Why is there a pimp on MY front page?
The past week has both puzzled and angered some long-time Beaumont Enterprise readers.
The death of nationally known (and now Grammy-nominated) rapper Chad Butler, a Port Arthur native known to his fans as Pimp C, has made the front page of The Enterprise nine of the past 10 days.
Some readers have been offended by that, angered that the word “Pimp” was in a headline on our front page. Some were particularly offended that there was a front page story on Friday, Dec. 7, arguing that the front page should have been used as a salute to Pearl Harbor rather than to a dead rap star.
There are three things those readers need to recognize: (1) We ran a major story and large photograph on the death of Luke Trahin, a Pearl Harbor survivor on Thursday, Dec. 6th; (2) Our world now includes more rap fans than WWII survivors; (3) Just because we had substantial coverage on the death of Pimp C doesn't mean we left anything else out. We still managed to cover everything else we would have covered with or without Pimp C coverage.
As I told one caller – “No, I do not know Pimp C’s music. I am completely unfamiliar with him. But I recognized years ago that, musically, I am completely out of the loop when I reached the point that I didn’t recognize most of the people who were winning Grammy awards.”
Our Web page hits surged with our coverage of Pimp C. When “The Bayou” blog was the first to post information about final funeral arrangements, it got an average of about four hits per minute in the first hour and a half.
Our single copy (newspaper rack) sales in the Port Arthur area surged with initial coverage and continued to peak with sales Friday, the day of funeral coverage in the print edition. That doesn't mean The Enterprise made tons of money from the coverage -- not at 50 cents per copy -- but it DOES indicate that there was a great deal of public interest in this story and that IS important.
A newspaper is about many things, including recognizing our past, acknowledging our present and moving our community and its readers into the future. It’s also a business that has to recognize and serve all of its readers. It's about covering a community, or in our case, a region. The death of Pimp C WAS the biggest news in our region in the past 10 days. Because of that, it got a lot of coverage . . . well-deserved coverage.
One caller who left a message on the Reader Representative telephone line (409-880-0748) said he simply didn't understand what all the fuss was about because he had never heard of the guy. I called back and left him a message with some of this explanation. The next day, he called again, to thank me for the explanation and to further offer that he read Friday's stories and found them very interesting and informative. He kept an open mind and learned some new things along the way. That's another important role a newspaper can play in a community and the lives of its readers.
I’m still probably not going to listen to Pimp C’s music, but he IS now part of the history and heritage of this region. Arguing against that is simply a case of refusing to acknowledge facts.
The death of nationally known (and now Grammy-nominated) rapper Chad Butler, a Port Arthur native known to his fans as Pimp C, has made the front page of The Enterprise nine of the past 10 days.
Some readers have been offended by that, angered that the word “Pimp” was in a headline on our front page. Some were particularly offended that there was a front page story on Friday, Dec. 7, arguing that the front page should have been used as a salute to Pearl Harbor rather than to a dead rap star.
There are three things those readers need to recognize: (1) We ran a major story and large photograph on the death of Luke Trahin, a Pearl Harbor survivor on Thursday, Dec. 6th; (2) Our world now includes more rap fans than WWII survivors; (3) Just because we had substantial coverage on the death of Pimp C doesn't mean we left anything else out. We still managed to cover everything else we would have covered with or without Pimp C coverage.
As I told one caller – “No, I do not know Pimp C’s music. I am completely unfamiliar with him. But I recognized years ago that, musically, I am completely out of the loop when I reached the point that I didn’t recognize most of the people who were winning Grammy awards.”
Our Web page hits surged with our coverage of Pimp C. When “The Bayou” blog was the first to post information about final funeral arrangements, it got an average of about four hits per minute in the first hour and a half.
Our single copy (newspaper rack) sales in the Port Arthur area surged with initial coverage and continued to peak with sales Friday, the day of funeral coverage in the print edition. That doesn't mean The Enterprise made tons of money from the coverage -- not at 50 cents per copy -- but it DOES indicate that there was a great deal of public interest in this story and that IS important.
