Know More Media: Know More Media Review: The Don Imus Buzz Continues

Know More: Highlights, 2.0, Highlights

The Don Imus controversy certainly took on a life of its own. Last week my writing partner, Tanya Payne, and I wrote our analysis of the situation, using this specific situation to critically analyze much deeper issues our society faces, and not simply what Imus had to say about the Rutgers women's basketball team. This week the topic is still a buzz in the news. Several contributors to Know More Media have taken the time to address the issue from their own perspective, let’s take a look at what they had to say.

The author of BrainBasedBusiness, Dr. Ellen Weber, examined the patter

created by Imus and others who earn their bread and butter laughing at the expense of others. She warned us not to be deceived by the seemingly simple controversy, noting that the Imus’ words are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the problems plaguing our society.

Bill Belew has a one dimensional yet refreshing outlook on the issue. He encourages us to grow thicker skin and beware that there will always be someone to say things that will offend and even hurt.

Leave it to CommonSenseGuy and CareerSuperStar author, Bud Bilanich to use the “Don Imus Affair” to teach readers a lesson on personal impact, advising readers to choose their associations wisely.

Gary Bourgeult of BizofShowBiz expressed serious concerns about the knee-jerk reactions to Imus’ comments and warned that we should be careful not to place too much power in the hands of government agencies prone to over-regulating freedom.

Michelle Dunn, author of BizCreditPolicy was fired up about how distracted our nation became as a result of Don Imus’ insensitivity, asking why it became more important than soldiers dying in Iraq. I must admit, I too was caught in the furor until I realized that there were bigger issues at hand. Though I also believe that because there is an ongoing war does not mean we ignore other issues because they are not as important. We should try to watch the Iraq War critically as well as devote the appropriate time and energy to other events of significance. Though Carolyn Manning, newcomer to the Know More Media family and author of ProductivityGoal, tried to ignore the issue, she was eventually compelled to tell readers what she really thought about Don Imus and his radio show.

Customer service maven, Maria Palma put herself in the shoes of the Rutgers women and noted that it takes maturity not to let someone else’ negativity affect your personal well-being. Palma is willing to give Imus the benefit of the doubt, and accepted his apology that he was a good person who said a bad thing.

For CBS and MSNBC, this became a business decision. Imus' racial and insensitive comments are not regulated by government nor should they be. It isn't a free speech issue. Imus has a right to say what he wants under the Bill of Rights. However, the Bill of Rights does not afford anyone guaranteed employment. Thus he was fired and can continue to make such comments (if he wants). For now he just won't be paid for it by CBS and MSNBC. It was not the pressure of Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton that got got Imus fired. He was fired when advertisers said that they will not support these type of comments and this type of humor. That cost Imus his job. Was it the most important issue of the year? Probably not, but the implications to media, race relations and advertising are significant. These comments and his firing will impact business and set a new standard for what is tolerated in mainstream media. I suspect Imus will be back in some form and that there will be others that will follow his style, particularly in new media sources.

Posted by: Hal | April 20, 2007 2:41 PM | Permalink to Comment

Did you see the article on Imus? http://www.michaelellenbogen.com/Frames/tips.html Who does this person think he is? Talking about us like that. I hope someone puts this on U Tube & MySpace. The book looks good…..

Posted by: Anonymous | April 20, 2007 3:40 PM | Permalink to Comment

If we don’t stand up for our rights here, then it won’t help us. Get this to as many people as you can. http://www.michaelellenbogen.com/Frames/tips.html Send it to all your friend, relatives and media outlets.

Posted by: Anonymous | April 20, 2007 7:24 PM | Permalink to Comment

Your article is grounded in some fact although I wouldn’t compare relatively benign drugs such as caffeine with heroin, etc.

Posted by: www.r10.net küresel ısınmaya hayır seo yarışması | December 26, 2007 8:28 PM | Permalink to Comment

I follow what Joshua Porter is doing, and I think he nailed it, personal value must preced network value. In this case, Facebook has 0 value if you don’t added friends yet. zero. nada.

Posted by: Porno | January 15, 2008 5:10 AM | Permalink to Comment

Posted by: resimler | March 2, 2008 4:48 PM | Permalink to Comment

follow what Joshua Porter is doing, and I think he nailed it, personal value must preced network value. In this case, Facebook has 0 value if you don’t added friends yet. zero. nada.

Posted by: oyun | March 30, 2008 7:16 AM | Permalink to Comment

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