[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

I haven't read all of the posts and won't jump into all of the debates but have a couple comments.

I think Food Network was too harsh and swift in this decision.

I do not condone any racial slurs or name calling, however admitting that she maybe used the N word in 2007 does not make her a racist.

I enjoy watching Food Network, and especially enjoy the different personalities of different cooks, as well as their techniques. I don't have any favorites that I exclusively follow, and rarely cook as they do, but enjoy for entertainment value just watching them all. I love their enthusiasm for cooking and food.

I will miss Paula Deen, and what I perceive as her sweet, loving, Southern charm. She is somebody I'd like to have as a neighbor. I don't care about her weight, over use of butter, her health, or her wealth. I am impressed with her rags to riches life story, and her overcoming huge obstacles in her life.

Who are we to judge? Is there anyone on here who can honestly say under oath that they have never in their life uttered the N-word? And for those that have, does that mean you are a racist, and should lose your job and be shunned by the world?

As a society we all need to strive to be sensitive and respectful, and to do better when we know better. Peace begins in our hearts.

I don't think anyone here is calling her a racist because she used that word. And I, for one, can honestly under oath and standing before God say I have never used the N-word or anything like it. And I grew up in a time when many did, believe me! But it always seemed ugly and wrong and I knew how black people hated it.