Without a doubt this will not be a popular blog for many because I have a very STRONG opinion regarding the Paula Deen/Food Network fiasco. Suffice it to say, I’ve written to Food Network, Paula Deen and some of my favorite shows on Food Network since I will no longer be enjoying the shows they employ.
I am appalled at Food Network’s behavior (NOT Paula Deen’s) and an SHOCKED that they would not support their employee during this very difficult time for her. The use of the “n” word or racial discrimination (which this is reported to be – NADA!) is not to be tolerated at all – I do agree. But, REALLY? The sins of the past? Is this something that happened just recently? No! Does that make it any less serious? No!
But, I ask you – What has become of a world where we can no longer tell a joke or have a good laugh, or even use a racial/gender slur in the spirit it was intended?? There’s been no mean spirit, or racial discrimination behind these events or comments that MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE OCCURRED. I wonder how many blonde jokes Paula Deen has had to endure thru the years?
I’m sure you are wondering why I, (as a Bible believing Christian) would feel so passionate about such a topic? #1) Because I’m human and have a fallen nature! I’ve fallen short, many times! I’ve screwed up, said things I shouldn’t have, made huge mistakes, told stupid jokes in the company of people that may have been offended and was inconsiderate. #2)I’ve been sued as she is being (for sexual harrassment and gender discrimination). I WON, my petitioners DID NOT! And another key factor in all this – MY EMPLOYER NOT ONLY SUPPORTED ME, but PAID ALL THE COURT COSTS etc; never expecting one dime to be reimbursed.
This is about a DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEE that was fired! I’ve been there and done that! I was sued by three young men who were passed up for promotion (beat out by a woman), and eventually FIRED for various reasons. I was their boss – and their charges were eventually found to be unfounded, but it cost my company thousands of dollars to defend the case.
In the old days (let me remind you Paula Deen is OLD) racial slurs were more common & tolerated, even expected. (That doesn’t make it right, I add). I’m not giving Paula a “pass”, but I am extending forgiveness. REALLY? Have you ever said anything UGLY or STUPID, that you regretted later? At Paula’s own admission, racial comments did occur, but “not in recent years”. Did Food Network do a thorough investigation before deciding to fire Paula? She’s a big money maker for them – but are all the other programs bigger money makers? Were they worried about jeopardizing the greater good (the entire Network)? I don’t know the answer to any of those questions…but I am still very upset mostly over the “politically correct” society we now live in!!
We have become a very touchy, sensitive society that preaches “tolerance” but doesn’t practice it. If Paula Deen is to be punished for the sins of the past then we all should be in front of the firing squad! I wouldn’t stand a chance! But, I’ve made amends to those I’ve offended and moved forward. Paula is trying to do the same. Give a girl a break! Especially one that was raised & always lived in the South! I know, I know “she of all others should know better”, right? Not necessarily – I’m from up North and the culture in the South and the use of the “n” word is more prevalent here in Texas that it ever was up North where I grew up. What does that tell you?
What’s really ironic about all this is that I’ve not watched alot of Paula Deen’s shows on Food Network. I’m not a big fan of her show as much as I’m a big fan of her. I like her funny flirtatious personality! As they say in the South – she’s a HOOT! She’s funny! She does a stand-up, live show that tops most stand-up comedians. I don’t believe for ONE SECOND that anything she said or did (which still has yet to be revealed), was ill intended, mean spirited or intended to harm in anyway. That being said, be on notice – FOOD NETWORK – you are off my viewing schedule and are being BOYCOTTED as of this posting! You are obviously going the direction of DC with your liberal agenda and it’s unfortunate for many who don’t care to buy what you are selling.
dancingthruyears 
Jun 23, 2013 @ 17:06:58
I agree!!!! Linda I was very upset and I feel so bad for Paula she’s so sweet I enjoy watching her and will be sad by her departure from the network
Jun 23, 2013 @ 21:34:55
Thanks Angel! I couldn’t believe it when I first heard it – and had to do a little homework to be sure of my facts. I was blown away that a large employer like Food Network would just dump her until further investigation was carried out. Maybe a suspension until more details, but FIRED? I’m sure they had alot of “heat” on them, most likely “office politics” as usual.
Jun 24, 2013 @ 02:30:13
I agree totally, sins of the past. I will not be watching The Food Network. I like Paula Deen and yes no one is perfect, including myself. I am a Christian and believe in second chances.
Jun 24, 2013 @ 23:23:58
Glen Beck had some interesting coomments on his show today. I was very pleased to hear that he was one of her defenders! Poor Paula – I hurt for her.
Jun 25, 2013 @ 04:34:59
Thank you for articulating my feelings as well. I am standing beside Paula all the way. I believe she is sincere in her apology and that is more than enough for me. As for her “crime”, if it is really all about the “n-word”, they have got to be kidding! I hear that word on a daily basis and it is not spoken by whites, but by blacks. If all that spoke that word were not hired for that reason, the hip hop music and black movies would cease to exist.
Jul 01, 2013 @ 23:17:20
I agree, Bonnie. You hear it all the time in their songs, stand up comedic routines etc; I would not want to be employed by an employer that would not go to bat for me in a time of need. Food Network just threw Paula Deen under the bus, in my opinion. They were thinking about themselves and their ratings etc;