Paula Deen's Alleged Racist Comments Cause Uproar

By: Sierra Shumate

                Although it is one of the most frequently combated issues in our society, racism is still a prevalent issue we are facing today.  American celebrity chef, former cooking show host, restaurateur, author, actress, and Emmy Award-winning television personality Paula Deen changed her life for the worst last week. 
                After publicly issuing multiple racist comments against African Americans, she was made to apologize while crying on public television. On a talkshow, she brought up an African American man who worked for her, explaining that "it may be difficult to see him against the black backdrop," because he is "dark as night." (Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOOtHsYeEqg&feature=player_embedded)
                She giggled, and although laughter ensued in the audience, much of the world was silenced and provoked, seeing her comment as unnecessary, as well as racist. 
                 She explained to the public that, contrary to popular believe, she did not in any way mean anything as a harmful or racist joke, and that she is a very politically correct Southerner with modern values. She was asked if she had ever said the "N-word" in the past, and admitted to it--something that the public reacted even more strongly about, which may have even dug Deen an even deeper hole.
                 Prior to the loss of many of her contracts and her television show on the Food Network, she explained her opinions on racist jokes. "They usually target, though a group. Gays or straights, black, redneck, you know, I just don't know. I can't, myself, determine what offends another person."
                 Many of her comments have made the public very skeptical about Paula's real values, particularly because she made the entire matter extremely public. Even after her apology, Paula has lost millions of dollars, as well as contracts with multiple companies who sell her products and use her name on their brands.  
                 The New York Daily News has been doing some research, and is reporting that the loss of Deen's merchandising and licensing deals will likely end up costing her $7.5 million. In addition, she has lost another 5 million in restaurant and television deals--a total of 12.5 million dollars per year. 
Now the question rises--did her joke go too far, or did the public overreact?