Paula Deen Contoversy

[Back]

Does anyone else find this blown waaaaaay out of proportion?

If I were ever going to say that the MSM is on a witch hunt it would be this situation.

Now, if it is proven she was systematically showing prejudice to her employees then she can sink and burn. But a deposition in which she was cooperative and honest shouldn't be the noose that hangs her.

[Tgo01]

Holy shit! I might agree with Back on something!

[Taernath]

I'm too lazy to google it but the gist as I understand it is she called someone a nigger 25 years ago. Is that all?

[diethx]

And didn't she do it because he robbed her at gunpoint?

If so, big fucking whoop.

[Wheelerm]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/24/al-sharpton-paul-deen_n_3491440.html

Apparently, a lot of liberals feel the same way...I can't believe I'm actually agreeing with most of them.

[Parkbandit]

Does anyone else find this blown waaaaaay out of proportion?

If I were ever going to say that the MSM is on a witch hunt it would be this situation.

Now, if it is proven she was systematically showing prejudice to her employees then she can sink and burn. But a deposition in which she was cooperative and honest shouldn't be the noose that hangs her.

I'm speechless because I am in complete agreement with Backlash.

[Latrinsorm]

There is a lawsuit against her claiming a racially prejudiced environment in the workplace, and to my knowledge she has not yet apologized to the Jews.

Guilty.

[Back]

I'm speechless because I am in complete agreement with Backlash.

What is even scarier is that you agree with Al Sharpton. MINDEXPLODE!

[SHAFT]

The food she pushed on the world and her disgusting cooking habits were reason enough to fire her. She's a pig

[Ashlander]

The food she pushed on the world and her disgusting cooking habits were reason enough to fire her. She's a pig

Bacon comes from pigs and bacon is awesome therefor she shouldn't be fired. Logic!

[Archigeek]

Yeah, I am thinking the reasons her corporate connections are fleeing are found in the complaint. Accurate or not, a lot of people will run away when this sort of a complaint comes out. It has little to do with having once used the N word a long time ago:

http://www.atlawblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Jackson-v.-Deen-et-al.-Complaint.pdf

[Back]

Yeah, I am thinking the reasons her corporate connections are fleeing are found in the complaint. Accurate or not, a lot of people will run away when this sort of a complaint comes out. It has little to do with having once used the N word a long time ago:

http://www.atlawblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Jackson-v.-Deen-et-al.-Complaint.pdf

Damn that Bubba is a creep.

[Archigeek]

Damn that Bubba is a creep.

To be fair, it's a complaint. It's intended to be loaded and from one side's perspective. I find it hard to believe that it's not at least reasonably accurate though, as witnesses will be called etc, if it ever gets to court. At this point I doubt it will. I bet they are wishing they'd settled. If they do so now it will look like an admission of guilt; f they'd settled 6 months ago, no one would have been the wiser.

[SHAFT]

Between Paula deen and the movie deliverance, can we really trust people in the state of GA? Hmm?

[diethx]

Absolutely not. I say level the entire state and start fresh.

[Methais]

Between Paula deen and the movie deliverance, can we really trust people in the state of GA? Hmm?

http://blogs.amctv.com/the-walking-dead/Andrew-Lincoln-V2-325.jpg

I also agree with Backlash on this subject.

If nothing else, this whole debacle proves that honesty is not the best policy.

[Warriorbird]

http://blogs.amctv.com/the-walking-dead/Andrew-Lincoln-V2-325.jpg

I also agree with Backlash on this subject.

If nothing else, this whole debacle proves that honesty is not the best policy.

Pretty much. It's like not talking to the police.

Some people say she was drunk at the deposition. Never ever be drunk at a deposition.

[Methais]

I'm thinking this thread is going to be a major let down. Too many people agreeing here for PC standards, and it's gonna end up being some kumbaya shit and sully our reputation as a whole.

[Leloo]

I think this is completely out of proportion. The fact is that while she shouldn't have said it we shouldn't be burning her at the stake for it. She should have to pay the law suit, whatever that is, but it's wrong that she is losing all of her endorsements for it and having her life ruined. If it's that serious to say this word then rappers that use it should lose their record deals too. It is it's own form of prejudice to prosecute one person for saying a word cause of her skin color and not the other. NO ONE should be able to use it. In college I used to see signs for "Black Student Union" which was a club... and what pissed me off was that I KNOW if I had a "White Student Union" I'd have been kicked out of school for being a racist. If it's not right for one it shouldn't be right for the other. And Paula Deen should be able to sue every sponsor for violating their contracts and terminating her early for something that isn't punished for everyone, just for white people.

[diethx]

Why should she have to pay anything for saying something 25 years ago in an emotional reaction to being robbed at gunpoint? I'm sorry, what?

[Latrinsorm]

She is able to sue anyone she would like. I would not recommend that course of action.

