Paula Deen

[camellia0]

I honestly don't like what she did, but it's time to move on. She will bounce back.

[cathy37]

I don't think it is right.  I am sure she is not the only one to ever use this word.  She has apologized several times and I don't think she should have been fired on lost her sponsors.

[clickers]

She'll be back like Martha Stewart

[cwillard1]

Yep I agree she will be back.  I think it is her turn to be picked on easy target.   Something from over 20 years ago .   20 years ago was a way different time then now.   If was last week that would have been a different issue.

[cuppycakke]

I think it is totally unfair!  I don't think there is anyone alive that has gone all their lives without doing or saying something that would be detrimental to others no matter what race or creed they are!  Why is Paula Deen singled out???

agreed.

[KismetDora]

How do you feel about the "scandal" with Paula Deen?  She admitted to using racially insensitive language, and was released from her contract (i.e. fired) from the Food Network.  

    I can't say I sympathize with her and I do believe she brought it all on herself. Everyone keeps saying rappers and others use the word all the time without negative repercussion. We must remember that contextual usage is what makes the word 'positive' (or at least non-derogatory) or 'negative' (or definitely offensive and derogatory). Even the name of God (Jehovah; Allah, etc.) can be used as a 'curse' word! Rap music and some other modern genre are often (not always) foul and offensive, but some obviously love them, judging by their sales.
    I do NOT endorse the use of racial nor ethnic slurs by anyone. What has been lost in all the furor, is the fact that she is also alleged to have used slurs against people of jewish ethnicity. Perhaps herein lies the cause of her catastrophic financial loss. She offended those with the power to hit her in the pocket.

[KismetDora]

Because she is well known and she has money and someone who doesn't have money wants hers.  It's funny cause they keep telling us we live in the land of the free and have freedom of speech.  But we only have freedom of speech if it doesn't "offend" someone else.  Then you are told to shut up and the person offended can sue you for millions.

If this was a problem then why did this person wait 30 plus years to say something?  And you are right, there isn't a person alive who hasn't used a racial slur at some point in their lifetime....including the black person who is causing all this fuss.  No way she has never used a slur to describe Paula Dean.  And if I hated someone and they treated me badly I wouldn't continue to work for them.  Just sayin.

Just note, there are several lawsuits against Paula Deen now, but the initial one which started it all, was brought by a White woman, not a Black woman. And the racial and ethnic slurs by Deen have been ongoing and not just 30 years ago. Did you watch her interviews? She was forthcoming about her continued (21st. century) use of racial and ethnic slurs.

[Skandon]

I agree that she will bounce back.  She fired someone she has been working with for ages.  She will try to revamp everything, she has the money to make a new start.

[sherryinutah]

I think the issue has been blown out of proportion.  Sometimes we have unreal expectations of famous people when they're as imperfect as the rest of us.  That being said, it's probably a "wake up call" for her to behave because she is in a position where she could be judged or inspire others with her behavior.

 

[nmsmith]

It is interesting that Paula and her team of reps don't see how a white woman could be offended by racists comments... shows the complete ignorance of the entire situation... and  admit... I've always like Martha  a little better

[Skandon]

I do think Martha Stewart's situation was a different situation. In her case most experts felt that if it wasn't her, she would not have gone to jail. This was not an attitude towards others it was all about stock sales and money.  In Paula's case it speaks to how people were treated or spoken to.  It is definitely more personal and about who she is as a person.

[alice44]

I think someone is using her!!!!!  
I will support her - mainly because she has accomplished so much from a meager beginning.  Hopefully she will come out ahead after this is all over.  Like Martha Steward has accomplished so much after she was released from jail. 

[tinaryerson]

i think its as crock

[davidh121]

When I initially heard this from another person I thought she said this in more recent times and I didn't like her for this. However, when I heard this was a long time ago and due to the circumstances she was in when mentioned an incident (held at gunpoint at a bank) I felt guilty of making assumptions. The media has overblown the situation and I really don't think much of what has happened is really justifiable.

[smithjcsdfw]

I think the whole situation has been blown way out of context by the media.  And for what it is worth I grew up in the south when Political Correctness was not getting caughter voting from the graveyard.