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Milwaukee's Daily Magazine for Thursday, May 24, 2012

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Is there anyone that has made Paula's down-home recipes and thought they might be healthy?
Is there anyone that has made Paula's down-home recipes and thought they might be healthy?

In defense of Paula Deen

OK, I never quite expected to find myself rushing to the defense of Paula Deen.

I'm really somewhat skeptical of culinary television personalities. I have my favorites, especially the cooking shows hosts that either take you to other countries and expose the viewers and cuisines or shows where they try to rescue a struggling restaurant.

I can tell you I've never really watched any of Paula Deen's shows, however I'm aware of the whole Southern, down-home, "butter makes it better" concept.

So it comes out this past week Paula Deen has type-2 diabetes and she is now a spokesperson for a new pharmaceutical company. How unfair of Paula to have duped us. Is there anyone that has made her recipes and thought that it might be healthy? Oh the tragedy! This reminds me of the people that sued McDonald's because they were fat due to consuming their products.

Paula did not owe the public full disclosure of her health status. It's not her responsibility for what goes in our mouths. The whole issue is amusing. Perhaps, if her show was a weight-loss infomercial guaranteed to promote well-being, I could understand how people might be angry. Her show is known for championing fried fatty foods. What outcome could be expected? It's entertainment, not a way of life. Maybe the silver lining is perhaps she'll show how to prepare her style of food in a healthier fashion.

Regardless, as individuals we are responsible for what we consume. I guess it is easier just to blame television, fast food chains or Paula...

Talkbacks

mkeforlife | Jan. 23, 2012 at 3:32 p.m. (report)

This is America. Paula is free to use her skills to make money. She is free to get fat and sick. We are free to eat her crappy food (BTW, skip her restaurant in Savannah and go to Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room instead) and get fat and sick. That's just reality. She owes us nothing. Love it or leave it.

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deb1223 | Jan. 23, 2012 at 1:57 p.m. (report)

But so what if she waited? It's her health and absolutely her right to sign with whomever she would like. It just kills me. We can have Donald Driver flash his smile advertising for McDonald's - fully his right, too! And yes, I love Donald. :)

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mygreendoor | Jan. 23, 2012 at 1:34 p.m. (report)

I don't think the controversy is coming from people who feel duped about how healthy her cooking is. I think the flack she's getting is because she's so see through. No, she didn't have to disclose her health issue - - yet she conveniently waits to do so until AFTER she had an endorsement deal all lined up. Her announcement wasn't to warn us all that unhealthy eating can lead to diabetes. The announcment was actually a well timed marketing stunt to introduce us to the drugs she'll be peddling. She can flash those baby blues and say "yaaawwwll" all she wants. But the public saw through the stunt. That's why she's getting flack.

I do think it's a shame though, that no matter if you're a celebrity, a politician, whoever, we live in a time where people crucify you for one slip up. There's no forgiveness anymore. And to that end, I do feel bad for her.

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deb1223 | Jan. 23, 2012 at 1:12 p.m. (report)

THANK YOU!! And, not only does she not have to disclosure her health, she has every right to become a spokesperson. AND, who says that she eats this way all of the time? Maybe she is responsible and aware of what ingredients are what - and yup, has these for special occasions? I'd like to know how many of those villanizing her have fast food, microwave popcorn, sodium-laden convenience foods, sugary drinks, etc. For crying out loud, people!

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tosafoodie | Jan. 23, 2012 at 12:54 p.m. (report)

Amen Jason!

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