[Back]

I agree with a guy I heard on the radio. Say you're sorry, say you have learned your lesson, then STFU and move on.

[Latrinsorm]

I do not believe that constitutes an affirmative defense. I could be wrong.

[SonoftheNorth]

And didn't she do it because he robbed her at gunpoint?

If so, big fucking whoop.


<3

[Archigeek]

Why should she have to pay anything for saying something 25 years ago in an emotional reaction to being robbed at gunpoint? I'm sorry, what?

Read the complaint. This is not about her saying the N word 25 years ago. What happened was her endorsers read the complaint and collectively said, "holy shit, if even half of this is true we have got to get some distance. Dump this pig while we can." It's as simple as that.

[diethx]

Read the complaint. This is not about her saying the N word 25 years ago. What happened was her endorsers read the complaint and collectively said, "holy shit, if even half of this is true we have got to get some distance. Dump this pig while we can." It's as simple as that.

I was responding to Leloo insisting that because she said that word she should have to pay.

[Latrinsorm]

Here is a positive rep for diethx that no one else can read.

I think that is an unnecessarily critical interpretation of Leloo's post. :heart:

Submit rep.

[diethx]

Here is a positive rep for diethx that no one else can read.

I think that is an unnecessarily critical interpretation of Leloo's post. :heart:

Submit rep.

Huh, I thought I was just taking what she said at face value.

[Latrinsorm]

I feel that it would be in our best interests (Home Movies? anyone? no?) to note that Leloo was offended by Missus Deen losing her endorsements and employed the "Chris Rock can say it, why can't I???" gambit.

While it is true that he is the assassin we have been sent back in time to stop and therefore it is not much of a defense, Leloo still offered a defense in the same way (if not to the same extent) that many other posters in this thread have, so I feel that singling her out for criticism is unnecessarily critical.

[diethx]

I feel that it would be in our best interests (Home Movies? anyone? no?) to note that Leloo was offended by Missus Deen losing her endorsements and employed the "Chris Rock can say it, why can't I???" gambit.

While it is true that he is the assassin we have been sent back in time to stop and therefore it is not much of a defense, Leloo still offered a defense in the same way (if not to the same extent) that many other posters in this thread have, so I feel that singling her out for criticism is unnecessarily critical.

I'm not criticizing her, not really. Especially not for agreeing it was blown out of proportion. I was questioning this part of her post:

"The fact is that while she shouldn't have said it we shouldn't be burning her at the stake for it. She should have to pay the law suit, whatever that is, but it's wrong that she is losing all of her endorsements for it and having her life ruined."

She's basically saying she should have to pay in the lawsuit because she said that word. I am disagreeing.

[Archigeek]

If all she'd done was use the N word, 25 years ago, she wouldn't lose the lawsuit. The lawsuit is about racial harassment, sexual harassment, intimidation, sexual discrimination, etc etc.

[Latrinsorm]

I'm not criticizing her, not really. Especially not for agreeing it was blown out of proportion. I was questioning this part of her post:

"The fact is that while she shouldn't have said it we shouldn't be burning her at the stake for it. She should have to pay the law suit, whatever that is, but it's wrong that she is losing all of her endorsements for it and having her life ruined."

She's basically saying she should have to pay in the lawsuit because she said that word. I am disagreeing.Ok I retract that part of my rep but not the other parts.
If all she'd done was use the N word, 25 years ago, she wouldn't lose the lawsuit. The lawsuit is about racial harassment, sexual harassment, intimidation, sexual discrimination, etc etc.So it was good clean fun, is what you're saying...?
If that was a guy you wouldnt say shit. SexistWait... if Leloo, diethx, or Paula Deen was a guy? Be more specific with your feedback, please.

[diethx]

If all she'd done was use the N word, 25 years ago, she wouldn't lose the lawsuit. The lawsuit is about racial harassment, sexual harassment, intimidation, sexual discrimination, etc etc.

I'm pretty sure no one has said otherwise...

[Archigeek]

I'm pretty sure no one has said otherwise...

I'm pretty sure this thread was started due to her admission in a deposition that she'd used the N word, and people thinking that was the reason her corporate sponsors were fleeing.

[Latrinsorm]

We will settle this dispute via knife fight a la Bad. Archigeek, I urge you to withdraw for the sake of your various organs. (The skin is the largest organ.) (Even for Anticor.)

[Tgo01]

I'm pretty sure this thread was started due to her admission in a deposition that she'd used the N word, and people thinking that was the reason her corporate sponsors were fleeing.

I thought she (or her brother or whatever) were sued months ago and that her sponsors didn't start leaving until she admitted she may or may not have used the N word almost 30 years ago?

[diethx]

This lawsuit was filed over a year ago, and was in the news then with all the accusations. Yet they didn't drop her until she admitted to using the N word. I don't know that I can wholly agree with you...

[Archigeek]

I think it's the reality setting in. All of this is going to get hung out like so much dirty laundry and no sponsor wants a part of that.

