Hmmm…
I don’t follow sports, so I know nothing about Jason Whitlock, but to my way of thinking, his characterization of what Imus did as a “mistake” and a “minor incident” already makes him seriously suspect.
And, despite whatever I might think about Ms. Vaughn’s lawsuit, I’d be very hard-pressed to think that it’s motivated by something as base as “selfishness.”
Sounds like dude has issues.
No, not exactly. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify, because I don’t think I was as clear as I’d like to be in that response. Because I’m sure many folks have been called any number of names or insulted in any number of ways and have different takes on how they might handle it. That’s fine. I wouldn’t presume to tell someone, “Hey, I’ve been called out like you have, and it didn’t bother me a bit, what’s your problem?” Conversely, if I personally was wounded beyond the ability to function by such a situation, I don’t think someone who feels differently should be swayed to file a lawsuit, etc.
The particular situation with Imus and these young women is a little different. They came to national prominence and attention as the butt of a joke. I’m sure that’s not what any of them expected after performing admirably on the basketball court.
I just don’t understand why there’s a problem if one or many or if all of these women choose to sue Imus. He started it. Why is it incumbent on these women to “turn the other cheek” and “let bygones be bygones” if they don’t feel that’s a satisfactory end to this sorry story? We have courts that will determine if the case has merit, and it certainly seems that it’s not a frivolous “they lost my pants and I’m suing these dry cleaners for several thousand dollars” case. They have every right to sue his stupid ass. Imus ain’t the victim here. I don’t feel sorry for him in the slightest (though I don’t necessarily believe that the young woman will be successful in her effort).
Further, what evidence is there to support the fact that this young woman has been influenced to file a suit by predatory lawyers? Maybe this event affected her in a significant way. Maybe she’s had to seek out counseling. Maybe she has bills to pay because of said counseling. I just think coming close to winning a national championship, but instead becoming somewhat famous because someone insulted you might be really hard for a young adult to deal with.
Jason Whitlock is African American and is trying to claim the role of Bill Cosby among sportswriters. Problem is, I don’t really know what his credentials are. At least Cosby, no matter how I take issue with some of the things he has said, has put his money (and effort) where his mouth is. His take on the coach and the members of the team is completely out of left field, unless he conducted some in-depth research or an interview I’m unaware of.
I actually think he has a modicum of common sense and says some things I agree with, especially regarding personal responsibility of athletes and his commentary on the buffoonery in some aspects of hip-hop culture. His problem is that he seems to think his opinion is somehow more than that - his opinion.
Hi** Hippy**, hope you’re enjoying your time back home.
While I agree that it does get frustrating when it seems like people are dismissive of the pain that words can inflict, this statements seems contradictory. Sort of like, “If you think people should just sit down and shut up I think you should just sit down and shut up.”
(Bolding mine)
I think that is the case for THIS pitting. Lil’ Pluck doesn’t exactly have that anti-Jesse Jackson streak you were referring to.
Also, I noticed something and would like clarification:
Okay, our members who are Black are capitalizing “Black”. While our members who are white are not capitalizing “black”. Which is it? I’m really curious.
Thanks for the info, Hippy Hollow!
(And let me echo **bigbabysweets2000 ** by saying that I hope things are going well so far with your return home!)
Ahh, as is often the case with folks with whom we vehemently disagree. Stopped clock, twice a day, and all that. 
Even though I started this thread (and don’t regret doing so, as my position remains relatively unchanged), I want to say that I agree with this. Then again, I’ve never been a fan of turning the other cheek. Non-violent resistance if at all possible? Sure. Turning the other cheek? Nuh-uh. And, truthfully, if Imus should lose such a suit to the tune of $$$$$, I’ll be the last person to commit emotional suttee for him.
