One of the celebrity chefs well known to Food Network viewers is getting a lot of negative attention these days. It’s Paula Dean, known as the “Queen of Southern Cooking.” From what I understand, a lawsuit was brought against her and her brother by a former manager of the Savannah, GA restaurant the siblings co-own. The lawsuit alleges sexual harassment and racial discrimination, and Paula Dean admitted to using racial slurs and tolerating racial jokes in the restaurant in the past. Since the news broke, she has come under fire from the public as well as many of her endorsers. The Food Network, where she began her career, has decided not to renew her contract after 11 successful years, and major companies like Smithfield Foods, Walmart, Target, and a diabetes drug company have already severed their ties with Paula Dean.
Her lawyer has issued a statement saying that her admittance of using a racial epithet in a time in American history when America’s South still had segregated schools and restaurants should not be interpreted as her condoning any form of racism or discrimination. Paula herself has appeared on several talk shows and released online videos begging for forgiveness from her highly disappointed fans. While some fans have remained loyal and are standing by her, the damage is already done, and her image and brand have definitely been tainted beyond repair. Only time will tell whether the American people will eventually forgive Paula Dean or whether another network will give her a new show. Whether that happens or not Paula Dean will have to live with the consequences of her past actions for the rest of her life.
While what Paula Dean did cannot be taken lightly or brushed away, we all know that she is not the only person who has used offensive slurs or other discriminatory comments about people of a different gender, race, nationality, religion, political view, and so on. Many people get away with saying things even more offensive than what she has said. The difference, however, is that she is a highly public figure, and along with the public spotlight and celebrity status comes a much higher level of scrutiny. One cannot enjoy privilege without responsibility.
When the alleged incidents occurred, Paula Dean probably had absolutely no idea that one day she was going to be hosting a cooking show seen by millions of people and become a household name. Had she had even the slightest hint that she was going to become that famous and visible, she certainly would have exercised better judgment. Many people say and do things that are hurtful and evil because they think they will get away with it. They think nobody will find out, and for the most part, that is the case, at least during their lifetime. The Bible tells us, however, that every one of us, not just famous chefs, movie stars, or athletes, will one day be judged for our actions, as stated in Hebrews 4:13, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” It may be too late for Paula Dean, but it’s still not too late for you and me. David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). May this be our earnest prayer each day so that we will not be put to shame when our lives are laid bare before the eyes of Jesus Christ.
From Pastor Sara’s Heart
June 30, 2013