[diethx]

I don't necessarily disagree with you, but I do think them dropping her was a gut reaction to the slur.

[Ardwen]

welcome to America, where you are guilty until proven innocent but you are still fired

[Ardwen]

Also, its her family business with both her sons also involved, were either of them fired? Both have their own shows with the same company

[Leloo]

I was responding to Leloo insisting that because she said that word she should have to pay.

Oh no! I don't think she should have to pay at all. I think this whole thing is stupid, the lawsuit between her and the employee should be dealt with thusly and if found guilty pay as the court decides. But I don't think that all of these sponsors should drop her and Food Network cancel her show. I think if others can say it and not get in trouble then she should not be completely destroyed. We were just discussing this today and how out of proportion this whole reaction is and like I'd really be worried right now that she would kill herself or something with her entire life falling apart. If it can be sold on CDs with rappers using it every other word then they should not be destroying her.

To be clear with the specific part of what I said, what I mean is that if the law suit and the courts decide that she indeed is guilty of what she's being sued for and the court decides that she has to do or pay X, then that is her punishment. She should not at all be losing all of her endorsements and being flayed in the media like she committed some horrible act. The courts will decide what she is guilty of and instead the media is deeming her guilty and all of these companies are being pussies by throwing her in the garbage. WHATEVER happened to create this law suit does not nullify the empire she has built. It doesn't make her cookware garbage or her cookbooks bad and it doesn't mean that she can't teach people on that mockery of a cooking network, Food Network (PBS cooking shows for life, Test Kitchen can beat any of those imitators). The point is that whatever she did or didn't do that she is being sued for, her punishment (or lack of) should be decided by the judge and every single endorsement and company that has dropped her when she did not violate anything with them (like having cookware with lead in it or stealing recipes) should have to pay her for breaking whatever contracts they ended.

[4a6c1]

Did she actually record all those bullshit apologies ad nauseam or were those spoofs of the morning shows I hear flying down the freeway at 6am. I will admit I laughed my ass off at the AND FUCK ALL YAAA'LL one.

[Methais]

I'm not criticizing her, not really. Especially not for agreeing it was blown out of proportion. I was questioning this part of her post:

"The fact is that while she shouldn't have said it we shouldn't be burning her at the stake for it. She should have to pay the law suit, whatever that is, but it's wrong that she is losing all of her endorsements for it and having her life ruined."

She's basically saying she should have to pay in the lawsuit because she said that word. I am disagreeing.

I was gonna basically make the same response you made to it, but then I decided I was too lazy. But yeah I don't think she should have to pay out a lawsuit anyway for something from 25 years ago.

Isn't the lawsuit over sexual harassment anyway? Or is it "sexual harassment and use of THE N WORD!!!!1"?

[tyrant-201]

Looking forward to seeing some of Deen's new recipes. Rumor has it the list includes Ku Klux Clam Chowder, Segregation Sweet Tea, Uncle Tom Collins and Jim Crow Casserole.

[Jarvan]

Why should she have to pay anything for saying something 25 years ago in an emotional reaction to being robbed at gunpoint? I'm sorry, what?

She is a rich white southern woman. Somebody could have held up a card and asked her to read it out loud and it could have had the word written on it, and she would be sued/fired/persecuted.

Meanwhile, there are others that use similar language all the time, and never even have to apologize.

Got to love our country.


On another point.. apparently referring to a white man as an old cracker is acceptable if you are brought up in that kind of culture.

I wonder what kind of culture Paula Deen was brought up in.. anyone.. anyone.. anyone..

[tyrant-201]

She is a rich white southern woman. Somebody could have held up a card and asked her to read it out loud and it could have had the word written on it, and she would be sued/fired/persecuted.

Meanwhile, there are others that use similar language all the time, and never even have to apologize.

Got to love our country.


On another point.. apparently referring to a white man as an old cracker is acceptable if you are brought up in that kind of culture.

I wonder what kind of culture Paula Deen was brought up in.. anyone.. anyone.. anyone..

Is Butter a culture?

[Tisket]

I don't feel sorry for her at all. And she should not get a pass because she's an old woman who grew up in southern culture. Her life has not been insular. She's rich and she's been all over the world. She's smart and claiming that she just didn't understand right from wrong because of her background is ridiculous. She fostered oppression and she should not be excused. She knew it was wrong but she didn't give a shit until she was exposed.

[Methais]

I don't feel sorry for her at all. And she should not get a pass because she's an old woman who grew up in southern culture. Her life has not been insular. She's rich and she's been all over the world. She's smart and claiming that she just didn't understand right from wrong because of her background is ridiculous. She fostered oppression and she should not be excused. She knew it was wrong but she didn't give a shit until she was exposed.

You don't think the fact that it happened like 30 years ago holds any weight, along with the fact that it only became known after being asked "have you ever said..." which she could have easily just lied and said no?

