Following my last blog "Taking a Positive Attitude" I received a referral to another blog regarding Paula Deen's position on her use of words. I read the blog in it's entirety along with all the statements that Paula has made in the past regarding the much dreaded word. First let me say that this blog is probably not one I would read very often as it appears to be quite negative and the word "hate" is thrown around freely. But the blogger did make some good points on how the media got this story to begin with and the common use of unacceptable conversations with Paula.
According to this other source it appears that an ex-employee from her restaurant reported to the media that Paula had used that "word" and made racists jokes. When asked if she had used that "word", she answered yes and the lawsuit began. So was there more to this report to the media than just not liking her use of words...I don't know. How long ago was this....I don't know that either. But apparently this is common language for Paula. I don't believe in this way of referring to people and I think she needs to take a hard look at what she is doing to herself and her public that has always loved her.
Some people may say that she is a southern, older lady and probably doesn't consider what she is saying as wrong. However, she is a TV celebrity, who owns restaurants and is in the public eye all the time. She should know how to conduct herself in today's widely critical world, who hangs on every word and action that is done and said by people who are famous and to some are role models.
What this whole matter comes down to is the need to remove this derogatory term from all Hollywood productions, books, even the dictionary and all referrals of this term from any public broadcasts. Even the use of the phrase "the N" word. That is just as bad as using the actual word. I know that some movie script writers and authors will say that if you are dealing with a period production the word is appropriate. REALLY! When is this word appropriate? A good script writer or author can come up with other ways to describe a person of that period.
I'm not going to go on and on regarding this issue. There is only so much that can be said about it. But I will tell you that I am still not watching the Food Channel and not sure if or when I will ever watch it again. I still like Paul Deen. I don't like her actions or approve of her choice of words. But we all make mistakes and I truly hope that she has learned a valuable lesson and will correct her actions in the future. I still think the media can and will destroy a person if it gets the general public to watch their NEWS stations.
Please know that this is the last blog I will do on this subject.
The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.
by Flora Whittemore
