Bea V. Larsen . . . .Commentaries

Bea V. Larsen is a Senior Mediator at the Center for Resolution of Disputes in
Cincinnati, Ohio 
Bea V. Larsen

For a number of years Bea V. Larsen, senior mediator at the Center for Resolution of Disputes in Cincinnati, Ohio [www.cfrdmediation.com], presented weekly commentaries on WVXU radio, both on her professional work as a mediator and on more personal or general experiences. These broadcasts reached thousands of listeners in a number of midwestern states and elicited many comments. This new series of online commentaries will continue that tradition, now broadcast to the world via the internet. Comments, which can be posted directly to this blog, are warmly encouraged. More personal background information can be read in the "Introductions" category below.
 

Be Kind To Imus?

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This entry was posted on 5/12/2007 5:25 PM and is filed under Generally Speaking.

    Studies suggest that the characteristic most prized by women, in a current or prospective partner, is kindness. Makes sense to me.

    When my children were very young and walked home from school, I remember occasional stories they told about a bully who bedeviled another child along the way. I also remember that my response invariably included the phrase: there's just no excuse for not being kind. And then my question: I wonder what happened to him to make him so mean? Contradictory messages, perhaps.

    Many years later, my daughter told me that every time she passes someone asking for a handout, those words echo in her mind, and she is guilt ridden if she simply walks on (so she doesn't, and neither would her father).

    So, must I feel kindly towards Don Imus?

    I know of him only from recent news coverage. Nor have I ever listened to any of his brother shock-jocks, but recently I've read quite a bit about these angry white men (mostly) who epitomize unkindness.
   
    An attorney representing Imus is about to file suit against CBS for $40 million, claiming his dismissal violated a clause in his contract that called upon him to be "extraordinary. . . irreverent . . . and controversial". His lawyer also points out that a delay button was in use, which allowed the producer to block offensive words before they were broadcast, and that neither CBS nor MSNBC used it. Imus was a significant financial asset to these stations, until he wasn't.

    When the furor first arose, I wondered if the firing of Imus might have a sobering effect on other entertainers of his ilk, and if talk radio laced with raunchy insults would fade, but apparently quite the opposite is true. Harsh and crude expressions of rage continue on many radio stations unabated.

    As extreme as my position may be on kindness, so too is my almost unequivocal support of the First Amendment and my opposition to censorship, unless the speaker is generating a "clear and present danger" (i.e. shouting fire in a crowded theater).

    Was not the decision to take Imus off the air an economic one, when public outrage resulted in major advertisers pulling away? I think this is exactly how such decisions should be made, in the marketplace of ideas. Imus not only became a public relations nightmare, but a financial liability.

    If Imus knocks on my door, he will be invited in for coffee. I'd like to better understand why unkindness is his chosen path to fame and fortune. Is it all just shtick or the essence of the man?

   

   
 

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    • 5/12/2007 6:04 PM Marie Bader wrote:
      Dear Bea,
      I loved this column. Your kindness in addressing the man reminded me of the dignity and kindness the young women whom he attacked exhibited in their response.
      I agree with you that Imus's firing was an economic decision. One which I too had hoped might help quell the hate and vulgarity that much of talk radio exudes. If such shows continue then somebody must be listening and supporting them. Censorship is a frightening practice. In our society we vote with our dollars - by turning off the station and not supporting the sponsor's products.
      Reply to this
      1. 5/20/2007 2:24 PM Bea Larsen wrote:
        Marie: As i read more about this Imus matter, I think I've gained some additional insights. Assume that there are those among us who's damaged or minimal self esteem needs the security of a pecking order, someone they can think of as far less worthy then themselves, lower on the totem pole. Giving voice to disdain or ridicule for those they consider beneath themselves is then a boost to the ego. Sexist and racist talk in the workplace, and in many social settings, used to be a  place to let off steam with comments not unlike those heard on shock-jock shows, but this is no longer the case. But what better place to guffaw at the expense of others, than listening to the radio in the privacy of a car, still a personal kingdom. So, perhaps this is the population that boosts the ratings of those who make their living pandering to the insecure. Think so?  Bea

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    • 5/13/2007 10:01 AM regine wrote:
      I've heard from many people that Imus is a wonderful person who does wonderful things. Go figure. I personally think that putting that stuff out on the air makes it acceptable. I felt that way about Archie Bunker. He made bigotry cool.
      Reply to this
      1. 5/16/2007 7:53 PM Bea Larsen wrote:
        Regine: as usual, your comment is thought provoking. I did not share your view of Archie Bunker, the lovable bigot, yet I get your point. My view was that he gave voice to many of the people who were watching the show, or who had family members who were "Archie Bunker types". By being able to laugh at him, and be shown the error of his ways, tensions could ease, and just maybe some shift of viewpoint would be possible. His views were already the silently accepted wisdom of so many, it seemed to me the program brought it out into the open for all to see, and reevaluate. But, I'm still considering your point of view.  Bea

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