Paula Deen, Victim of the PC Police or Justified Firing?

[scarygirl]

I have a mixed feelings on this one, I don't think the use of the N word is really appropriate. At the same time, I am saddened to think that someone will lose their entire career on events of the far past. I am assuming they are in the past. The lady seems really contrite.

[Memorex]

She should have known better, both from an ethical point of view and a professional one.

Now, can we end the contracts of every single rapper out there?

[scarygirl]

She should have known better, both from an ethical point of view and a professional one.

Now, can we end the contracts of every single rapper out there?

I agree.

[Jonny B]

Her food wasn't exactly health-conscious anyway. If anything, she should be fired for clogging arteries everywhere with her deadly cooking.

And yes, I agree. Rappers need to go away.

[Everett]

Not a fan of her's but she has the right to say whatever she want's in the privacy
of her own home. Besides this is something that allegedly happened 25-30 years ago.
It's not like she said it on one of her shows or something like that. People need to get
over themselves

[slucero]

Somewhere.. Jimmy Deen is laughing his ass off..

[ebake02]

I have a mixed feelings on this one, I don't think the use of the N word is really appropriate. At the same time, I am saddened to think that someone will lose their entire career on events of the far past. I am assuming they are in the past. The lady seems really contrite.

There is no excuse for using that word in any context, no matter how long ago it was. I don't have a problem with her losing her job, being a celebrity/public figure she has to set an example and she made the wrong choice. Blowing off the Today Show didn't help her either, she had the perfect opportunity to grab the bull by the horns and face up to her mistake but she decided to stick her head in the sand instead.
I do think that the media went way off the deep end though, their nonstop coverage of this turned Paula Deen into a toxic asset. I think the Food Network fired her for that reason, keeping her on board would've been suicide. I would like to think that they fired her for the right reason but I have a feeling it's more of a case of network executives distancing themselves to save their own asses.

[G.I.Jim]

I don't condone her using that language. I will say though, that if they asked ANY of us if we've said things that were offensive we've regreted, we're all guilty. I'm definitely guilty. There's only been one time I've used the "N" word to someone and that was after a Journey concert with Dan (Saint John), my wife and some friends. We got in the cab and got into an argument with the cabbie. He started being an asshole and we got out of the cab. He then started talking shit with his car's loudspeaker and was trying to instigate a fight. I don't remember what was said, but it was extremely offensive to me, my wife, and my friends. I snapped and lost my cool. No excuse for it, and it was not necessary. I figured it was either that or I kick his ass.

It was a fun night, but that definitely dampened the mood. I'm not a racist, and had a roommate/great friend for a year and a half who was black. Best guy I knew! I have had and still do have many great friends (mostly in the Army National Guard) who are black. I love them all and they're some of my closest friends.

I think the Food Network is just acting as any corporation would, and they're trying to protect their fan base and assets. I see where they're coming from, but I don't agree with it. As I said... we have ALL said things that are wrong and we regret them. It's part of life. I wish her the best and hope she gets over this hurdle. She's human!

[Don]

I'm pretty un-PC but fortunately, I know when to zip it but as for ole' Paula, she done fucked up big time with this. When you looks at all the different ethnicities at Food Network and the people she has been on shows with, there ain't no coming back from this. She needs to grab her tub of butter and go. Feel bad for her sons, they seem like good dudes trying to get their foot in the door but Mama's big mouth might have set them back some now.

[ebake02]

I'm pretty un-PC but fortunately, I know when to zip it but as for ole' Paula, she done fucked up big time with this.

I noticed when I saw some the deposition transcript that she doesn't seem to be the least bit apologetic when she admitted to what she said.

[scarygirl]

No, I know. And there really is no justification. Just a shame all around.

I don't condone her using that language. I will say though, that if they asked ANY of us if we've said things that were offensive we've regreted, we're all guilty. I'm definitely guilty. There's only been one time I've used the "N" word to someone and that was after a Journey concert with Dan (Saint John), my wife and some friends. We got in the cab and got into an argument with the cabbie. He started being an asshole and we got out of the cab. He then started talking shit with his car's loudspeaker and was trying to instigate a fight. I don't remember what was said, but it was extremely offensive to me, my wife, and my friends. I snapped and lost my cool. No excuse for it, and it was not necessary. I figured it was either that or I kick his ass.