Good lookin’ out, bbs2k–and your’re right about the lack of an anti-Jackson streak on my part (well, at least WRT this particular thread, anyway ;))–but even though I don’t write as prolifically or as eloquently on this board about race matters as HH does, I’m guessing that he’s familiar enough with some of my postings on the subject so as to not assign that particular characterization to my motives in starting this thread. I believe that he was referring to the aforementioned Jason Whitlock. He, of course, is welcome to clarify this for us.
Good question. And observant, too, though I will add that I believe that Omega Glory, despite his use of the lowercase, is Black. (Oh, and I seem to recall that **Sampiro ** is fractionally Black, but what the hell, he easily passes.) 
**Hippy Hollow ** actually gave a nice explanation for this some time ago in another thread, but here’s my reason (boiled down to its barest essence): Other people get capitalized, so why shouldn’t I? And since I don’t always feel like writing “African-American” (though I do so in more formal settings, e.g., academic, professional), and I’m quite comfortable with “Black,” I choose “Black” and I capitalize it. I also do the same with “White” (much more efficient than always writing “European-American”).
Whoa, Hippy Hollow simulpost! I didn’t even notice until now.
If you start calling me a “European-American”, then you and me are gonna have a problem.
:: glares ::
Being avidly watched or listened to by hundreds of thousands of people doesn’t translate into credibility. For all you and I know, that $40 million worth of listeners could be tuning in to see what bullshit I’m-ass is going to feed us next. Few radio personalities had the following of Howard Stern, but I doubt I’ve ever seen Stern’s name and “credibility” used in the same sentence. One does not equal the other.
(bolding mine)
Now I’m even more confused about the conventions of capitalization 
I don’t have an answer, but I’ve seen it both ways. Seems silly to capitalize either.
I really don’t care what color J. Whitlock is (why do you?), but I’m still wondering whether you are going to answer my question as to why Vaughn’s decision to sue requires you to call her a dumb bitch?
L’il Pluck, I’m pretty that the poster above mistakenly attributed HH’s characterization of Whitlock as the “anti-Jackson” to referring to you.
Of course she has the right to sue. I suppose it is possible that she considers herself harmed substantially by Imus’ comments. It is this statement from the link that I take issue with.
I simply cannot accept that **millions **of listeners **believed **that Imus’ comments were true. Quite the opposite, actually, if reactions noted in the national press can be believed. Overwhelmingly, the athletes were supported and defended. Overwhelmingly, Imus was seen as a punk and a bully. IMHO, she will have a devil of a time proving her case.
If you are a college edumacated person and you truly think CBS radio or Don Imus OWES YOU MONEY for his comments, you are indeed dumb in my book. The bitch part- hey, its the pit. Now, if she knows the suit is bullshit and is doing it to get over, then she’s much worse than that. I also thinks she’s pretty pathetic and in for a rude awakening and even more “trauma” because of this. Whats the difference between her and the Judge who sued the dry cleaners? None difference. I’d refer to him as a dumb bastard also.
I mean, really. Read the above quote where she states that millions of people heard this and actually believed it. This is a comment of a smart person?
You’re right; he’s Black too.
Sorry for double post.
You’re right; he’s Black too.
My point was, even in the point, it’s possible to say she should drop it (I have said so) without calling her a bitch (the dumb, not so bad). It just seemed like you were trying to out-Imus Imus.*
Oh not at all- dumb chick, dumb girl, dumb woman, dumb person- they just don’t roll off the keyboard like dumb bitch
And FTR, I can think of many dumb white bitches- Lindsay Lohan for not hiring a driving, Britney Spears, etc.
Thanks for the clarification Hippy. I’m certainly not going to be shedding any tears for ol’ Don either. I wouldn’t take the approach you would, if she came to me for advice, but I do understand where you’re coming from now.
Whoa, someone remembered me. So I guess I’m not invisible j/k. I personally, was taught that black (and white) were not to be capitalized, so that’s why I don’t do it. I would, however, capitalize African American, Caucasian, Asian etc.
