37 Responses to “True Leadership”

1. LJR writes:
   No. 1 — April 12th, 2007 at 7:20 pm

   I can appreciate the position that you’re taking. Imus is a complicated figure: he combines positive actions (like this fundraiser) with offensive, insulting, sophomoric and negative ones (which could be heard on his late program, time and time again).

   Bigelow’s choice to support the positive aspects, but detach from the negative ones, seems like a nuanced and approrpriate course of action.

2. cwelch writes:
   No. 2 — April 12th, 2007 at 7:57 pm

   Thought you should know – because of your reviewing whether or not to continue to advertise with Imus instead of pulling your advertising, I will no longer be purchasing your teas – although I have been a long time customer.

   The charitable fundraising does not mitigate his other actions. What he said was offensive, hateful, and should not be tolerated. Period. Not offensive to just black people, not offensive to just women, but offensive to people – all people.

   If charitable intent is what Bigelow tea is interested in, then do that. There are many other avenues to achieve this. Supporting a personality who promotes hate, ignorance, and disrespect because this person also raises funds for charity is ignoring the larger implications.

   A person can give funds to a church – that doesn’t mean we should ‘review’ whether or not there are consequences for their actions.

   Whether or not there are consequences for your actions should not be conditional on how much money you have, how much money you give, or how much money you raise.

   Since apparently that is how Bigelow views this situation, I will exercise my right as a consumer to spend my hard earned money elsewhere.

   I hope others will do the same.

3. Colette Kimble writes:
   No. 3 — April 12th, 2007 at 8:07 pm

   Bravo. Yes it was a terrible thing he said and hurtful, but he apologized. I’ve not tried Bigelow Tea in the past, but will now. I was not an Imus listener but knew of his many “stupid” statements made in the past, that is Imus and a lot of people made a lot of money from his show. He is honest, can those against him say the same, I’m not so sure. Why is it so hard for people to stand behind someone that is in the mist of so much controversy. The entire episode was taken way too seriously. We all need to forgive and move on. Hate breeds hate.

4. Helen writes:
   No. 4 — April 12th, 2007 at 8:13 pm

   It all is moot. Imus was fired by CBS. Neither CBS nor MSNBC had any consideration for the viewers, both based their decisions entirely on $$$. The corporations folded under pressure, and the corporations, not the viewers, call the shots. MSNBC and CBS did not even give the appearance that they cared—we could just turn it off if we were offended. Now, many of us will turn them off permanently.

   Like the rest of America, I disagree with what Don Imus said. But it is a sorry day in America, when a man is continually kicked while he is begging for forgiveness.

   I am cancelling my Amex, and going to Office Max.

5. Cynthia writes:
   No. 5 — April 12th, 2007 at 8:24 pm

   Thanks Cindi, for your consideration, decency, and patience in considering the entire picture surrounding this debacle, I know it wasn’t easy. I’m saddened, very much by today’s developments, and I agree that the Rutgers girls and coach, as well as Imus, have risen above, above the horrible words, the media hypocracy, among other things. I hope Imus does meet with the team, he is a good person who has made a terrible mistake. I thank you for this forum and being a true sponsor to Imus. I’m going to miss his show so much. Thanks again…I am so sad, but I think I’ll drown my sorrows in some Constant Comet…

6. Laurie Vannoy writes:
   No. 6 — April 12th, 2007 at 8:27 pm

   I am proud of you for supporting Imus. I don’t drink tea much but will support your company now.
   Imus did a bad thing and apologized. He deserved the suspension. The rest is ridiculous. We cannot stand for allowing a few to determine what’s right and what’s wrong. The free market would have taken care of things. Everyone was free to turn off the Imus show. I don’t care for him all that much but he does great things for children and that should be supported.
   Anyway, I’m behind your stand. Thanks for being brave!

7. Bernadette Williams writes:
   No. 7 — April 12th, 2007 at 8:50 pm

   This is a great day in America. For two important decision has made me proud to tell my children that people of America are worth defending. First three men were found innocent of a charged of rape that was driven by race. Second America said we will not tolerate racist insult against anyone on our land. These two decision whether you forgive the person who falsified a police report or a broadcaster who degraded a minority is not the point, that a personal decision between you and God, and that should stay private. The fact that America rose up against allowing this to go unpunish is what we tell our kid is the right thing to do.Today we should be happy that we as America have the backbone not to convict people because of race and to not let people get away with degradation on our air wave or in our presents. Imus can continue to do good work but Imus now also knows, American will stand up when there is something that jeopardize their Good nature and Faith. God require that…its in that Great Book

8. Vic writes:
   No. 8 — April 12th, 2007 at 9:09 pm

   Thanks for sticking by Imas. What he said was wrong,but untill Sharpton, Jackson and the rest of black America stand up against rappers using the same or worse language , I think the should get off his case. They should boycot record labels that use those words. When they run pointing the finger at him,they have 3 pointing back at themselves. Bill Cosby said it right,but they don’t follow his remarks!!!!!!!!!

