Radio jockey Don Imus has no doubt gained notoriety as a high profile public speaker. Political leaders and other well-known people are among those who listen to his radio show but because he called the Rutger's University women's basketball team, "nappy headed hoes," advertisers and future guests are disassociating themselves from his show. Imus' rude comment is what I call, risky public speaking. He took advantage of his popularity and public platform by saying something that was potentially very hurtful to women, particularly African American women. He didn't even realize how insensitive the comment was until he received e-mails, etc. criticizing his behavior.
Imus is obviously talented enough to attract a huge audience of listeners who find him interesting, entertaining and probably knowlegeable about current events. He's been in the business for a long time. Part of his likability appears to be his lose tongue and witty and even crude comments but occassionally he has crossed the line by severely insulting someone or a group of people. This is risky behavior. When a public speaker tells a joke that can be viewed as racist, sexist or biased in some way, he or she is taking a risk, particularly if the speaker is a highly public figure and very influential. Such public speakers should be more sensitive than others, knowing that they have a huge responsibility to the public and must be accountable for all that they say and do. In other words, their success brings them lots of power and influence and just as much responsibility. Fortunately, in America, if highly influential public speakers don't censor themselves, the public will.
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