Paula Deen is Done For, Y'all

As if it was the Shot Heard Around the World all over again, some comments from Paula Deen have been released out into the world, and the world has had no problem tearing her up, so to speak, taking to social media and reacting to what she's said. What did she say, you ask?

Well, she said a few different things, but at the very root, she didn't hold African Americans in the most flattering light. Here are a few of the bombs:

• When asked if she has used the n-word, she responded with "why, of course," possibly nonchalantly, further stating that she was alive during segregation in the South, and it's been a very long time since she's used it.
• She mentioned for a small moment having the desire to have an antebellum-themed party at her restaurant or some similar place, accompanied with an all-black waitstaff, like slaves. Not sure if any black people would be invited to that shindig. 
• In an interview with The New York Times, she said a few odd things, saying a black man, Hollis, was as black as a blackboard, black folks were such an integral part of the South pre-Civil War, and they were like family. Turns out she is the great-granddaughter of a former slave owner who, at the end of the War, committed suicide because the loss of his son and his "labor" was too much change to bear.

While I wasn't quick to become offended and scream "racist!!!", I do believe this was poor taste of her to disclose her views in such a way. There are people that are rather sensitive to the race issue in this country, and you share thoughts of black people dressed as slaves at your dream party? Good luck finding volunteers for that venture, missy.

I think what bugs me about the party idea is the fact that being dressed as a slave is the most unflattering way to perceive an African American in this country, given the way that slaves were treated and subjected to be counted as not even a whole person just for their own personal gain. Slaves are not alive today, but we are the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren of slaves and former slaves that lived on this land. I personally would not pretend to be anybody's slave unless it was for an artistic depiction (play, film). Not for a party to appease nobody's southern friends. 

Since everything has been release, Food Network announced that they would no longer renew her contract at the end of the month, ending her time on TV. From a publisher's perspective, I see possibly a domino effect. TV was her main source, which lead to books, a magazine, and appearances in Food Network Magazine. I wonder if publishers will follow suit and cease pursuing her for book deals. She also has cookware sets (nice cookware mind you) out in various retailers. Will that merchandise be pulled?

A blogger I follow asked a really good question, though I didn't think too deeply about it at the time. She asked how the Neelys would feel about the statements. For those who do not know, Pat and Gina Neely launched their Food Network career after appearing on one of their shows. They may or may not have felt indebted to her for the success that they now have, but I can imagine some level of indignation and sadness over the situation. 

Paula did ask for forgiveness, though I didn't find it to be sincere. Nonetheless, the most people can do is forgive the woman. Her empire is about to crumble, and I doubt she will be able to bounce back like Martha Stewart. She's not as famous, and some people had already turned away from her when she revealed that she had diabetes. For the believers out there that may be as into the story as I am, let's just pray for her. People are prone to be extremely unforgiving, but the God I serve forgives all because of Jesus. Who knows? Maybe this experience can be an opportunity for her to hear the gospel if she hasn't heard it already.

To Ms. Deen, I hope this serves as a lesson to you. People are not surprised that you said a word or thought a certain way, but the lack of awareness of the times and sensitivity of others gave way for a poor choice of words. We all have moments like that, but knowing your story and what you were able to build, I feel bad because people will not see you the same way anymore. Sure, you will have supporters, but not like the past.

The person currently suing Paula for sexual harassment and racial discrimination may get a big payday soon. Ouch.

One last note. Some people are saying "shame on Food Network for letting Paula go" and such, but I think it was a valid decision that was made. They did not fire her on the spot; she has one last week with them and she will be done. You have to think about the network and how they may be thinking. The backlash for them keeping her may be greater then the criticism of letting her go. Maybe they don't tolerate such viewpoints being shared. She did represent the network, you know, and sometimes disassociation is the best move to make. I'm not sure if they would consider having her come back in the future, but for the times we live in, I think Food Network did what was best for them.