Editorial | Don Imus' Offense

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, April, 2007

Radio personality Don Imus' first response to criticism of his racist, misogynist description of the Rutgers University women's basketball team was that people shouldn't get worked up about "some idiot comment meant to be amusing."

His indifference predictably set off the antennae of civil rights leaders always on the lookout for racism in America. (Not a difficult job, unfortunately.) But they weren't the only ones bothered by the shock jock's remarks. Indeed, anyone amused by Imus' self-described idiocy must have a warped sense of humor.

The Rutgers women, smarting from losing the national championship game to Tennessee, had nonetheless achieved a remarkable season. They and their legendary coach, C. Vivian...