Hey, Hey, Paula

So, wow.  Last week everyone was talking about Paula Deen, who is- surprise!- racist.  And some people were defending her- "She built Food Network!" "She said one bad word 30 years ago; why is she losing her job?"

Let's get the inconsequential stuff out of the way first.  She did not build Food Network; it had been doing fine well before her.  I used to watch it a lot.  And when she started appearing on it, she immediately left a bad taste in my mouth.  I don't know if I've ever watched a whole episode of any of her shows.  I don't know exactly what turned me off.  Maybe a fat person making food that will make her even fatter? Hey, I love southern food.  I love unhealthy food.  But I eat it in moderation.  And I try to find ways to make it a little healthier (and still tasty.)  Or maybe it was the faux-folksy stuff.  Something just rubbed me the wrong way.  And when a guy at work went to her restaurant and told me how good it was, I knew I was right to dislike her (I don't trust his opinions on food.  He pretty much likes what I dislike.)

As for "she said it once a long time ago:" Bull.  Shit.  Even ignoring all the allegations (and you know at least some of them are true,) the way she answered when asked if she had ever used the n-word let me know exactly where she was coming from.  "Yes, of course."  I mean, I appreciate her honesty.  But that attitude shines through- of course you have?  Racism's not just a southern thing, and I have seen and do see it up here in the Midwest.  And I'm sure when she grew up, and where she grew up, it was more common, maybe even pervasive.  But there are decent people from the south, who don't say that, who treat people with dignity.  "Of course."  That says a lot.

And the antebellum dinner party just creeps me out.  I can't believe anyone would think that would be fun.  All of which goes to show that she didn't just "say it once a long time ago." If that's really all it was, people wouldn't be upset.

There's a lot going on here.  Race still matters, despite SCOTUS decisions, despite whatever comes of the Zimmerman trial.  I can't get into all of it here, and I don't feel qualified- I've seen it, I haven't really experienced it myself.  But I do know a few things.  I know n----- is an awful word.  Some say "well, black people say it so why is it wrong if white people say it?"  That shows appalling ignorance, which goes back to my theory about people lacking historical perspective.  (Someday I'll write a post about that.)  Besides which, many black people don't say it, and don't like hearing it from anybody.  And then there's "well, he said cracker and that's just as bad."  Bull, again.  Not all bad words are the same.  There's a difference between "crap," "shit," and "eat shit and die, motherfucker."  Cracker is nothing like the n-word, and people who equate the two, and make all these other arguments defending racism, know damn well they're not the same.

If you use that word, don't use it around me.  And if you think like Paula (and think she's a victim,) sit down and think a bit about what you're doing, to others and to yourself.  Even if you don't believe in evolution, it's time to evolve.  To grow up.  To realize that people are people.  And if you're still going to be a jackass, don't try to justify it.  Just shut up and let the rest of us get on with trying to make the world a better place.