9. Donna writes:
   No. 9 — April 12th, 2007 at 10:19 pm

   I applaud you for standing up for the children and families and also for Imus. I think it was a very unforunate situation that he has got himself into. But I also think there should be some sort of punishment to all who are in the public eye and private sector to be dealth with. Knowing you and the respect you give to your employees I think you would not put up with such. I agree where is the love of others and the respect of others. In today’s society we have all at times forgot about how hurtful things can be to people. I am a woman of color and I still get upset at the language that is used concerning women not only from Imus,but Rappers too. I agree with the Rev. Al Sharpton that this needs to be dealth with on all levels. I give you respect for listening to all sides of the story Although I do agree with the firing of anyone who comes out into the public and private sector and disgrace people in such a way that he did to hurt others. In today’s world there is still those who think they can say whatever they want and not offend people,all in all it still hurts. I’m sure Mr. Imus is really sorry,but now he’s paying a price which I’m quite sure he is hurting in his heart. I hope though he does not forget about the many people that he has helped and I’m glad you helped him and still will help him in the future in his charities. I have to say though, I’m glad you decided awhile back to have your people go through training on understanding and respecting others. At least I can say I know an employer who understands the needs of making sure others respect each other. At any rate maybe we all can continue to do good for others and make this world understand that there is a problem that we all need to deal with.

10. SD Nelson writes:
    No. 10 — April 12th, 2007 at 10:36 pm

    I have been a drinker of Constant Comment since my mother started buying it when I was in my early teens. I am over 50 now. It’s one of my favorite teas but I am sad to say I’ve bought my last box. You say you did this for the children but had you thought about what he did to the children when HE made those comments? How is he going to look any child of color in the face and say, “I did this for you?” after referring to that team in that derogatory manner? Better he raise less money and set a better example as a human being first.

    You can’t pay money and negate the bad things that you do and say. Hiding behind the children is despicable. This also wasn’t the first time he’s done something like that. You could have still given the money but your defence of the man is unbelievable. He is not to be pitied or held up as a tragic figure. He did do this to himself and to the children. By his blaming others, Mr. Imus did not understand that and it seems, neither does the Bigalow company.

11. bugs writes:
    No. 11 — April 12th, 2007 at 10:54 pm

    Thank you Bigelow, so much for not joining the crowds of advertisers turning against a radio icon like Imus.
    He is one of the originals. He is an honest, open, decent entertainer. Because of this mob mentality, we’ve just willingly given up more and more of the freedoms we take so much for granted.

12. John writes:
    No. 12 — April 12th, 2007 at 11:05 pm

    A couple of days ago you stated your future with the IMUS Show was in “jepordy”. In reading the overwhelming support for IMUS you then backtracked on that position. The problem is that its too little too late.
    Imus has been fired from his radio program during the radiothon. The threats from companies like yours in addition to the shortsightedness of other companies who already pulled ads
    has a caused a chain reaction. Only the charities get hurt here. Nice job bigelow, I just enjoyed my first cup of Twinings green tea.

13. Monica writes:
    No. 13 — April 12th, 2007 at 11:23 pm

    I’ve always enjoyed the quality of Bigelow tea, unfortunately I have lost faith in your company and priorities and now all of your tea has been trashed, how fitting. There are a lot of reputable ways for a company to raise money for charity, holding hands with a bigot not being the best option, in my opinion. It is my opinion and my wallet and you can bet I will never purchase or drink any product by Bigelow. You had your chance to show what you’re made of……

14. Kip writes:
    No. 14 — April 12th, 2007 at 11:35 pm

    Very disappointed to hear that you continue to support someone with a history of vile remarks. Many brave corporations took a stand that racism and sexism should not be tolerated and they will be commended. There is no justification for spewing hatred on public airwaves and your support of Imus shows that you disagree. I will definitely relay your stance to others and will no longer purchase your product.

15. NJ writes:
    No. 15 — April 12th, 2007 at 11:40 pm

    I’ve enjoyed your tea in the past. But I think that your company should have pulled advertising over the hurtful and over the top comments. What if someone had insulted you, personally, like that?

