Ya know, the silly thing about Snoop Dogg’s reaction (and a lot of others’) is the notion that the Rutgers team somehow is exceptionally virtuous. I mean, they excel at what they do, which is play basketball, and they deserve some kudos for all the effort that entails. But let’s not kid ourselves, here: state-university television-sport athletes are not scholars. If these women happen to be, that’s a case that’s yet to be made.
I think everyone agrees that Imus’ description of the women was uncalled for, but trash-talk, as foul as it is, is hardly unprecedented. So tune Imus out. I always have. I find nothing of merit in his show. But if you say he has to be taken off the airwaves in spite of his ratings, then shouldn’t we also take off the airwaves nearly every hip-hop song ever written?
Malkin’s rap list wasn’t comprised of cherry-picked songs; she just went through the top 5 at the moment. Heck, a lot of kids these days go through every waking moment bombarding themselves with lyrics brutalizing women. Does Snoop Dogg really think a single one says, “well, yes, but Rutgers women are different, because they are scholars, not merely ghetto-dwellers.” In fact, I dare say, that if anyone did say that, Snoop Dogg would desire to kill that person for their dis on “black culture.”
I heard on radio this morning that Snoop categorizes ‘hos’. In other words, the ones he refers to in his lyrics are no-count, not working, looking to take advantage etc. So, in his view, girls who are making something of their lives like the Rutgers girls, don’t fit the category.
My thing is he shouldn’t call any woman that.
You can go read their bios at the Rutgers’ athletics’ website.
There are a number of scholar-athletes at state universities across the country. Check out the GPAs of the top college gymnasts. And then find out what they have done after college. I can’t speak for men’s football and basketball programs.
This reminds me of a thought I had earlier. Does anyone complain when male athletic teams are compared to thugs and the like? (not usually because it is often true.) In the Imus/Rutgers case, Imus has no basis for calling these young women “hos”.