It was a fun night, but that definitely dampened the mood. I'm not a racist, and had a roommate/great friend for a year and a half who was black. Best guy I knew! I have had and still do have many great friends (mostly in the Army National Guard) who are black. I love them all and they're some of my closest friends.

I think the Food Network is just acting as any corporation would, and they're trying to protect their fan base and assets. I see where they're coming from, but I don't agree with it. As I said... we have ALL said things that are wrong and we regret them. It's part of life. I wish her the best and hope she gets over this hurdle. She's human!

[Carlitto H@kk]

Call me crazy but I think Paula is getting railroaded by the public and the PC-Police. This is actually pretty pathetic. Sure, read a headline that says, "Paula Deen admits to using the word N*****" and the knee-jerk reaction is to crucify her. Yet, what was the context in which it was used?

From the stuff I have read, it sounds like she has never said this word, or used any racial remarks, within any of her businesses, or even tolerates it in her home. By all accounts, it sounds like she admitted to using this word a VERY long time ago. And when I say a long time ago, I'm talking about back in the day when things in the south weren't as friendly as they are now. She grew up in an age where segregation was still prominent; right or wrong, I'm sure this word was as common place as "Dude" when she was a child.

Until I hear that she used this word, or any racial slur, as a grown, professional adult, I'm not holding it against her.

But thats just me...

[Marabelle]

I haven't ever heard her mumble one word but I have heard people on television report that not only has she said the word but she's been talking about having waiters dressed as slaves in a plantation setting type restaurant. Or other outlandish statements such as referencing a blackboard and saying that the 'person was so dark you couldn't see him or her' that I think you'd only hear from someone who does not think talking or referring to others in this manner is wrong or is just a "racist". I may have phrased this situation wrong but the reference is correct. I heard that she had seen some comments made about a wedding where there were waiters dressed in this fashion as a slave and thought it would be a great idea to do something similar. I don't know about anyone else but to me this is either a woman still living in the 50s and 60s and 70s and in the segregated South or is just a woman too caught up in her celebrity to not know life is changing around her and thankfully we don't have people dressing up as slaves and people finding it humorous or attractive or acceptable. I can't rationalize why someone would think it is alright to think you can treat people in such a manner and find it worthy of a chuckle or two or that anyone would like to remember the South in those days where people were called the "n" word,killed, lynched, burned, maimed and mistreated. I do think she has bumbled her chances of talking to her audience and clarifying her thoughts and apologizing to those who need to be apologized. I think as a celebrity you need to remember when you speak a lot of people hear what you are saying and that you should be careful not to alienate others with words which would cause them pain no matter their race or religion. I think we all speak from what we know and to me obviously she has not learned or accepted that we are all members of this great society and these types of words not only effect some but all of us. All she did was to put the thoughts about race and religion back on center stage and remind all of us that although some of would like to think that life has changed; it really hasn't.

[Carlitto H@kk]

I haven't ever heard her mumble one word but I have heard people on television report that not only has she said the word but she's been talking about having waiters dressed as slaves in a plantation setting type restaurant. Or other outlandish statements such as referencing a blackboard and saying that the 'person was so dark you couldn't see him or her' that I think you'd only hear from someone who does not think talking or referring to others in this manner is wrong or is just a "racist". I may have phrased this situation wrong but the reference is correct. I heard that she had seen some comments made about a wedding where there were waiters dressed in this fashion as a slave and thought it would be a great idea to do something similar. I don't know about anyone else but to me this is either a woman still living in the 50s and 60s and 70s and in the segregated South or is just a woman too caught up in her celebrity to not know life is changing around her and thankfully we don't have people dressing up as slaves and people finding it humorous or attractive or acceptable. I can't rationalize why someone would think it is alright to think you can treat people in such a manner and find it worthy of a chuckle or two or that anyone would like to remember the South in those days where people were called the "n" word,killed, lynched, burned, maimed and mistreated. I do think she has bumbled her chances of talking to her audience and clarifying her thoughts and apologizing to those who need to be apologized. I think as a celebrity you need to remember when you speak a lot of people hear what you are saying and that you should be careful not to alienate others with words which would cause them pain no matter their race or religion. I think we all speak from what we know and to me obviously she has not learned or accepted that we are all members of this great society and these types of words not only effect some but all of us. All she did was to put the thoughts about race and religion back on center stage and remind all of us that although some of would like to think that life has changed; it really hasn't.