A newspaper is about many things, including recognizing our past, acknowledging our present and moving our community and its readers into the future. It’s also a business that has to recognize and serve all of its readers. It's about covering a community, or in our case, a region. The death of Pimp C WAS the biggest news in our region in the past 10 days. Because of that, it got a lot of coverage . . . well-deserved coverage.
One caller who left a message on the Reader Representative telephone line (409-880-0748) said he simply didn't understand what all the fuss was about because he had never heard of the guy. I called back and left him a message with some of this explanation. The next day, he called again, to thank me for the explanation and to further offer that he read Friday's stories and found them very interesting and informative. He kept an open mind and learned some new things along the way. That's another important role a newspaper can play in a community and the lives of its readers.
I’m still probably not going to listen to Pimp C’s music, but he IS now part of the history and heritage of this region. Arguing against that is simply a case of refusing to acknowledge facts.
posted by Sheila Friedeck at 11:34 AM
24 Comments:
"The death of Pimp C WAS the biggest news in our region in the past 10 days. Because of that, it got a lot of coverage . . . well-deserved coverage."
Meanwhile, our local hockey team, which is number one in the "league", receives a small paragraph somewhere in the back of the Sports Section.
If it was some country music singer that was well know to country music fans or any other type of music would you still feel a hockey team is more important then their life and death. He is well know in hip hop for years and at a climax in his career since all eyes are on the south right now. So please have respect for people even if you don't know them. Congrats hockey team.
At least he wasn't part of the rap group N.W.A. (Niggaz With Attitude). That would have incensed some people as well.
Face it. The fact that Pimp
c is even a story reflects how far this area has fallen and is in decay.
There are many mistakes made by the Beaumont Enterprise. Besides appearing and reading as though it is a second grade essay, this editor's blog read "world now includes more rap fans that WWII survivors". I believe the word "that" should be replaced with "than". No wonder the Enterprise has so many problems - an editor doesn't take the time to edit his own work. My suggestion would be to aim the article towards those who actually read you newspaper. I'm sure a majority of them are not interested in reading so much about a pimp.
^^^ I agree. It seems as if some of these reporters/editors have not even completed a 2nd grade vocabulary or grammar class. It does not make sense. Sure a mistake here and there could be accepted, but every Enterprise has an overwhelming amount of mistakes.
I was one of those complaining when I opened my paper on Veteran's Day and read the banner headline, who then made a hasty, ill-timed, emotional, and insensitive comment, and, as Shelia so correctly points out, forgot that the paper is about profits, and the demographics of "more rappers than WWII veterans" is about selling papers. Though I am sorry to have offended anyone, I still think that the words of politics and history, not just rhyme and rhythm, should be covered equally, as important issues affecting the disenfranchised in our area. For me, the issue is not that it was on the front page, but "why the banner?". I felt it was insulting that you ignore so many issues affecting African Americans in our area, then jump on this event in an effort sell papers to grieving fans. I apologize for being insensitive to the family and fans, but I should know by now that sex, drugs and misogamy sells papers, not school super salaries, S-Chip, and war.
If the stories and grammer suck, stop buying the paper. That's what I did.
You guys need to shut the fuck up and get a damn life. Stick the paper up your asses as you are just whining like little ass babies. I've had enough of hearing people complain over senseless shit. Pimp C died, and he left behind a great legacy. Pimp C and Bun B are the one's who made Port Arthur stand out. Pimp C had love for PA and you should have love for him.
Nobody wants to read about some boring news. Ok, it was Veterans Day. With all due respect, out of the total population in U.S., how many do you think actually noticed? I do respect our veterans in our country, but that doesn't mean the whole paper has to contain content of the day being Veteran's Day.
Please get a life!
The rationale that, "Our world now includes more rap fans that WWII survivors," as a reason to run more Pimp C coverage is weak. There aren't any survivors of Christ's birth but you still manage to cover Christmas. There aren't any survivors from the signing of the Declaration of Independence but the Enterprise still puts fireworks on the banner. Also, you justify that Pimp C's death is now a part of the history of this region. I remind you that Pearl Harbor is an even bigger part of our regional and national history.
