Only black people go clubbing? News to me.

Yeah, news to me too, which is why I didn’t say so. He was already showing hostility towards club culture, and his association of clubs with guns is an easily recognizable well-known stereotype about black people and rap culture. I didn’t say it was true; I trusted that we would understand the cultural reference, as did Imus, I’m sure, when making it. Few people go on about how white people shoot up the club. Further, my actual point there was simply that the context didn’t change the interpretation of the comments as racist, as Roger insisted it would.

But more than anything, I’m amazed that anyone is willing to give Don Imus the benefit of the doubt with regards to race. He absolutely deserves for us to think the worst, and no one but him can be held responsible for such a reaction. Not to mention, as other people have mentioned, the story doesn’t add up and he gives no indication whatsoever that he was making a comment about how innocent black men are regularly arrested.

So I don’t buy his story either.

His explanation is not implausible. “Well, there you go” is not enough for me to break out the torches and pitchforks.

I was with you with the asshole tennis player but this is just looking to be offended. Could he have had racist intent? Sure. Could it have been commentary the other way? Sure.

You’re right; when you add the context of Imus joking that of course people get shot at clubs, because people are doing drugs and alcohol there, and it’s “what happens,” it’s totally not racist.

Only black people go clubbing? News to me.