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Pros

1. Don Imus' comments were not illegal or banned from broadcast according to Federal Communications Commission regulations and rules. The F.C.C. had no reason to pursue any action against him and did not.

2. The point of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is to protect the unpopular and offensive speech. Unoffensive speech needs little protection.

3. There is no law in this land which guarantees anyone from being offended.


The best defense against being offended is to not listen to potentially offensive people or their remarks.

4. Offensive speech must be measured within the context it exists. Comedians, film makers, and other entertainers constantly use offensive speech in their work. Some comedy, satire, and other forms of entertainment depend on offensive language for impact.

5. There should be no double-standard in using offensive words or comments. If Hip-Hop artists can use certain words and phrases in their art form, why can't a radio host - known for humor and controversy - do the same? Both are forms of entertainment.

Cons

1. Certain words have historical context which only serve to hurt certain people and should not be used by insensitive people.

2. Offensive speech only serves to alienate certain aspects of our society and simply continues a pattern of derogatory disrespect.

3. Imus was not just an entertainer, but a serious interviewer and as such, should be held to a higher standard when so many important guests and politicians have appeared on his show.

4. The Rutgers women's basketball team was not fair game: they were not public figures to be held up for public ridicule but private citizens who did not deserve the derogatory comments made by Imus.

5. Imus did not have the cultural credibility to use certain words a Hip-Hop artist might rap about. There is a double standard because "an old white guy" can't possibly understand the plight of a "young black person".

Where It Stands

The discussion over the firing of Don Imus continues to be a topic of heated debate.

"A majority of Americans believe that Don Imus' firing over racist and sexist remarks was appropriate..." wrote currentargus.com.

A survey indicated:

• 54% of all surveyed agreed the firing was justified
• 35% of whites but only 18% of blacks thought firing was too tough
• 61% of blacks agreed with Imus punishment

On May 4, 2007, ABC News reported Don Imus would sue CBS for $120 million dollars. Inside Radio said: "That covers $40 million under the rest of Imus' new contract, stock options, 'damage to reputation and future prospects' and 'damage to Imus' charitable and business endeavors.'"

On August 14, 2007 Imus settled his contract lawsuit against CBS reportedly for $20 million dollars.

By October, 2007, Imus was in talks with Citadel Broadcasting to join that company for mornings at WABC-AM/New York. His return date scheduled for December 3, 2007.