Lil Pluck is right. I’m black and the owner of a head of hair that’s been called nappy. [Non relevant story time]: When I was about twelve, I flew to Florida on my own to visit my grandmother. When she took me around to meet people for the first time, she had a standard intro: “This is Omega. Omega’s mom has the most beautiful long wavy hair. sighs For some reason Omega took my son’s wiry hair. I just don’t understand why” I still shake my head and laugh about that one. [/nrst]
Just to head things off at a pass…I’m not comparing my story to the Don Imus situation in any way shape or form. It popped into my head, so I decided to share.
Sheeeet… My hair’s so nappy, I once broke an “unbreakable” comb trying to pick it back in the day.
I doubt Vaughn expects a big payday from this. But of course her lawyer is going to make it sound like Imus committed the most heinous crime ever. He/she has to build a case, and I don’t think “Hey, it was really not cool of Imus to say what he said, and even though only a few people listen to his dessicated ass, it doesn’t minimize the effect of the name calling on my client” would quite do it.
I’m typically on the same page as Li’l Pluck but I guess I don’t see the problem with Vaughn seeking redress. Imus opened his fool mouth; the ball’s in her court. By the way, LP, you’re definitely not the anti-Jackson (I mean that as a compliment). As I’ve said, the prognosis for this case isn’t terribly strong, I would think. But I see the suit as a kneecapping for stupidity. Hey, idiot! Next time you feel like slurring somebody, think twice. You might lose your job and get sued.
Capitalizing Black - LP explained it pretty well; it’s a stylistic choice for me, and I don’t require/expect others to necessarily do the same. One of my co-authors resolutely puts Black in lowercase so when we exchange drafts we’re always correcting each others.
And thanks for the well wishes, bbs, LP!
I remembered you too and FTR, I use “Black” also as a political statement. Everytime I type it with my right hand, I raise my clenched left fist in the air.
I think you should sue your grandma, for something.
Well, no, she doesn’t. She doesn’t **have **to sue at all. It’s her choice. I hardly think that hyperbolic language in the suit is justification for the suit itself. The suit may have merit, but I doubt it. The decision to sue is hers alone.
Hmmm…never had that problem myself, what with having been blessed with “good” hair. And it is a beautiful thing, let me tell you!
(Yeah, yeah, don’t y’all go hatin’ ‘n’ shit.)
Oh, yeah, don’t get me wrong. My problem has never been with “kneecapping” Imus; I think that people who cavalierly use bigoted language should be made to feel as uncomfortable as possible. 'Cause, for the most part, it’s really not just about the language, right?
My WTHMF reaction was based solely on my belief that this suit–and, certainly, the reasons given for the suit–wouldn’t allow Ms. Vaughn to be viewed in the best light possible. And not just by people who wouldn’t be on her side to begin with (fuck them), but also by people who **were ** on her side when Imus ratcheted up his asshole factor.
And not, mind you, that Ms. Vaughn or any of the others should have turned the other cheek. I’m just wondering if there wasn’t a way of kneecapping him without allowing her to become a target of derision.
Like I said, though: If Imus were to lose money behind this, he’d get no sympathy from my corner.
Oh, and yeah: Thanks for clarifying, my brutha, but I alredy knew you weren’t directing the anti-Jackson comment towards me.
And you’re welcome for the well-wishes!
This cracked me up because I, too, sometimes mentally raise my own clenched fist in the air when I capitalize “black”!
I totally understand this, 'cause I’m sure that you’ll be able to blow me down with a feather if something ever happens to make me realize that people here remember me. Don’t worry, though, 'cause I remember you. (For whatever small comfort that’s worth!)
Heh-heh.
You do know, don’t you, that there were so many places I could’ve gone with this? I’m trying to be good, though, so I’ll just tell you that I’m too lazy (though I just tell folks that I hate inefficiency) to keep saying “European-American.” It’s all good, dude.
Are you trying to get me killed? She’s part of the class of older southern women that won’t go down without a fight. She wouldn’t fight fair either.
Heh, yea I remember you too. We had similar conversations with our moms about what the world expects of you vs. what **she ** expected.