I can tell you from meeting Paula on both occasions that she is just as southern as me. The second time I met Paula, I had the opportunity to spend the entire day with her in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I not only saw her as you see her on TV, but I was behind the scenes with her between shows. To me, she was the same person you see on stage or TV as she was backstage. She's a mother, a grandmother, a wife, and a true southern lady. The only thing I was shocked to see was that she smoked. Which I've heard she has quit since that day. However, when her grandson had a dirty diaper, she was the one who said "hold the show, I've got to take care of this." Needless to say, it was a pleasure spending the day getting to know her, and her family.
Now to the issue at hand... from what I've read and seen in the news is that this is something that was said 30 years ago. Was it right to be said then, no. But I want you to think back just 5 or 10 years ago. Think about something you said, think about the context of what you said and how you said it, should you be sued for saying it? Yes, most of us aren't national TV stars, and what we've said is usually heard in one ear and out the other. However, in the heat of a moment, what you said... should something like that be held against you forever?
I do believe in forgiveness. I look back at all the sins I have and continue to make in my life and think, wow, my God still loves me and forgives me every single day. Isn't that what we are called to do, forgive each other?
I understand that this "situation" takes on national controversy, but we shouldn't judge her until we have judged ourselves, first. I didn't see her interview this morning, but I've read that she did apologize, and furthermore I feel that lessons could be learned from her in her future shows. Cutting off her sponsorships, and TV shows for something she said off the air, I don't see the reasoning. Let's start cutting the shows that have to bleep every few seconds, and that use the Lord's name in vain constantly! Those are the ones that are putting negatively into the lives from young to old!
I didn't blog about this to start World War III here at the Sowell life, but I do have an opinion and I wanted it to be heard.
I agree with you! Though it was wrong, it happened a long time ago and people need to stop acting like this was said yesterday. I am sure she is sorry for saying it then, but ya know my thing is who are we to dig into her past and try to destroy her career based on something she said 30 years ago?
ReplyDeleteI love Paula Dean's recipes and have watched her show in the past. I'm not sure if you saw the below article, but it looks like her ratings were down 25-35% and the food network was considering dropping her prior to this whole scandal. http://www.delish.com/food/recalls-reviews/paula-deen-tv-show-ratings-down . As far as what she said or did not say, lord knows the media will jump on anything controversial. But if you are in the public eye, you are always at risk to have your past haunt you. Brave to post this article today Joy-- you go girl!
ReplyDeleteI wanted so badly to post about this, Joy, but I didn't have the courage to do so. I, like you, was afraid to begin "World War III". I probably own every cookbook that Paula Deen has penned, I've dined at her restaurant multiple times, and I've recorded her show on DVR more times than a few. Her recipes are amazing and the joy that she has when she's in that kitchen makes me jealous. (I wish that I loved cooking.) As I read everyone's opinions, one thing continuously goes through my mind: I hope no one ever goes through my past statements or comments with a fine-toothed comb! How many of us would lose jobs, and possibly even friends, if we were asked to repeat every negative or derogatory thing we've ever said in life? Which one of us is without flaw? Please raise your hand so that I can hail you as my hero.
ReplyDeleteWhew. Way to go girl!! Well said. I got really riled up about this today. She made a mistake. Who hasn't. Hell - how many pro athletes have done something similar. Last time I checked they may have lost 1 or 2 endorsements but still are playing and making millions. PLUS - this thing isn't even in court yet. The chips haven't fallen. I won't get into my opinion, because mine WOULD START WW3. The people who are really upset have a deeper issue than Paula Deen.
ReplyDeleteI'll stop now before I have a hate club...
Agree with you 100%. I'd even go further and say that it's not just unfair to fire her, it's straight up illegal. I hope she pursues her rights in the matter. Why is it that white people are shunned for saying the n-word, yet black people can say it when referring to themselves in their songs all the time? Should Barack Obama be impeached if he called a white southerner a redneck 20 years ago?!?!? NO!!! This whole thing baffles me. Organizations are SO worried about trying to please everyone that they're letting go of some pretty important values/morals. Boyscout thing for example. So much of their support comes from churches. Once they decided to allow scouts to be gay (in order to "not offend anyone") they lost those sponsorships. Then naturally the church gets attacked for, God forbid, abiding by the principles in scriptures that abolish the support of homosexuality. People are letting others sway their decisions too much these days. It's depressing to see all this on the news and such.
ReplyDeleteWell said Joy!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I think its amazing that you've had the chance to actually MEET Paula Deen!! I have loved her shows for years, maybe a little too much butter for my taste lol, but I adore her! I was star struck just visiting her restaurant in Savannah crossing my fingers she might walk in (no such luck!). I'm shocked to hear that she smoked as well.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, When I think back to 30 years, whether she was racist or not, and no matter what she said that could have offended someone, chances are, most of the south WAS racist back then and said unethical things like that back then. Not to say that it's right, and not saying she is a racist if she says it, but that was the issue we faced in the south: racism. I think it's ridiculous that after all these years, they are just now saying or doing something about it. I feel awful for her because she has a lot to offer and she's obviously successful and respected and I'm just shocked over the whole incident! I really enjoyed reading your comments on the topic! Thanks for sharing Joy! And again... I can't believe you've had the priveledge of meeting Paula Deen, I would LOVE that! :)
So well written, my friend! I love Paula Deen!
ReplyDeleteHow cool! And I agree! I feel like when people are in the public eye that others are sometimes way to hard on them.
ReplyDeleteI think it's unfortunate how the past can haunt public personalities. I also feel that it is in an inappropriate response to the things that were said so long ago However I also heard the rumors that they might be dropping her anyway and admits a public scandal I can understand their decision though I don't agree with it.
ReplyDeleteI think the way this has come to light is completely terrible. A deposition is private and not typically thrown out there, at least I don't think so. I also don't see the relevance of asking her about words she uses when she was being deposed for her brother's case. There are a few questionable things she allegedly said (hiring African American servers for a "real southern wedding"?) that do make you go hmmmm, though. I think she is being judged harshly and corporations don't want to have to spend their time and marketing money defending keeping her, so they are letting her go. The world has forgiven Martha Stewart who went to prison, so I have no doubt that Paula Deen will land on her feet.
ReplyDeleteWe've all said something we should not have said. Most of us have done that today or yesterday. 30 years ago, good Lord. Enough is enough.
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying this and doing it so eloquently!
ReplyDeleteFirst I want to say "Amen" Sister.....I think it is terrible and I will continue to be a Paula Deen Fan. You said it so eloquently and are absolutely correct!!! I didn't watch the interview because I wasn't sure if they would have treated her fairly.
ReplyDeleteI love following your blog and before I forget #Hail State!!! My daughter graduated there in May and we love MSU!!
Barbara
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ReplyDeleteI love this post! I also loved what she said on the Today show about throwing the first stone at her!
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