Pimp C was thug who degraded women and rapped about getting high and committing violent acts. The only love for Port Arthur that he had was for the money he was making selling records.
You know the world is going to hell in a handbasket when a punk is elevated to God-like status on the front page of the newspaper.
And, what about this guy's mother, she sure wasn't too upset about the loss of her son. Do you think it might have something to do with the fact that she will benefit richly by his demise.
I think it is disugsting that the Beaumont Enterprise glorified this trash.
To the Family of Chad Butler. I pray that the Lord will give you strenght as you go own with your life. Though I did not agree with a few things I can not judge this man, God is the judge. Many need to know that we all must go one day and we will know where were going through the way we live our life. I recall his Pastor talking about His spiritual life, though I had a raised brow I quickly put it down and remind my self to bear my own cross then I thought, if this wasn't in the news many young men/women that are into the rap music would think of him as this rap star but thanks to Beaumont enterprise they can know Him as a Man that loves God, do we want our children to think you can do bad and go to Heaven. It was alot of interesting things to know about this young man that I don't even know. It's not about the name. it's about the man with the name. Again I had raised brows but when you make it up in your mind I want to go to Heaven I pray about it and find the good and focus on it. I also recall a friend saying that word, to him meant pen/paper this was his ways, Not that I agree but I kind of looked at the big picture, you see now alot of Boys/men want be rideing around trying to be what that word means to them lesson from a man that has gone to Heaven parents can witness to their young boys that knew and loved His music. I beleave we must carry our on cross He's gone He's at the feet of God, lets put the focus where it belongs on how to get to Heaven how to live right in order to get their the word of God tells us how. Can we please let him rest the judge is in Heaven we should not judge him. Lets allow the family time to heal. This Christmas season you have your family's please by the grace of God allow this family to have some peace. this could have been our father, brother, son. To the family let God be true and the enemy/man aliar. He's in Heaven rest in knowing that. From a Careing stranger that loves the Lord.
What's wrong with you people? Can't we all just get along and respect our differences - that's what made America great.
I think the main point is that the paper sales surged in the Port Arthur area which made it a story of interest to only one city in the Enterprise's coverage area...
I hear so many people saying that the coverage on Pimp C was unnecessary, and how the newspaper had limited coverage on Pearl Harbor and Veterans Day. I served 13 years in the U.S. Army. I have been all over the world and in some very difficult and down right horrible situations and places. I have friends who are still serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have had several friends die in combat, and some of us have returned to a country, that we thought would welcome us with open arms, but instead turned it's back on us. No matter what era a service member has served in(WWII,Korea,Vietnam, or the Gulf War), treatment of the American service member has been about the same. Many of you who are making this comparison of the coverage of Pimp C and the coverage of the Pearl Harbor reunion and Veterans Day, are only doing so for your own selfish reasons and for your negative comments to be heard. I applaud Pimp C, other hip-hop artists, rock-n-roll artists, country singers, and all others who make entertaining music to keep the service members sane. So while you rolling around in your nice warm fart sack, trying to get comfortable, there are service members all over the middle east laying on the cold desert floor, with one earpiece in one ear and the other ear free to listen for enemy activity, holding a weapon in their hand, scared for their life, but remaining sane from the music of Pimp C and other music artist in the music industry. Furthermore, before you go judging anyone for the content of their music, or their lifestyle, judge yourself first. Let him who is without sin, cast the first stone. And for the writer that made the comment about Chad Butler's mother benefiting financially from his death, that was totally out of line, you really need to be careful what you say. You really sound like fool. To all you so called Veteran lovers making these comments for your own selfish reasons, give it a break, please, your embarrassing yourselves and disrespecting those who have died and are going to die for this country. The veterans in the Middle East now, have no idea what's in store for them when they return, if they did they probably wouldn't make such a sacrifice. Much love and respect to the family of Chad Butler, may God Bless you and keep you.