Meanwhile Alec Baldwin is getting a pass for his anti-gay rant from just a few days ago, with a couple exceptions, like a slap on the wrist from Anderson Cooper. That won't affect his movie career, but saying "nigger" 30 years ago ruins Deen's career? That's just stupid as fuck.

[diethx]

Is Butter a culture?

If not, it should be.

[diethx]

Looking forward to seeing some of Deen's new recipes. Rumor has it the list includes Ku Klux Clam Chowder, Segregation Sweet Tea, Uncle Tom Collins and Jim Crow Casserole.

Oh, also. I am really sad that I can't rep this. I'll see you in 2 more months. :(

[Archigeek]

You don't think the fact that it happened like 30 years ago holds any weight, along with the fact that it only became known after being asked "have you ever said..." which she could have easily just lied and said no?

Meanwhile Alec Baldwin is getting a pass for his anti-gay rant from just a few days ago, with a couple exceptions, like a slap on the wrist from Anderson Cooper. That won't affect his movie career, but saying "nigger" 30 years ago ruins Deen's career? That's just stupid as fuck.

She's not getting dumped because she used the n-word 30 years ago. Her career is in ruins because of the way she ran her restaurant.

[Tgo01]

Her career is in ruins because of the alleged way she ran her restaurant.

Exactly.

[Archigeek]

Right, and your edit is more accurate. The n-word 30 years ago thing is a red herring.

[Tgo01]

But I also disagree that her use of the N word 30 years ago has little or nothing to do with this.

Wasn't it literally the very next day after admitting using the word that she started losing sponsors?

That's one mighty fine coincidence.

[Tisket]

You don't think the fact that it happened like 30 years ago holds any weight, along with the fact that it only became known after being asked "have you ever said..." which she could have easily just lied and said no?

Meanwhile Alec Baldwin is getting a pass for his anti-gay rant from just a few days ago, with a couple exceptions, like a slap on the wrist from Anderson Cooper. That won't affect his movie career, but saying "nigger" 30 years ago ruins Deen's career? That's just stupid as fuck.

I don't think Alec Baldwin should get a pass either.

[Tenlaar]

I really wish people would just shut the fuck up and stop being so fucking sensitive about stupid shit. And old southern person used a word 30 years ago that you hear a hundred times an hour if you listen to rap, oh em gee stop the presses. Alec Baldwin called somebody a queen, let's have a fucking rally against that hate mongering homophobe. We rape the planet, we are stripped of more and more rights and protections, our country stomps across the globe like a pissed off toddler kicking his blocks and this is the shit that people get up in arms about.

Fuck I'm angry today. I HATE YOU AAAAAALLLLLLLLL GRAGHRHHG

[Tgo01]

I really wish people would just shut the fuck up and stop being so fucking sensitive about stupid shit. And old southern person used a word 30 years ago that you hear a hundred times an hour if you listen to rap, oh em gee stop the presses. Alec Baldwin called somebody a queen, let's have a fucking rally against that hate mongering homophobe. We rape the planet, we are stripped of more and more rights and protections, our country stomps across the globe like a pissed off toddler kicking his blocks and this is the shit that people get up in arms about.

Fuck I'm angry today. I HATE YOU AAAAAALLLLLLLLL GRAGHRHHG

Tenlaar smash!

[Tenlaar]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_maze7qnN1S1rzsuwto1_400.gif

[Lord Orbstar]

negros are not really upset about this. It is very unfair.

[Tisket]

negros are not really upset about this. It is very unfair.

Quoted before you realize what a retard you sound like and scramble to edit.

[Archigeek]

But I also disagree that her use of the N word 30 years ago has little or nothing to do with this.

Wasn't it literally the very next day after admitting using the word that she started losing sponsors?

That's one mighty fine coincidence.

Where was she when she made the admission? At a deposition for the lawsuit. It was the "shit just got real" moment for her sponsors, as it became clear that all the dirty laundry was going to be hung out to dry. It's evidence that the suit isn't going away and more dirt is coming. No sponsor wants to be associated with that. Hindsight being 20/20, she should have settled. Either that, or if all the allegations are so obviously false, maybe she should have counter sued for defamation.

[Tisket]

This dude pulls no punches. Worth a read if for no other reason than the links he provides:

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/06/22/bernstein-good-riddance-to-an-ugly-racist/

"A charade that never really should have been allowed to happen in the first place is finally over. An uneducated, unattractive woman who can’t cook somehow stumbled up to a prime position in American media by pandering successfully to similarly stupid, unhealthy people, aided by TV executives happy to keep cashing their checks.


Paula Deen’s career deserves this kind of embarrassing final chapter, as it was ugly on all levels: the woman, the food, and all the southern imagery evocative of still-discriminatory places and terrible times."

