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.

[amIblue?]

Originally Posted by Old_Row

I figure that since my great grandmomma who spent all her 98 years in the heart of Dixie and even knew people who fought in the Civil War could realize the horrible wrongs committed and went on to work in the civil rights movement, then there is no excuse for someone of Miss Paula's generation to continue to be this way. It's sad to say there are people who will still be racist and say horrible things in nonmixed company but I for one will give them a piece of my mind when they do!

Preach it!

Originally Posted by StealthMode

I am Black and I approve of this message.

LOL!

[SWTXBelle]

This came a week too later to inform my American Lit. 1865-present's class discussion on "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and the charge of racism. For the mid-term I had them write about the critical controversy regarding the portrayal of Jim and use of THAT word. I have a very diverse class this semester - several international students, who provided very interesting perspectives, and a cross-section of races. I got some really interesting essays. I told them that honestly I didn't care which side they came down upon, as long as they were thoughtful and backed up their assertions with quotes from the text. Good stuff.

Regarding Paula Deen - I've long thought she was over-exposed. I'd gotten tired of her southern butter schtick. Her rabid fans will keep her in butter, no doubt. I'm disappointed that now we will have even more "southern = racist" stereotyping.( I heard the n-word more when I lived in New Jersey then when I lived in Virginia, Tennessee or Texas - admittedly, a limited survey sample.) I always fear that the rest of the country seems to like to make the south their racism scapegoat, so they can smugly believe that it is a problem THERE and not HERE. On the plus side, it's at least got people talking about racism.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by IrishLake

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.

"Some of those people have offices now, times is a changin' so urrybody stop a fussin!"

"One of my best mentors is Black!"

"Some of my best friends are Black!"

I know this is not what you are saying.

I am not remotely mad at Paula Deen. I always found her amusing but never used her recipes. I respect Paula Deen's fans' ability to protest. That's what fans are forrrrrrrr. For good times and bad times. They'll be on your side for ever more:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-207_162-...-food-network/

Sen's Revenge, our cousin Soror Melissa Harris-Perry is slamming Paula Deen right now. Talking about obesity, diabetes, and the stuff we are discussing in this thread.

[amIblue?]

Does the Ken Tanaka video about what kind of Asian are you apply to this conversation?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWynJ...e_gdata_player

[IrishLake]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Hell no.

I always have and always will let you all know when I am posting. I do not hide under random usernames (and I do not research GCers' personal lives and post their information on GC). Therefore, I do not know who the hell those other usernames are and, if they are trying to make people think they are me, they can kiss my Sambo Burger ass.

Now...can this thread or IotaGuy's other thread become a GC Race War? There is so much potential.

Good.

Originally Posted by Sen's Revenge

Oh hush. You got the same warm welcome back!!!!

Originally Posted by DrPhil

"Some of those people have offices now, times is a changin' so urrybody stop a fussin!"

"One of my best mentors is Black!"

"Some of my best friends are Black!"

I know this is not what you are saying.

You hush too! I was just trying to demonstrate from my perspective, things have indeed progressed. My perspective is just that though, and mine alone, and makes me fully aware that it's not truth everywhere.