I would not have known pimp c if he walked up to me. Therefore , I will leave his worship to his fans. If you think its newsworthy, then print it..no problem..........BUT....I sometimes wonder about the brains behind the editorial pages. An analogy more worthy and correct.. Ther are more Pimp C fans than WWII survivors and the fans of WWII survivors. And to be honest..I seriously doubt that. Paearl Harbor is NOT on December 6th . Its Dec 7th, and unless you ran out of ink..why didnt you pay tribute to vets on Pearl Harbor day..not Veterans day as many of the so called lovers of vets thought it was. Veterans day is Nov 11th. Please dont pander to us next year on the 10th. Cover anyone you want as much as you want..but never relegate the sacrifices of so many to obscurity because of the death of any one man. Give them both their due. you really do need to do some serious editing..or just check resumes and see if anyone there took English Composition in high school. No , I didnt edit my comments..but it isnt how I make a living. You do.
I think the editorial is a sad commentary on our times. We should always make time and give space to honor our veterans. There are only seven remaining veterans of World War one alive. The veterans of World War Two are dying at a rate of over one thousand per day. We should never place profits over patriotism. I am ashamed of the attitude of the Enterprise and saddened to think that our society is changing in such a way. Please reconsider your attitude and honor our veterans.
I understand some of your reasoning on this issue however, due to the fact that the number of WWII survivors are dwindling is the MOST important reason that rememberacne of Pear Harbor should have taken precedent over ANY musical star's death, no matter who it was!!! My father was in the Navy during WWII and that is a time in our history that needs to be FOREVER remembered. The fact that you talk about how much your newspaper sales rose in Port Arthur alone shows what this world has come to: it is ALL ABOUT MONEY!! Your coverage of Pimp C's death had absolutely nothing to do with history and EVERYTHING to do with MONEY!!!! It's a very sad day when our TRUE history is shoved aside for ANY musician!!!!
You've got to be kidding. Is the Beaumont Enterprise that hard up for news that it resort to devoting so much attention to a "pimp" (sic) story. Hire some more reporters to go out and look for some good stories. Is that the good that has come out of Port Arthur. Don't buy the paper
Reading many of these comments make me feel fortunate I no longer work full-time in the news media. The anger contained in some of these illogical and relatively illiterate comments strengthens the notion that ignorance is bliss. The only thing wrong with the majority of the Enterprise reporters is that they work for low pay while busting their collective asses for an ungrateful and largely idiotic reading public. I do think the editors and publishers share responsibility for allowing the tone of debate to reach the bottom of the food chain. Because these newsroom leaders fawn over what is trendy -- such as blogging and the instant response the Internet provides -- is as much responsible for the debate reaching the ridiculously low levels that are in evidence by many of the above letters. The public, largely, does not deserve sound journalism. Of course, many readers such as most of those who make such foolish comments as those above wouldn't know decent journalism if it sneaked upon them and whacked them across their asses.
In the interest of full-disclosure, I'd like to note that I have now corrected the error, changing "that" to "than." Thanks for the readers who caught the mistake. It's clear evidence that even editors need editors.
Other comments of note:
(1) There were no local events recognizing Pearl Harbor Day for The Enterprise to advance or cover on Dec. 7.
(2) We do a great deal of military coverage, about veterans and about those currently serving. We ran several PAGES of information for Veteran's Day (in Nov.) featuring "Those Who Serve" information on currently deployed servicemen and women.
(3) My (late) father was a WWII veteran as well -- so I thoroughly understand the level of sacrifice required by those in the military.
Isn't it interesting that more people found the energy to comment on The Enterprise's coverage of Pimp C than actually got off their butts to vote in the recent BISD bond election?
"the public does not deserve sound journalism."
The free press a bit too messy for you? I guess we're all relieved you are no longer a part of the media with that attitude!
( But I do share your outrage over the blatant racism exposed here!)
Diogenes' boy Elroy,
I hope that you are now in a profession that appreciates your superior intellect more than the "ungrateful and largely idiotic reading public".
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