One of my favorite blogosphere personalities and spiritual inspirations is The Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton of The Geranium Farm. Nothing like down to earth and real life reflections on Life itself from a woman and priest who knows.Barbara has a good reflection from her Daily eMos today [when aren't they good??? Never!]. Today she recalls a younger and very different Imus. You can read it here. It is really good.
There have been other thoughts and commentaries on the incident of stupidity and male arrogance throughout the blogosphere and news media. But I like Barbara's best because of her style and quietness, her directness and memory of a better person. I guess we all have memories like that of one person or another but this one is timely and strikes a chord nationwide that really, enough is enough, and that finally, corporate America seems to be actually listening to the people...for once anyway.
The women of Rutgers reacted with dignity and restraint. They can be examples for us all when we face bigotry, prejudice and persecution. I love them for their poise and professionalism, and so much more. I think they have back their stolen moment...
4 comments:
Thanks for this posting. Its personal, balanced approach is needed in this discussion. I'm conflicted about the Imus mess. Part of me would love to see the tenor of public discourse raised, yet a bigger part of me wants to live in a free society. I do not yearn for the days of the Puritans and that's what we'll get if we begin the erosive process of censoring whatever might hurt people's feelings. What Imus said about the Rutgers women's basketball team was hurtful and ignorant. But what happened to "Sticks and Stones"? What happened to the option of turning the channel or the dial? Or of teaching our children that their self-worth derives from being children of God and not from what someone might say about them? If we do impose rules or standards to raise the level of public discourse, I hope the same standards will apply to rappers, hip hop artists, or anyone who cloaks sexism and racism in the guise of entertainment. Still, much as I personally abhor what Imus said, I (especially as a lesbian) fear more those who would impose their moral standards on a free society.
Thank you, Anon, for your thoughtful and thought-provoking comment. You make some very good points. Gracias.
Catherine, that was my comment. I forgot to add my name to the post.
I'm a bit of an anarchist, but I'd like to see some civility in discourse. Imus' example is only one of a lot of stuff that is passed off as humor, but is really an attack, a denigration of others. That should be held up to the light. It would be nice to see some self-policing out there by entertainers and the media.
In other matters: Hey, Catherine. You've been tagged for the Six Weird things meme over at
No Claim to Sainthood.
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