[Tripper]

Originally Posted by Sparks

Another view we can get into is the "N" word. God forbid someone calls a black person it, but we hear them say it to each other all the time. If you're going to get into "It's ok for black people to say it to each other because of the context they use it in..." gestapo crap, then Imus was using "ho" in the context of something other than a prostitute -- crazy looking girl.

You're not seriously comparing the use of the word HO with the use of the word NIGGER are you? Jesus.

Ho isnt the part that the black community finds offensive, its more the "NAPPY-HEADED" side, and the HO following it just made it worse.

When black people use the N-word with each other it is a VARIATION on the word 'NIGGER,' its a term of endearment based on the fact that they are both BLACK and it isnt racially charged.
If a white person were to use it towards a black person, it loses that status automatically.
Granted some people are maybe a bit too sensitive about the use of the word (for instance a black guy getting offended at his white friend who is clearly using it in its term-of-endearment form - or is quoting a rap lyric), but even then its no place for us to judge, as white people, because the word would never be used offensively towards us. Its easier just to not say it at all. I dont see how not using it puts anybody out. You wouldnt call someone a CUNT for the same reason.

HOWEVER - Having said that, I do agree with you that Imus has been taken out of context here, and it does seem like it was a failed attempt at comedy and not intended to be offensive. That doesn't change the fact that it was a mistake and he shouldn't have said it simply because of the position he is in as a radio talk-show host, with the publics ears listening to him.