Paula Deen - The N-Word's Latest Victim

By now, most of you have at least heard of some of what Paula Deen is going through. Basically, while testifying under oath in a workplace lawsuit, she admitted to using the "N" word about thirty years ago. Yes, that's right, thirty years ago!

In Deen's statement, she admitted to using the "N" word while describing a situation where a black man held a gun to her head during a bank robbery thirty years ago. Again, I'm not saying that it was an appropriate word to use. However, after having a gun held up to your head, isn't it possible that your emotions might be running a bit high and you might say something that you normally wouldn't?

As a result of Deen's confession, The Food Network, Home Depot, Walmart and Smithfield didn't waste time cutting ties with her. This will inevitably amount to millions of dollars of lost income for the celebrity chef. From the Food Network alone, it's been reported that Deen gets about $50,000 per episode for her cooking show. In response the dropped endorsements, support groups are now forming and threatening to boycott these businesses for ditching Deen so quickly. (By the way, I find it bit ironic that Walmart is so quick to throw Paula under the bus since they have had their own share of discrimination allegations in recent years.)

Over the past few days, Deen has been paraded around the talk shows like she's a card-carrying member of the KKK. (Just curious, why did many of these same media people never have a problem with Senator Robert Byrd who was a member of the KKK?) While the talk shows are trying to sensationalize the story and milk it for all they can, Deen is desperately attempting to defend her reputation, character and ultimately her livelihood. It's really kind of pathetic. You would think a sincere apology would be sufficient but it doesn't quite work that way here. Who hasn't said something in the past that wished they could take back?

So, does Deen's 30-year old remarks justify the character assassination that she's facing today? Was the word that she used offensive? Absolutely! But here's where I have a problem. It seems like we pick and choose who we hold accountable in these situations. For instance, why are we tearing Paula Deen apart for a few infractions thirty years ago while we say nothing about the countless rappers who continue to use the word repeatedly today? Not only do rappers use the word freely, they also get rich off of it! Why is it acceptable for a comedian like Chris Rock to drop the "N" bomb throughout his performance and then have his ass kissed by the likes of Oprah Winfrey. But at the same time, others are raked through the coals for it? We see this scenario time and time again.

Again, I want to reiterate that I'm not defending what Paula Deen said. I'm simply saying that there seems to be a double standard on these issues. While some careers are ended by the "N" word, others seem to blossom from it.

People will have varying opinions about the context of the "N" word and who should and should not be penalized for it's use.  But that's all bullshit to me. If the word is so hurtful and offensive. it shouldn't be acceptable for anyone to use!

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