The Don Imus fiasco is further evidence that what Marshall McLuhan said was right. Who says something coveys a stronger message than what is actually being said.
It is a factual, but still horribly tyrannical phenomenon that who you are, what you look like, etc. will influence how people interpret what you say. The only way to get your message out in way that best allows the message to be the message, is through anonymity, and even then, people will try to read into what you are saying things that aren't really there.
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4 comments:
I'm not sure I agree that people's tendency to pay more attention to the speaker than the words spoken is necessarily tyrannical (or that it leads to states of tyranny).
Perhaps that's a bit of a hyperbole, but its a frustratingly irrational constraint on expression, nonetheless.
I have to agree.
What Imus said is no worse than the typical misogynistic lyrics from some of the rap artists out there with all their "bitches n' hos"
It certainly wasn't worse than when Al Sharpton got involved with the Duke lacrosse case and was among the most prominent people calling those players rapists. An accusation, even when disproved, can follow you the rest of your life.
I'm not sure what a "Nappy headed ho" is but it can't carry the same social stigma as "rapist"
I think Imus's apology should have been sufficient, it's more than you get out of some people who have gotten away with saying much worse.
Yeah, speaking of the Duke case, I don't see anyone going after Nancy Grace for the far more vile things she says everyday.
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