16. h delair writes:
    No. 16 — April 13th, 2007 at 12:03 am

    hmmmmm raise money for sick kids but then call someone who could be there mom,sister,aunt a “nappy headed ho ” yup that sounds pretty crapy to me

17. jolene writes:
    No. 17 — April 13th, 2007 at 2:22 am

    Thanks for supporting the I-man! Very courageous! I will be sure pick up some Constant Comment at the grocery tomorrow.

18. karchie writes:
    No. 18 — April 13th, 2007 at 2:42 am

    I am a huge fan of your teas. Earl grey, jasmine, jasmine green, the green teas, chai, plantation mint; you get the picture. I am very familiar with your products because I have been a fan for years.

    I have to inform you that I will no longer purchase any of your products. As a woman, and more specifically a woman of color, I am outraged and offended that your company would decide to stand by Don Imus. The level of misogyny expressed by Imus has not gone unnoticed. It seems that Bigelow did not expect that it mattered that he was disrespectful to all women, not just African-American women. It does matter to me.

    I will have to explore companies who value me as a person and, probably most importantly to you, my money.

    The way I read your blog entry, all is well as long as the money is right. Not good enough.

    Don’t cry for Don Imus. He was an opportunistic vulture, he is not the victim. He took cheap shots at those young women who had not done anything but excel. Why? Beauty is not as narrow as Imus’ vision. And I hope by now we all know, as women, we are far more than the sum of our parts.

19. Richard writes:
    No. 19 — April 13th, 2007 at 6:17 am

    I’m not really interested in how Imus has become this PC backlash folk hero. I don’t listen to him and didn’t really have any opinion about him until this incident. Well, now I do. I didn’t have any opinions about Bigelow Tea beyond tea. Nice tea in a tin, english breakfast, earl grey… oh yeah, they’re the ones that stuck with Imus. Right, gotcha, all I need to know. I suppose you’ll be changing the name of your black tea to nappy headed ho tea?

    Wow. Welcome to 2007. You’ve got a blog now, see if you can catch up, Imus is so last century. Apparently Bigelow Tea is too.

20. JD writes:
    No. 20 — April 13th, 2007 at 7:18 am

    Dear Cindi,

    I have been a Bigelow Tea drinker for a long time, and will continue to be one.

    While I in no way condone what Imus said, I am truly appalled at the level of hypocrisy that has been shown throughout the last week.

    We have become an unforgiving, holier-than-thou society. I think we have forgotten that we have all done and said awful, hurtful things. I’m truly baffled at why people are so quick to take down one who does so much good for people of all colors. Should he have made that horrific comment? Of course not. Is he sorry? I truly believe he is. I’m proud of your company’s thoughtful approach to this difficult situation.

21. Peg writes:
    No. 21 — April 13th, 2007 at 9:25 am

    Good for you!! I’m proud of you.

    The networks and sponsors who have pulled out on Imus have caved. They had an opportunity to spin this situation. Imus could have used his tremendous influence and platform to open a dialogue on the damage that racist and sexist slurs, even when made in jest, can incur. Imus could have latched onto these issues in the same manner he’s taken hold of children’s issues, veteran’s issues, and various charities’ needs. Instead, the networks chose the easy route. Now, once the furor passes it will be business as usual. Noone will step up to tackle this tough subject. Imus is the only media personality with a broad audience who has the guts and the brains to take on the tough subjects. He could have done a brilliant job with this.

    Those stupid, stupid fools!

    Thank you for sticking by Imus and being thoughtful in your decisions.I have cancelled my American Express. I’ll shop at Office Max. I’ll no longer watch MSNBC or anything CBS. I will enjoy your tea for many years.
    Thank you.

    Peg Landry
    Boston, MA

22. Sue Woo writes:
    No. 22 — April 13th, 2007 at 10:05 am

    I have loved Constant Comment all my life. Too bad I will have to give it up. You can stand by your man if you want to-because of that I will no longer buy your tea.

23. tom writes:
    No. 23 — April 13th, 2007 at 10:51 am

    A nuanced approach doesn’t fly…people make choices in life and suffer consequences as a result. By trying to have it both ways you’ve lost all credibility. Your job is to make and sell tea. In the process you don’t want to offend your customers. By taking sides with the likes of Sharpton and Jackson, two of the most despicable persons on the planet, you’ve offended many. One can only hope your customers show you the same loyalty you’ve shown Imus.

24. david writes:
    No. 24 — April 13th, 2007 at 11:00 am

    According to Bloomberg Worldwide on 4/10: Bigelow Tea, the closely held maker of specialty teas, also suspended its advertising. Future sponsorship is “in jeopardy,” said Cindi Bigelow, co-president of the company.

