the great leslie

On Sunday, the editor of the paper I worked for asked everyone at our editorial meeting what we thought about the Don Imus scandal. I didn't say anything--I keep embarrassing myself at those meetings (ask me about the lead paint incident sometime). Regardless, I do have some thoughts.

There's the obvious: DON IMUS IS AN A-HOLE!

But I can't help thinking of something he said: "I may be a white man, but I hear how black men talk. I didn't say anything they wouldn't say."

This is a generalization, of course. Mr. Obama doesn't refer to anyone as a "ho," I'd wager. And most blacks probably wouldn't say "nappy-headed." But, many, many men and women would call a woman a "ho." Or a bitch. Or throw out the "n-word." In music, in movies, and on the streets of New York, we hear it all the time.

The Reverends Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, who are right to be all over Mr. Imus for his remarks, should heed his comment. This abusive, disrespectful language permeates the culture they are defending, and they should make it an issue within the community. Nobody should be calling anybody a "ho."

The other thing that made me sad was a comment from one of the Rutgers players about how this whole incident spoiled what was otherwise a great season for the team. Who knows how many hours they practiced and what they sacrificed for the team, and to have it all come down to some offensive sound bite. What a shame.

So, again, my quiet Internet shout: YAYAYAYAYAY! for the Rutgers Team. Congratulations on a great season!

(I know Oprah already told them that, but I'm sure they wouldn't mind the support.)