by Jerry Ceppos

The capacity of humans to complicate simple issues never ceases to amaze. The latest case: the racist comments of Don Imus, which have been parsed and debated for days now. What’s to parse? What’s to debate? How could anyone defend him? Why would mainstream journalists want to appear on his show?
    Be aware: The calls for firing him (with which I agree) stemmed not from a desire to stifle free speech. I suppose that he can say what he wants, preferably on some 500-watt radio station. But why would sterling brands such as CBS Radio and MSNBC, let alone big-name sponsors and hotshot journalists, want to associate their names with his? At least MSNBC finally acted—after dithering for a week. The cable network no longer will simulcast his program.
    The case reminds us that it’s never OK to use demeaning language even if it’s about our own ethnic or racial group. Such language, which kids at San Jose State University seemed to defend on local TV, only permits racists such as Imus to say, “Hey, kids say it. Why can’t I?” No, I don’t think Imus was smart enough even to think that at the time of his comment, but it’s a good excuse after the fact. (If you wonder whether it’s really OK to use those terms within one’s own group, consider this: Ebony and Jet recently banned the “n-word” from its magazines.)
    Anyone want to defend this guy? I promise not to comment caustically.