You need to read the exact quotes from the deposition, especially in reference to the waiters you mention, before weighing in on this; you may just think again on what you are saying.

i agree wholeheartedly that there is no place for racism in this world. However, before we crucify one person for something, I think all the facts need to be weighed in, i.e. when such term was used, in what context, etc.

With this logic we are showing today, I guess we could cure our nation's woes in 5 minutes...

Lets ask Prez Obama, Under Oath, if he has EVER, in his ENTIRE lifetime, uttered the terms "Honky" or "Cracker". How old he was, in what context, to who he said it; doesn't matter. If he says "Yes", can we immediately terminate his contract?

Oh, and lets pretty much crucify and ban EVERY black, hispanic, and asian comedian for using the same terms in their comedy routines. Might as well throw the Wayans family out on their asses; if a white person doing "black face" is so appalling, well, I have a serious bone to pick with the movie, "White Chicks".

You see, if people want to play the racism card, and discuss how hurtful certain terms or racial slurs are, then you can't pick and choose which racial slurs are more or less hurtful, or more or less offensive. You can't have it both ways.

[The Sushi Hunter]

If she's not racist before, she'll most likely be as a result of all this.

[Michigan Girl]

You need to read the exact quotes from the deposition, especially in reference to the waiters you mention, before weighing in on this; you may just think again on what you are saying.

i agree wholeheartedly that there is no place for racism in this world. However, before we crucify one person for something, I think all the facts need to be weighed in, i.e. when such term was used, in what context, etc.

With this logic we are showing today, I guess we could cure our nation's woes in 5 minutes...

Lets ask Prez Obama, Under Oath, if he has EVER, in his ENTIRE lifetime, uttered the terms "Honky" or "Cracker". How old he was, in what context, to who he said it; doesn't matter. If he says "Yes", can we immediately terminate his contract?

Oh, and lets pretty much crucify and ban EVERY black, hispanic, and asian comedian for using the same terms in their comedy routines. Might as well throw the Wayans family out on their asses; if a white person doing "black face" is so appalling, well, I have a serious bone to pick with the movie, "White Chicks".

You see, if people want to play the racism card, and discuss how hurtful certain terms or racial slurs are, then you can't pick and choose which racial slurs are more or less hurtful, or more or less offensive. You can't have it both ways.

BRAVISSIMO, Carlitto!!!
I am so with you on this and could not have said it better!!

[The Sushi Hunter]

Meanwhile, stuff like this ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrrTm6dktD4 ) is happening but the Paula Deen deal is more important in the news to most people.

[The Sushi Hunter]

Just heard that Walmart and Caesars Casino Buffets have just dropped Deen.

Obama's got her tagged for an IRS audit, her phone and computer records searched, and a drone shall be circling high above. She'll never be baking a cake in this country again!

[Rick]

My wife's mom got us a Paula Deen cookware set for Christmas. I'm shipping it back. Just kidding. I'm stunned that she's having her feet held to the fire for something she said in distress 30 years ago. She sat there with Matt Lauer and said she's only used that term once in her life. Right.

[StoneCold]

My wife's mom got us a Paula Deen cookware set for Christmas. I'm shipping it black.

FTFY

[StoneCold]

A black man's take on Paula Deen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIOOUMLlDKs

[steveo777]

A lynching of a white woman. This is horse shit! Why doesn't someone like Obama get called out for his shit he's said about white people?

He should be fired 10x as much as her! The President of the United States is a racist!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI77cU3j ... ture=share

[AR]

[The Sushi Hunter]

“Paula Deen’s New Testament: 250 Favorite Recipes, All Lightened Up,” has jumped all the way to No. 1 on Amazon’s best-seller’s list and No. 7 on the Barnes & Noble Top 100 in advance of its scheduled release.

