Let's speak plainly. The phrase "nappy headed ho's" is no worse, and probably more tasteful, than the lyrics to half the rap songs you'll overhear. I would go so far as to say that the phrase was an allusion to rap lyrics. Does this justify his comment? In no way. Does the fact that BET, the cable showcase for black culture, runs rap music everyday that displays young black men using such remarks justify Imus' words? No. Does the fact that Imus is white and 50 Cent is black make a phrase that could easily be used by either of them, equally contemptible? Apparently not.

I will say this. If I hear you and your brother referring to your sister as a red-headed bitch over and over again, and neither you nor she seem to take it as an insult, there is only one thing that prohibits me using the same term : I'm not a member of your family. Common sense tells me it's not appropriate. So is Imus' remark a manifestation of racism, or a failure of his common sense? I suggest it is the latter.

Racist and sexist language is endemic in our culture, among both blacks and whites. Until we address that problem, our solution will be punishing certain individual high-profile violators for crossing a line, while overlooking the roar of racist messages that blare from numberless sources.