[Jhynnifer]

You know before this all came out I really just thought she was a old southern woman who had a cooking show where she used too much butter and all other things that were destined to give you a heartattack before you hit 30. Now that I'm reading some of these articles and the actual complaint filed... well if it turns out to be true and there's evidence to back it up, she deserves every single bit of it. I was just watching an interview she did where she called her "black son" up on stage and she actually said "Come out here, Hollace, we can't see you standing against that dark board." For a woman who's being called a racist, you'd think logically she'd steer clear of statements like that.

At first I was like "wow, throwing the book at her because she said the N-word 30 years ago" now I'm like "Boy, she's pretty fucking stupid."


Where was she when she made the admission? At a deposition for the lawsuit. It was the "shit just got real" moment for her sponsors, as it became clear that all the dirty laundry was going to be hung out to dry. It's evidence that the suit isn't going away and more dirt is coming. No sponsor wants to be associated with that. Hindsight being 20/20, she should have settled. Either that, or if all the allegations are so obviously false, maybe she should have counter sued for defamation.

I wonder what she and her lawyers thought would happen when she made that admission? That she'd be like "oh, this is the worst racist thing I've ever done" and every would say "Aww that's nothing, you poor mistreated and persecuted woman you." First thing she should do is fire her lawyers.

[Latrinsorm]

Quoted before you realize what a retard you sound like and scramble to edit.With Orbstar, there's no rush.

[Methais]

If all the black and white in this situation were reversed, nothing about this whole clusterfuck situation would even be a blip on the politically correct MSM radar.

[subzero]

Meanwhile Alec Baldwin is getting a pass for his anti-gay rant from just a few days ago, with a couple exceptions, like a slap on the wrist from Anderson Cooper. That won't affect his movie career, but saying "nigger" 30 years ago ruins Deen's career? That's just stupid as fuck.

Being a whoremongering crackhead only made Charlie Sheen a bigger star. The cool cats in Hollywood get passes on everything. Lohan, Bynes, etc etc etc.

[Tisket]

Poor, oppressed white people.

[Thondalar]

This dude pulls no punches. Worth a read if for no other reason than the links he provides:

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/06/22/bernstein-good-riddance-to-an-ugly-racist/

"A charade that never really should have been allowed to happen in the first place is finally over. An uneducated, unattractive woman who can’t cook somehow stumbled up to a prime position in American media by pandering successfully to similarly stupid, unhealthy people, aided by TV executives happy to keep cashing their checks.


Paula Deen’s career deserves this kind of embarrassing final chapter, as it was ugly on all levels: the woman, the food, and all the southern imagery evocative of still-discriminatory places and terrible times."

Pot, meet kettle.

Is calling a black person a nigger different from calling a woman ugly?

They are both derogatory terms used to denigrate a person based on appearance.

What about insulting the entire culinary history of a region?

This idea that the entire south is still racist also needs to stop. I'm really fucking sick of it. "the southern imagery evocative of still-discriminatory places"....are you fucking serious? Old Man Eustice in his shack in the woods still hates niggers. He's always going to. Who cares? Who really fucking cares if some old hillbillies are still racist?

Racism was an issue because it caused inequality. Minorities couldn't vote the same. They couldn't eat in restaurants the same. They couldn't attend public events the same. They couldn't attend schools the same. They couldn't get jobs the same.

Guess what? They can now, and in most places/scenarios they have a BETTER chance of getting it than a white person.

Labeling stupid shit like this racism, and jumping at every chance to play the race card, only does two things.

1) Diminishes the severity of the term. Think "The Boy Who Cried Wolf".

2) Causes more people to be racist.

Fucking get over it. If you feel you're being oppressed in some way because of your race, be it at work, or at the voting booth, or at a restaurant or other business, you have legal means with which to remedy it. If you file a complaint and it gets denied and/or laughed at, either you're being ridiculous or the whole world really IS out to get you.

If you pull into a gas station in southern Alabama and Jim-Bob pumping your gas makes a joke about how white your teeth are, laugh at him for being the douchebag pumping your gas and get the fuck on with your life.

[Tgo01]

Pot, meet kettle.

Is calling a black person a nigger different from calling a woman ugly?

They are both derogatory terms used to denigrate a person based on appearance.

What about insulting the entire culinary history of a region?

This idea that the entire south is still racist also needs to stop. I'm really fucking sick of it. "the southern imagery evocative of still-discriminatory places"....are you fucking serious? Old Man Eustice in his shack in the woods still hates niggers. He's always going to. Who cares? Who really fucking cares if some old hillbillies are still racist?

Racism was an issue because it caused inequality. Minorities couldn't vote the same. They couldn't eat in restaurants the same. They couldn't attend public events the same. They couldn't attend schools the same. They couldn't get jobs the same.

Guess what? They can now, and in most places/scenarios they have a BETTER chance of getting it than a white person.

Labeling stupid shit like this racism, and jumping at every chance to play the race card, only does two things.

1) Diminishes the severity of the term. Think "The Boy Who Cried Wolf".

