great odds en route to earning the privilege of playing in the National Championship game. The women of the basketball team attend a prestigious university and work just as hard off the court to earn a collegiate degree, as they do on the court to have a place on the highest stage in women's basketball. By referring to this outstanding team as "nappy headed hos," Don Imus not only insulted the student-athletes of Rutgers, but insulted women of all races, everywhere. The hard-fought season exhibited by the team served as a window through which the entire country was able to see the character, work ethic and dignity that defines the epitome of these student-athletes. They strove as a team to reach the pinnacle of their sport, they strove for academic excellence to earn acceptance to Rutgers University, and they strove for basketball superiority, which earned each of them a position on the team of one of the nation's most successful women's basketball programs. We should be applauding these momentous achievements, not making derogatory, stereotypical remarks in reference to them. In the name of humor, Don Imus not only negated the extraordinary accomplishments of the Rutgers Women's Basketball team, but the accomplishments of women everywhere. This is not something that should affect only a particular group of people. Everyone should be outraged that Don Imus has made a habit of using ethnic, sexist and homophobic slurs in order to garner a laugh. This practice is inexcusable and unworthy of the ears of the American people. Despite Imus' attempts at correcting the situation, his apology is far too little, too late. The two-week suspension handed down by both networks is only a slap on the wrist and will do little to repair the damage that has been done. The networks should realize that the only way to solve this problem is to immediately terminate Don Imus' contract. The Rutgers Women's basketball team deserves better, and the citizens of this country deserve better. Sincerely, Edolphus Towns Member of Congress Editor's note: Cable news network MSNBC announced last Wednesday that it would longer air "The Imus in the Morning" program.
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