To the Point
How Did Don Imus Go Down in Flames?
Radio shock-jock Don Imus had a record of brutal, vulgar attacks on ethnic groups and women, but celebrity politicians and news figures were regulars on his program. Why was the slur on the Rutgers basketball team the last straw? What does the episode illustrate about America's popular culture? Also, a promotion for his girlfriend spells trouble for World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz and, on Reporter's Notebook, Kurt Vonnegut, the Free Speech Movement, and today's bitter disputes about language.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenRadio shock-jock Don Imus had a record of brutal, vulgar attacks on ethnic groups and women, but celebrity politicians and news figures were regulars on his program. Why was the slur on the Rutgers basketball team the last straw? What does the episode illustrate about America's popular culture? Also, a promotion for his girlfriend spells trouble for World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz and, on Reporter's Notebook, Kurt Vonnegut, the Free Speech Movement, and today's bitter disputes about language.
In this episode
3 storiesWolfowitz's Tenure at World Bank in Jeopardy
Paul Wolfowitz , President of the World Bank , is in trouble for personally ordering a generous promotion for his girlfriend. Shaha Riza was at the World Bank when Wolfowitz took over. Yesterday, Wolfowitz apologized , explaining the “painful personal dilemma” as one that happened early in his tenure at the institution when he was…
Read the story6 minHow Did Don Imus Go Down in Flames?
Last night, the Rutgers women's basketball team met with ousted talk-show host Don Imus and this morning, coach Vivian Stringer called him "remorseful." Time magazine once named Imus one of America's 25 most influential people. He's in the National Broadcaster's Hall of Fame .
Read the story35 minKurt Vonnegut Remembered
As the flap over Don Imus was reaching its peak this week, American novelist Kurt Vonnegut died at the age of 84.
Read the story7 min