2) Causes more people to be racist.

Fucking get over it. If you feel you're being oppressed in some way because of your race, be it at work, or at the voting booth, or at a restaurant or other business, you have legal means with which to remedy it. If you file a complaint and it gets denied and/or laughed at, either you're being ridiculous or the whole world really IS out to get you.

If you pull into a gas station in southern Alabama and Jim-Bob pumping your gas makes a joke about how white your teeth are, laugh at him for being the douchebag pumping your gas and get the fuck on with your life.

All I have to say is; there are still full service gas stations?

[Thondalar]

In the south there are. But we still care about our neighbors down here too, so I dunno. Damn backwoods hillbillies.

[Tisket]

Pot, meet kettle.

Is calling a black person a nigger different from calling a woman ugly?

They are both derogatory terms used to denigrate a person based on appearance.


We agree. It's wrong to do either.


What about insulting the entire culinary history of a region?

Who did that?


This idea that the entire south is still racist also needs to stop.

Who said that?


Racism was an issue because it caused inequality.

Racism is an issue because it still causes inequality.

Socioeconomic disparities abound.


They couldn't attend schools the same. They couldn't get jobs the same.

The reality that this still occurs is hard to accept, I know, but it does. Racism can be a subtle, difficult to prove thing. But if it helps you sleep at night, go ahead and congratulate yourself on how free of racism the world is now.


Labeling stupid shit like this racism, and jumping at every chance to play the race card, only does two things.


1) Diminishes the severity of the term. Think "The Boy Who Cried Wolf".

2) Causes more people to be racist.

I would counter that pointing out racism whenever you encounter it does two things:

1) Causes more people to consider how their actions and words affect others.

2) Teaches people to respect others.

If you don't want to be accountable for the words you use, then don't use them. It's pretty easy.

[Latrinsorm]

Is calling a black person a nigger different from calling a woman ugly?Yes.
Racism was an issue because it caused inequality. Minorities couldn't vote the same. They couldn't eat in restaurants the same. They couldn't attend public events the same. They couldn't attend schools the same. They couldn't get jobs the same.

Guess what? They can now, and in most places/scenarios they have a BETTER chance of getting it than a white person.Try it. Wear traditional Muslim clothing, call yourself a suitably A-RAB name. Let us know how that goes for you.
2) Causes more people to be racist.I am of the opinion that it gives people who are already racist or want attention an excuse, rather than causing an otherwise tolerant person to suddenly embrace racism. I cannot offer empirical proof for my position, but can you for yours?

[subzero]

Yes.Try it. Wear traditional Muslim clothing, call yourself a suitably A-RAB name. Let us know how that goes for you.

Tech support. They count as bilingual, even though no cracker I know of can understand the fuckers between thick accents, 100mph speech, and 100 other fuckin people yappin in the background like they're in a third world market rather than an office.

[Thondalar]

Who did that?

The...guy I quoted that you quoted. I didn't actually click your link, but you had quotations around the words you put after your link, so I attributed them to whomever was writing/speaking in your link.



Who said that?

See above.


Racism is an issue because it still causes inequality.

Socioeconomic disparities abound.

Hmm...how to approach this one.

So there are no poor white people? Nah.

So there are no rich black people? Hmm.

I'll go with prove it. Show me some evidence that the average black person is at a disadvantage because the white man is holding him down.


Racism can be a subtle, difficult to prove thing

No, no it's not. It's a very easy thing to prove. If a qualified candidate for anything is turned down for no other reason than he's a different color, that's very easy to prove.


I would counter that pointing out racism whenever you encounter it does two things:

1) Causes more people to consider how their actions and words affect others.

2) Teaches people to respect others.

Actual racism, sure. Well, maybe. Calling everything around you racism is silly. Caring that some old white lady said "the N word" is silly. Your parents should have taught you to respect others. If they didn't, I doubt someone pointing out your apparent racism is going to.


If you don't want to be accountable for the words you use, then don't use them. It's pretty easy.

This is the crux of the issue. Since when are we supposed to be accountable for our words?

It is our actions that should draw accountability.

[Thondalar]

Yes.

In our current society it's become the worst thing ever to make fun of black people because they look different, but it's become socially acceptable to make fun of fat people because they look different. This is one of the logical fallacies I bring up most often. We "Grade" offenses based on current societal acceptance, ignoring the fact that hurtful words are hurtful to whomever they hurt. There is no "standard" for this. It is why Freedom of Speech is the first of all Amendments...this is the most slippery of slopes.


Try it. Wear traditional Muslim clothing, call yourself a suitably A-RAB name. Let us know how that goes for you.

The average American has good reason to have a heightened sense of awareness around anyone that even remotely looks like they are of Middle Eastern descent.

I have a heightened sense of awareness when I walk through a parking lot at 2am. Am I likely to get mugged or assaulted? Statistically no. Is that Muslim man on the bus next to me likely going to blow it up? Statistically no. Do I still pay attention? Hell yes.

