Imus

It's a weighty matter, this Don Imus racial slur, and NPH thinks that neither the un-nuanced tarring and feathering nor the knee-jerk defensiveness is going to do any good. Here's what NPH thinks.

First, Imus said what he said. He called a basketball team full of African American women "nappy-headed hoes." Though the remark was made in the context of his shock comedy radio show, NPH doesn't think context explains the remark. It's inexcusable anywhere.

Second, Imus has profusely apologized (here on Friday and that here again today)for the remark, taking full responsibility and not bagging it with the standard issue "if I offended anyone" line. He's said it was wrong. He's said it was stupid. He's said it was inexcusable and he doesn't know why he said it. Further, he went on Al Sharpton's radio show (read the transcript here) knowing that Sharpton has called for Imus' firing. As far as public apologies go, especially public apologies for racist remarks, Imus is the best, most sincere NPH has ever seen.

Third, Sharpton and other African American figures who have called for Imus' firing have a good argument. These are men with daughters, and when Imus what he said they heard an insult to all African American women. Their calls for his firing are not over-the-top, and they're not opportunistic. They simply want some accountability.

So NPH (who listens to Imus whenever he can--though not last Wednesday) thinks that a firing (or at least a very serious suspension) is in order. No, Imus is not a racist, but, as a public figure with a massive popular following, he's got to be held to some kind of standard. You just can't say that kind of thing and walk away with a mea culpa, no matter how sincere or public it is.

At this point NPH would gain respect for him if he resigned.