I'm not sure how many of us have ever read The Scarlet Letter or how many of us in the future will read this book but this week it has taken on new meaning. Scarlett is the school color for Rutgers University, and our Scarlet Knights Women's Basketball team is what we are reading. Since their surprise rise to the NCAA championship in March to their press conference yesterday these ladies have been on a roller coaster ride and seem to be holding on to that rail, and not falling off. Relentless, athletic, and forceful on the basketball court and articulate, even tempered and composed in front of the press this proves to us how lucky we are that we, in New Jersey, can call them our Scarlet Knights.
I had very little thought about the controversy. Don Imus, never my favorite, was to me a buffoon who acted his part. He must somehow believe that since his ad revenues are great he can say and do as he pleases. Some one called him on it. That's what happens. He thought he would say "I'm a good person" and it would be over. Two weeks suspension? Fine, he says. I'll take it with dignity. But then the ladies took to the podium. And said just what we needed to know.. "I am someone's daughter."
That was it for me. She is right. If someone used those words when talking about my daughter I would want him gone. I would want the world to know you can't say things like this, you can't let people know you think things like this, and you shouldn't think things like this. We should want people to respect our daughters (and sons). And if you have a seat of power, be it being the coach or on national television or radio, you can't say these things and expect us not to react. They shouldn't be said at all. And that should be that. Think what would happen if you used the expression that Mr. Imus used at your workplace. Would you still have your job?
I had very little thought about the controversy. Don Imus, never my favorite, was to me a buffoon who acted his part. He must somehow believe that since his ad revenues are great he can say and do as he pleases. Some one called him on it. That's what happens. He thought he would say "I'm a good person" and it would be over. Two weeks suspension? Fine, he says. I'll take it with dignity. But then the ladies took to the podium. And said just what we needed to know.. "I am someone's daughter."
That was it for me. She is right. If someone used those words when talking about my daughter I would want him gone. I would want the world to know you can't say things like this, you can't let people know you think things like this, and you shouldn't think things like this. We should want people to respect our daughters (and sons). And if you have a seat of power, be it being the coach or on national television or radio, you can't say these things and expect us not to react. They shouldn't be said at all. And that should be that. Think what would happen if you used the expression that Mr. Imus used at your workplace. Would you still have your job?
Perhaps we should wear a Scarlet letter in support of these fine ladies. Or just wear Scarlet. On Tuesday, when the team meets with Mr. Imus and he tries to repair the injustice served to the team.
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