One of the regulars at my restaurant has a full-on Osama beard, wears a Kufi and sits at the bar and drinks water. Nobody gives him a second look.


I am of the opinion that it gives people who are already racist or want attention an excuse, rather than causing an otherwise tolerant person to suddenly embrace racism.

As most things, I think the reality is somewhere in the middle, or a mix of the two. Both scenarios sound plausible.


I cannot offer empirical proof for my position, but can you for yours?

Nope, only anecdotal.

[Tisket]

No, no it's not. It's a very easy thing to prove. If a qualified candidate for anything is turned down for no other reason than he's a different color, that's very easy to prove.

If he/she is the only qualified candidate, maybe.


Actual racism, sure.

lolwut?


Calling everything around you racism is silly.

Who did that?


Caring that some old white lady said "the N word" is silly.

As has been stated repeatedly...she's a businesswoman who engaged in, allowed, and encouraged sexist, racist, anti-semitic behavior in her business operations. She's not some poor old lady getting picked on for one lapse in judgement thirty years ago.


This is the crux of the issue.

No, this is a symptom of the issue.


Since when are we supposed to be accountable for our words?

Always. Under what circumstance would one NOT be accountable for their words?


It is our actions that should draw accountability.

Absolutely.

[Latrinsorm]

If a qualified candidate for anything is turned down for no other reason than he's a different color, that's very easy to prove. "Prove" is actually a very interesting word, sociologically speaking. Let me ask you this: you say "very easy to prove", what evidence do you specifically have in mind that would satisfy you? What would have to be stated for you to switch sides, and by whom?
In our current society it's become the worst thing ever to make fun of black people because they look different, but it's become socially acceptable to make fun of fat people because they look different.Your attribution of cause is inaccurate, and to such a degree that I suspect this statement (and your entire argument) is made facetiously.
It is why Freedom of Speech is the first of all Amendments...this is the most slippery of slopes.The First Amendment regulates how the federal government interacts with private citizens, not how private citizens interact with each other. Paula Deen is not going to federal prison, she is being sued by another private citizen.
The average American has good reason to have a heightened sense of awareness around anyone that even remotely looks like they are of Middle Eastern descent.Wow.
One of the regulars at my restaurant has a full-on Osama beard, wears a Kufi and sits at the bar and drinks water. Nobody gives him a second look.I say again: (you) try it. You will be surprised, and not pleasantly.
Tech support. They count as bilingual, even though no cracker I know of can understand the fuckers between thick accents, 100mph speech, and 100 other fuckin people yappin in the background like they're in a third world market rather than an office.Perhaps you are unfamiliar with the spirit journey of J.P. Morgan in the pyramids of Egypt? There goes your theory up shit's creek.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

If I could go get all the money she's accumulated doing shitty cooking shows with blown out tunnel tested hair and insincere sounding southern "charm", I'd go back in time 25 years and call everyone nigger.

If she's racist or not, I don't care. I hated the bitch before, and still hate her.

[Tisket]

She definitely won't end up in the poor house over this. She won't even end up in the same neighborhood as the poor house.

[subzero]

Perhaps you are unfamiliar with the spirit journey of J.P. Morgan in the pyramids of Egypt? There goes your theory up shit's creek.

Theory nothin. I can't remember the last time I called some support line and spoke to a native English speaker. Don't tell me they can't get jobs!

[Tisket]

Theory nothin. I can't remember the last time I called some support line and spoke to a native English speaker. Don't tell me they can't get jobs!

Blame companies that want to save a few bucks by outsourcing to countries where labor is cheaper.

[Latrinsorm]

Theory nothin. I can't remember the last time I called some support line and spoke to a native English speaker. Don't tell me they can't get jobs!It's inconceivable that you didn't pick up on my Ragtime (double!) reference.

[subzero]

It's inconceivable that you didn't pick up on my Ragtime (double!) reference.

Yep, seems I missed that one. Ain't usually too fond of dem dere old movies.

[AnticorRifling]

Maybe she just wants to be a rapper.

[Parkbandit]

If I could go get all the money she's accumulated doing shitty cooking shows with blown out tunnel tested hair and insincere sounding southern "charm", I'd go back in time 25 years and call everyone nigger.

If she's racist or not, I don't care. I hated the bitch before, and still hate her.

Damn dude... how do you really feel?

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

Damn dude... how do you really feel?

Indifferent, leaning towards animosity...? If it wasn't clear, she always seemed fake to me. Now her "POV" of being southern that's paid bank to her all these years is coming back to haunt her. I doubt it'd be as big a deal if she didn't put all her chips into that pot, certainly no deal at all if she was black and rapping.

[Thondalar]

Doesn't really have much to do with this thread exactly, other than it seems to be the screaming liberals that are screaming racism the loudest...this will shed some light on why, I think.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xryXpK042pQ

It's a pretty good history lesson.

