Don Imus Controversy

The recent controversy over Don Imus and his remarks about the Rutgers women’s basketball team has brought about an interesting discussion concerning censorship. While many people, myself included, feel that Don Imus was rightfully terminated from his position as a radio show host, it is interesting to examine his situation in relation to other recent controversial statements made by people in similar industries.
Ann Coulter has long been known to make outrageous and controversial statements, but many felt that she had gone too far when she used a homosexual slur to reference presidential candidate John Edwards. An actor on the popular television series “Grey’s Anatomy” used a homosexual slur to refer to one his castmates resulting in a brawl onset and public fallout. And Mel Gibson created a frenzy when in a drunken state he spewed a series of anti Semitic remarks. While there was public outcry over these situations, these people remain employed, while Don Imus has been let go. Don Imus has been effectively censored, while Ann Coulter is free to continue on as she pleases, making controversial and offensive statements if she so chooses. The actor on “Grey’s Anatomy” has attempted to make some amends by issuing an apology and entering treatment, as has Mel Gibson. Don Imus issued an apology as well, but that did not stop his termination. All of these other figures have been able to continue on with life as normal after a minor hiccup concerning their statements. Why is this not the same for Don Imus?
While I agree with the termination of Don Imus from his radio show, I think it is interesting to look at the different situations and try to determine why all of these people did not meet the same fate. Was it because of the different forums in which these remarks were made? Was it because of the difference in the sponsors and studios behind these people reacted differently? Was it because of different levels of public outcry? How has Don Imus been censored while all of these other offenders remain free to offend again without censorship? The answers are not crystal clear, but it is an interesting issue to examine.