Wonder how long it will take for groups to say the title of that is racist. Maybe her next book will be titled "All Whitened Up".

Has she ever authored a soul food recipe book? If not.... she's racist!

[steveo777]

Here's a nice double standard. This black woman still has a job.

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/07/ ... =obnetwork

As the school year ends one of the year’s most powerful lessons in racial hate speech comes from Chicago Teachers’ Union President Karen Lewis.

“Rich white people,” she proclaimed in a speech two weeks ago, “think they know what’s in the best interest of children of African-Americans and Latinos, no matter what the parents’ income or educational level.”

But the only school reform Lewis advocates is higher taxes on Chicago’s property owners and she describes it as a tax hike on upper-income whites. She also wants new taxes on all financial transfers as well as a commuter tax, which she concludes will principally impact, once again, the target of her anger, well-to-do whites.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/07/ ... z2Y34TSkGR

[slucero]

This is toooooooo much...

Civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson tells the Associated Press that he will help embattled celebrity chef Paula Deen overhaul her image after her past use of a racial slur was revealed. He tells the AP that she shouldn't become a "sacrificial lamb" over the issue of racial intolerance.

Further, he argues that if Deen is willing to acknowledge mistakes and make changes, "she should be reclaimed rather than destroyed."

Jackson also intimated that her critics should be concerned about more important issues, saying that he is more troubled by racial disparities in jobs, lending, health care, business opportunities and the criminal-justice system.

Jesse Jackson is the Great White Shark of extortionists... he smells Deen's blood in the water.. and a payday

[ebake02]

This is toooooooo much...

Civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson tells the Associated Press that he will help embattled celebrity chef Paula Deen overhaul her image after her past use of a racial slur was revealed. He tells the AP that she shouldn't become a "sacrificial lamb" over the issue of racial intolerance.

Further, he argues that if Deen is willing to acknowledge mistakes and make changes, "she should be reclaimed rather than destroyed."

Jackson also intimated that her critics should be concerned about more important issues, saying that he is more troubled by racial disparities in jobs, lending, health care, business opportunities and the criminal-justice system.

Jesse Jackson is the Great White Shark of extortionists... he smells Deen's blood in the water.. and a payday

There is definitely an ulterior motive there, he is usually the first one to jump on the racial bandwagon with this kind of stuff.

[artist4perry]

Jackson himself has been in trouble with racial slurs of his own in the past...these guys are publicity hounds and nothing more. I once saw a painting showing Al Sharpton in a sanctimonious pope robe with snakes protruding from the base of his skirt. These clowns could learn a thing or two about NOT racially dividing us...they are one of the worst about keeping the racial tensions at an all time high...gives them money and a job. They are both disgraceful people in my book.

[hoagiepete]

This whole reaction is a small example of society today. One screw up and the response is automatically "They ought to be fired" or "I'm never doing business with them again." Railroad on PC issues, but ignore real crimes committed on society. Usually these demands are made without any of the facts. People need to chill.

Also, someday, those that lead the head hunts need to be scrutinized, especially when they are dead wrong. They are like weathermen, they continue to get their mug on tv and given a pass, even though they are wrong more than right. Sickening.

[The Sushi Hunter]

Over the past 15 to 20 years, society has shifted to "guilty (racist) until proven otherwise innocent" in regards to how whites are treated and dealt with. This, of course, is going on in the state where I reside (CA), could be quite possible going on in other places as well or maybe not. But for what I know for sure, it's going on in Cali. Just the other day, a woman who does my wife's nails regularily at the salon commented that had she not known me personally, she would think I was racist. My wife asked her why she thought this way. Her only reply was: "most whites are racist, so..." She must feel comfortable talking this way around my wife, since my wife is not white.

And this Paula Deen thing is no different. Someone comes out claiming Deen is racist and the shift went from proving guilt to proving innocence and in the meantime having your reputation ruined by this bs. Get set for more of the same type of bs to go on. It's only getting worse.