[Warriorbird]

Doesn't really have much to do with this thread exactly, other than it seems to be the screaming liberals that are screaming racism the loudest...this will shed some light on why, I think.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xryXpK042pQ

It's a pretty good history lesson.

I love the bit about the party the Dixiecrats joined.

[Parkbandit]

Doesn't really have much to do with this thread exactly, other than it seems to be the screaming liberals that are screaming racism the loudest...this will shed some light on why, I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xryXpK042pQ

It's a pretty good history lesson.

http://occupationoforegon.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/thats-racist.gif?w=640

[subzero]

Doesn't really have much to do with this thread exactly, other than it seems to be the screaming liberals that are screaming racism the loudest...this will shed some light on why, I think.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xryXpK042pQ

It's a pretty good history lesson.

Watched a couple of that guy's videos... I thought this one was pretty funny:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpUAFGqwiJY

[EasternBrand]

In our current society it's become the worst thing ever to make fun of black people because they look different, but it's become socially acceptable to make fun of fat people because they look different. This is one of the logical fallacies I bring up most often. We "Grade" offenses based on current societal acceptance, ignoring the fact that hurtful words are hurtful to whomever they hurt. There is no "standard" for this. It is why Freedom of Speech is the first of all Amendments...this is the most slippery of slopes.

Yes, this is why freedom of speech is the first of all amendments. This, and because the first two proposed amendments did not pass.

[Lord Orbstar]

i read the plaintiffs complaint. Of course, they have to prove it, but if half of it is true, then her company was not racist so much as misogynist. This is strange since Mrs Deen is a woman, but a very throwback thinking woman (if the complaint is bourne out). She is obviously predujiced, but I do not think that part really entered into the main complaint other than as further evidence of a weird/unacceptable situation. My previous troll-bait comment aside (mission success there), I felt it was an unfair witch hunt. Then I read the complaint. Her sponsors got the fuck out of dodge for sound business reasons, and I would have dropped her too. I still would go to her restaurant though. Butter is good. So good.

[Archigeek]

i read the plaintiffs complaint. Of course, they have to prove it, but if half of it is true, then her company was not racist so much as misogynist. This is strange since Mrs Deen is a woman, but a very throwback thinking woman (if the complaint is bourne out). She is obviously predujiced, but I do not think that part really entered into the main complaint other than as further evidence of a weird/unacceptable situation. My previous troll-bait comment aside (mission success there), I felt it was an unfair witch hunt. Then I read the complaint. Her sponsors got the fuck out of dodge for sound business reasons, and I would have dropped her too. I still would go to her restaurant though. Butter is good. So good.

This is how I felt about it. Thought "what's the big deal?" till I read the complaint. Had a long conversation with a southern friend of mine who said I was biased, and that she was a southern woman of a certain age and he could walk out his door and find a dozen like her... till he read the complaint. He changed his mind.

[Latrinsorm]

Yep, seems I missed that one. Ain't usually too fond of dem dere old movies.I didn't even know it was a movie, huh. Didn't you have to read it for high school?
Doesn't really have much to do with this thread exactly, other than it seems to be the screaming liberals that are screaming racism the loudest...this will shed some light on why, I think.The only people here who said racism were those insisting that it wasn't, and otherwise going way overboard in defensiveness. That people disagreed with your bizarre claims does not mean that people screamed Paula Deen is a racist.

[subzero]

I didn't even know it was a movie, huh. Didn't you have to read it for high school?

Negative. I had an English literature teacher one year that was rather special. I tried to get them to put me in another class, but they weren't havin it; she'd been there forever, is great, etc etc. Anyway, what the dolts in the office didn't want to hear was that the bitch was losing her mind... and tests. All the time. She would often start teaching us things that weren't related to our particular class in addition to needing to call a student (child of another teacher) to find out what we were working on so she could prepare for the following days.

One day we were assigned to do a report on a character from Cantebury Tales. Sounds normal, right? Well, we initially thought she'd fallen off the tracks again thinking that we'd already read the story since we hadn't. It was mentioned that we hadn't actually read the story yet and her response was basically, "I know, I'm going to give you a paper with the information on it." So, we were given a single sheet of paper with information on a particular character that we were to use for the report and were not expected to read the story whatsoever. I dunno, maybe it's just me, but it seems kind of pointless to have a class on European literature and do things that way.

The tests were always amusing. It didn't take long for me to stop going to the class more often than I went (yay for the last class of the day!), so when I'd manage to pop in on a test day, I'd naturally have no idea what was going on and do horrible on the tests. Well, Dopey damn near lost some tests every time around. And then she would turn around and review the test with the class, including those whose tests were gone and would need to be retaken the next day. Free As are good, I guess.

Anyway, the moral of this story is that in general, the public school system here in Florida is about as awesome as a sweaty nutsack.