Reports surfaced yesterday that Paula Deen admitted to using the n-word in a sworn deposition, most of the time in casual conversation with friends. The people of Twitter have taken this information, combined it with Paula’s love of cooking and used it to create the hashtag #paulasbestdishes. What is the internet for if not to shine a light on someone’s faults through mockery.
Sure, Paula’s gone to deny she’s a racist and had her rep issue this statement, “Ms. Deen does not condone or find the use of racial epithets acceptable. She is looking forward to her day in court,” and the entire transcript of her deposition surfaced today (relevant parts below) sort of showing she isn’t one to toss the n-word around willy nilly.
Lawyer: Have you ever used the N-word yourself?
Paula: Yes, of course.
Lawyer: Okay. In what context?
Paula: Well, it was probably when a black man burst into the bank that I was working at and put a gun to my head.
Lawyer: Okay. And what did you say?
Paula: Well, I don’t remember, but the gun was dancing all around my temple … I didn’t — I didn’t feel real favorable towards him.
Lawyer: Okay. Well, did you use the N-word to him as he pointed a gun in your head at your face?
Paula: Absolutely not.
Lawyer: Well, then, when did you use it?
Paula: Probably in telling my husband.
Lawyer: Okay. Have you used it since then?
Paula: I’m sure I have, but it’s been a very long time.
Lawyer: Can you remember the context in which you have used the N-word?
Paula: No.
Lawyer: Has it occurred with sufficient frequency that you cannot recall all of the various context in which you’ve used it?
Paula: No, no.
Lawyer: Well, then tell me the other context in which you’ve used the N-word?
Paula: I don’t know, maybe in repeating something that was said to me.
Lawyer: Like a joke?
Paula: No, probably a conversation between blacks. I don’t — I don’t know. But that’s just not a word that we use as time has gone on. Things have changed since the ’60s in the south. And my children and my brother object to that word being used in any cruel or mean behavior. As well as I do.
But this hasn’t stopped people from running with this new meme. I’ve included some of the best ones.
Hash Browns vs. Board of Education #PaulasBestDishes
— Maggie Serota (@maggieserota) June 19, 2013
Too late for Baby Back of the Bus Ribs? #PaulasBestDishes
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) June 20, 2013
We Shall Over-Crumb Cake #PaulasBestDishes
— Ashley Carter (@ashcar) June 19, 2013
Key Lynch Pie…make sure to use 3/5 a cup of butter & segregate your egg whites from the colored yolks for best results. #paulasbestdishes
— II HANDS II HELLMOUTH✨ (@FarrFetchedd) June 19, 2013
Massa-roni and cheese #PaulasBestDishes
— And that's on Chawls ➡️ Dreamcon 2024 (@swolebizness) June 19, 2013
The Souffle Will Rise Again #paulasbestdishes
— John DeVore (@JohnDeVore) June 19, 2013
Dred Scott Potato Pie#PaulasBestDishes
— Eric Wolfson (@EricWolfson) June 19, 2013
White Devil's Food Cake #PaulasBestDishes
— Feodor Chin 🇺🇸❄️ (@FeoChin) June 19, 2013
I… I love you internet.
Any non-black who says they have NOT used the n-word in a derogatory way in the last 20 years is a LIAR.