    That’s not support and sticking by Imus, that’s piling on right along with all the other advertisers that pulled out. To say a final decision hadn’t been made is splitting hairs. So Peggy if you’re not going to use AMEX, Staples, CBS, MSNBC etc then you should add Bigelow to that same list.

    That Cindi showed up for the telethon is great but without airtime how much will they be able to generate next year and the year after when this is no longer on the front page. Who is going to make up the shortfall?

25. Margaret writes:
    No. 25 — April 13th, 2007 at 11:01 am

    I work in a law office where a huge box of various Bigelow Tea is offered to staff. Well, make that ‘was offered to staff’ because the dozens of boxes of tea have gone into the trash.

    We women lawyers, legal secretaries and receptionists were saddened your company continued to support Imus after his horrific remarks against Rutgers’ women athletes. What did he need to say for you to take a stand in the direction of decency? And you call yourselves a family business! Did you think this was humorous? Was he also calling my daughter who plays college soccer a ‘ho’?

    Staff members who drink coffee instead of tea said: “Get the Bigelow out of here!” No worries – the Lipton sales representative has already been called.

26. sherri m'star writes:
    No. 26 — April 13th, 2007 at 11:59 am

    Thanks for supporting the charities but you’re a little too late. If you hadn’t been so quick to cave in — maybe things would be differennt.
    I just can’t believe that CBS (a week later) pulled the plug in the middle of the radiothon. The women of Rutgers have 10 times more class than those “cheap suits”. They never called for him to be fired.
    This is all about a few radicals going after someone that is different. Where are the Sharptons’, Jacksons’, Moonves’, Capus’, Olbermans’, Clintons’, Fords’, Winfreys’ to take down the rappers’ and hip-hop moguls that make millions on denegrating women.
    Granted he said something stupid but this could have been a chance for real dialogue about the subject. He had done more for children and veterans than all of those people identified above.
    I hate Fox news, Ann Coulter, Bill O’reilly, Rush Limbaugh to name a few but I’m not calling for them to be off the air. I just don’t tune them in. It’s called free speech. I won’t watch msnbc or nbc or buy those sponsors products. At least, I still have my remote and wallet to make a statement. It’s back to NPR for me.
    Again, thanks for supporting the kids.

27. Patricia writes:
    No. 27 — April 13th, 2007 at 12:15 pm

    Do NOT make the mistake of leaving Imus. He made a HUGE error in judgement–don’t do as he did. To little to late on your part as far as I am concerned…there was nothing to think about..you should have done the right thing from the beginning—SUPPORTED HIS RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH. While his actions are not acceptable–neither are yours. Supporting the charity & not Imus is insanity–nothing you can say can justify your abandonment of a good man who made an ass of himself. I will no longer knowingly purchase any of your products. I say, shame on you!

28. Jodi writes:
    No. 28 — April 13th, 2007 at 3:41 pm

    Cindy Bigelow, Shame on you! Here is the Bloomberg Report from your company and spokesperson! You DID NOT stick by Imus as you have indicated. Because is that I will find another tea distributor to use at my company.

    Bigelow Tea, the closely held maker of specialty teas, also suspended its advertising. Future sponsorship is “in jeopardy,” said Cindi Bigelow, co-president of the company.

    “Our company does not condone or support in any way the unacceptable comments made by Imus,” Bigelow said in an e- mailed statement. “We are deeply saddened by Imus’s remarks.”

    Fairfield, Connecticut-based Bigelow has advertised on the show for nine years. Spokesman Derek Beere wouldn’t say how much the company spends on the show. He said the company’s most recent ad schedule on Imus has just ended.

    Until Black America looks within and stops blaming White Americans for their misfortunes there will never be peace. No body gave me what I have in my life, I WORKED FOR IT! I am soooo sick of hearing the race card being played I could vomit! Freedom of speech gives us the right to listen OR NOT listen to whom we please. If I listened to every negative statement said to me in my life I would be in a hole. If “Reverend” Sharpton had a “real job” he wouldn’t have all this time on his hand to cause division. He need to find that “hole” that I refused to get in and bury himself. He is a negative force for the black community! And as far as “Reverend” goes, NO Reverend I know teaches and preached Hate like him! Wake up people!

29. net writes:
    No. 29 — April 14th, 2007 at 10:09 am

    What happened to my comments from yesterday? Well it is worth repeating. You should be a shame of yourselves for standing by this fool, and I will not be drinking your tea ever.

