Gore's Revenge

Tipper Gore's and C. Delores Tuckers revenge actually. Their efforts to censor and limit the expression of artists such as Tupac Shakur led to a public condemnation against their assault on the first amendment. It would seem they lost that battle but not the war.
The Rutgers 10 struck a chord that said you may be like that but I'm not like that. Imus crime was showing that he was influenced by popular culture and no longer a leader of it.
As previously mentioned his present value was high but his future value was quite low.
The gumbo of sex and race is too irresistible for many so Ann Coulter says Imus could have called her a flaxen-haired ho and Michelle Malkin points the finger at the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks Chart.
In fact, if there is a smoking gun it is rap music as more and more columnists are saying.
So now an already embattled music industry is receiving renewed attention to the point where Russell Simmons and Snoop Dogg are issuing statements.

Blacks and Globalization Part 2

The line between consumer and professional goods has become blurred as competition has spurred innovation and falling prices. Technology has allowed anyone with a computer, software, and a camera or microphone to become a dj, journalist, musician or what have have you. That alone would not seriously challange traditional media if not for the new means of distribution that the internet offers.
Traditional media outlets have lost market share as consumers have used the internet to seek out products that are more customized to their preferences.
This Long Tail as its called is the reason for the fall in sales of the large record companies. When Michael Jackson had 'Thriller' it was the only game in town. Now musicians, authors, etc. can produce and distribute without the consent of a minority.
This will inevitably lead to a change in consciousness of black media as artists use the new outlets to express themselves.
In particular the 'tone' of hip-hop and R & B should change as more artists find that they do not have to make concessions to record companies to enjoy success.

Digging a Ditch

If Imus first remarks were not bad enough these are certainly food for thought.

"that phrase originated in the black community. ... I may be a white man, but I know that these young women and young black women all through that society are demeaned and degraded by their own black men and that they are called that name."

What do you think?

Calling the Kettle Black

He's one to talk about nappy hair.

Nappy Headed Hos

Referring to the Rutgers women's basketball team as a bunch of hos on a nationally syndicated media program is low down and dirty.
A casual glance at their website affirms they are anything but Hos.
They beat out a number of good programs to reach the Final Four (ECU, LSU, Duke, Arizona, Michigan State) and came up just short of a championship. They are competitive and that is encouraged in our society.
I know, I know... will Imus be fired?

Well the ratings might just justify it. Imus is not drawing as many listeners and viewers as he once did due to the continuing fragmentaion and specialization of media. Studio execs or Imus himself may see this as an opprotunity to make a change. Grumpy old men appeal to a narrow demographic.

If Rutgers University calls for his resignation (which they have not publicly done from what I see) he's out.