Paula Deen's use of the "N"-Word

[IrishLake]

Aside from some discrimination when I was pregnant, unemployed and actively seeking work, I haven't experienced first hand the sort of issues I think Miz is talking about. It's hard for me to have a well informed opinion. Just because I haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

I share my office with a 55 year old black man. I'm a 30 something white woman. He's become my mentor, and I learn more about geology and groundwater and soil remediation from him than I have anyone or anything else. Fifty years ago, this would have been seriously scandalous, if not completely illegal. Nowadays, it's not a biggie. (We call our office the Greek corner. He's an Alpha Phi Alpha and another guy whose desk is right outside is a Teke.) Since our groups share colors, we feel we share even more of a bond. He came from privilege though, so even he has admitted it's harder for him to identify with past history.