30. net writes:
    No. 30 — April 14th, 2007 at 10:15 am

    You are saying if we do one good thing,but turn around and make a big mistake that hurts others, the mistake should be overlooked………I don’t think so. He made a big mistake and you stood by him. Does not a just cause override money? In the long run you also will see your big mistake

31. TB writes:
    No. 31 — April 15th, 2007 at 10:24 am

    ‘Blacks as target practice’
    GERMANY | Army training video shows soldiers firing after racist ‘pep’ talk

    April 15, 2007
    BY KIRSTEN GRIESHABER
    BERLIN — A German army instructor ordered a soldier to envision himself in New York City facing hostile blacks while firing his machine gun, a video that aired Saturday on national television showed.
    The president of the Bronx, the New York City borough the army instructor referred to in his directions to the soldier, demanded an apology from the German military and said the clip ”indicates that bias and assumptions and racism is alive and well around the world.”

    Coming after scandals involving photos of German soldiers posing with skulls in Afghanistan and the abuse of recruits by instructors, the video seemed likely to raise more questions about training practices in Germany’s conscript army.

    The Defense Ministry said the video was shot in July 2006 at barracks in the northern town of Rendsburg and that the army has been aware of it since January.

    ”We are currently investigating the incident,” said Florian Naggies, a spokesman for the army and Defense Ministry.

    He did not identify the instructor or the soldier.

    ‘They are insulting your mother’
    The clip shows an instructor and a soldier in camouflage uniforms in a forest. The instructor tells the soldier, ”You are in the Bronx. A black van is stopping in front of you. Three African Americans are getting out and they are insulting your mother in the worst ways. . . . Act!”
    The soldier fires his machine gun several times and yells an obscenity several times in English. The instructor tells the soldier to curse louder.

    Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr. said whoever was responsible should be disciplined. ”We need to put to rest the prejudices and the hate that is allowed . . . to be perpetuated so easily and cheaply,” said Carrion, who is of Puerto Rican descent.

    Carrion, who just returned from Germany to promote Bronx tourism, said he would be willing to go back to talk to the military.

    The Rev. Al Sharpton said he was outraged Germans were ”depicting blacks as target practice.”

    ”I think this is an incredibly racist kind of insult to African Americans, and it speaks to the kind of institutional racism that people think we are hallucinating about,” he said.

    The existence of the video was first reported on the home page of the German newsmagazine Stern on Friday, and excerpts were aired on n-tv on Saturday.

    Stern said the 90-second clip had been posted on a Web site used by soldiers to exchange private videos. A soldier alerted his superiors, the magazine reported.

32. M E Hall writes:
    No. 32 — April 15th, 2007 at 3:48 pm

    As a long-time Imus listener (if you haven’t listened to the show you should know it’s “entertainment”, much like wrestling but slightly more thought provoking), and a long-time customer of Bigelow tea, I’m at least happy that I can continue to drink your tea. I’m actively dropping consumption of any advertiser that kowtowed to the political agenda of this spectacle. And while you haven’t actively supported the man, at least you’re not doing the cowardly thing. Thanks, Cindy.

33. Juanita Shupe writes:
    No. 33 — April 15th, 2007 at 4:43 pm

    I did watch imus. I liked when he had people on who were running for office. I am also a country fan so he had a lot of my favorite people on. Thanks again for suporting the radiothon and what it stands for.

34. Juanita Shupe writes:
    No. 34 — April 15th, 2007 at 4:46 pm

    I reeally want to thank you for suproting the radiothon and what it stand for. I did watch Imus and I am going to miss his show. I like people running for office being on his show. I am also a country western fan so I enjoyed that part of his program as well. I hope for sick children everywhere that he can find a way to keep the ranch going. Thank you

35. Laurie writes:
    No. 35 — April 16th, 2007 at 1:05 pm

    Imus has helped your company become a household brand name. I say that because I never heard of Bigelow tea except on the show, but when people talk tea I know if it was Bigelow tea it was probably quality tea. Now I’d rather distance myself from your company.

36. Anna writes:
    No. 36 — April 16th, 2007 at 3:22 pm

    Greetings. I am a tea drinking women’s basketball fan. I suspect there are quite a few of us. I just bought your Pomegranate Pizzazz, thinking that you were one of the many sponsers that decided not to put your money behind shows that promotes small and meanspirited voices.

    I agree with you that Coach Stringer is a very classy lady. I understand how confusing this whole issue can be. I hope that this “teachable moment” can continue in conversations throughout this country. Perhaps we have even reached a turning point where decent people will no longer suport or tolerate indecency and cruelty toward each other.

37. Chuck writes:
    No. 37 — July 18th, 2007 at 2:16 pm

    I worked with black kids for YEARS. They call themselves and each other “Nappy-Headed Hos” all the time. But God forbid YOU do!!

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