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Monday, Jan 23rd 2012
Paula Deen: A Hypocrite?
When I heard the announcement that Paula Deen had type 2 diabetes, I was anything but surprised. After all, she was playing Russian roulette with her health all these years.
I tend to gravitate more to healthy cooking than to greasy, fat-laden gastronomic atrocities—hence my basic naiveté concerning what Deen was all about. I first became aware of her existence when visiting Savannah, Georgia, and seeing the endless lines for The Lady and Sons, her ever-popular restaurant. But I'll admit to being just a tad curious to see what the hoopla was all about. So, the other day while on the treadmill at my gym, I switched on the Food Network. There was her show—how serendipitous!
I just about tripped while I watched Deen cooking up a meal that included cornmeal-crusted deep-fried squash, of all things. This was just a day or two following her announcement of her diagnosis, mind you. I don't remember what else she was preparing to go with the squash, since I kind of tuned out—my mind awash with thoughts like, "I can't believe this woman is taking a healthy vegetable and sticking it into a 500-degree oil bath!" and "Huh? Didn't she just announce she had diabetes, for god's sake?"—but I do remember it involved a stick of artery-clogging butter, a whole lot of sugar and a heaping dose of light-hearted banter, accompanied by a devilish glow about how delectable everything would taste.
For fear of being a snobbish, Anthony Bourdain-like food elitist, who told TV Guide last year that Deen was an "outright menace to America" and reprimanded her for making it OK for us to eat food that is "killing us," (note: in retrospect, he was right) I will say this: I think Deen was totally irresponsible in a lot of ways, and it goes way beyond her famed Brunch Burger, a concoction of a hamburger topped with bacon and a fried egg sandwiched in between two glazed doughnuts.
Yes, there are many ways to cook. And we have freedom of choice in what we say and what we choose to eat. No one is forcing us to eat "bad" foods, I know. But I can't help but feel a little differently when it comes to Deen.
For three years, while showing off her saucy, salty, sweet treats, Deen kept her 2008 diabetes diagnosis hidden. Three years? Come on, that's a bit excessive, don't you think? Celebrity privacy notwithstanding, she had a certain obligation to disclose. If she needed time to come to terms with her illness, I can see three days, three months … but when it extends way, way beyond that, I'm just puzzled.
Where's the responsibility here, especially when you consider that there are lives to be saved? Even if you've been diagnosed with prediabetes, a condition where your blood glucose (or blood sugar) is higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes, there's an opportunity to prevent or delay diabetes. You can lower your risk of getting diabetes by 58 percent by making some simple changes to your lifestyle, like losing weight, exercising, eating low-fat foods and boosting your fiber.
According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, in 2010 there were about 1.9 million people ages 20 or older who were newly diagnosed with diabetes in our country. There's no distinction here between type 1 (the type you cannot reverse) and type 2 here, but no matter. That's still a huge number, especially considering that diabetes is a major cause of heart disease and stroke and the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
As an envoy for eating, an admired TV personality and a brazen hawker of everything from son Bobby's new lower-calorie cooking show to kitchenware, cookbooks and now a diabetes drug (that last one really gets me), it's possible that Deen could have saved some lives by coming clean about her diagnosis early on and showing her admirers how to possibly turn it around and get their blood sugar levels back to normal, instead of saying things like, "I would not want to live in a world without fried pork chops," and, "You know it's a good recipe if it starts with a stick of butter."
And although there's no news about whether or not Deen knew she had pre-diabetes (there are generally no warning signs, although the damage to your heart and circulatory system is already in the works), my suspicion is that she may have known. All it takes is either a fasting glucose test (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or an A1C test.
To me, Deen's irresponsible behavior is akin to a smoker suffering from lung cancer telling millions of her fans it's OK to keep on smoking, all the while demonstrating the best ways to cultivate, flavor and enjoy tobacco and keep on going. And as if Deen wasn't busy enough, she added the title "paid spokesperson" to an already-overflowing resume.
Shamefully hypocritical.
You may also want to read:
21 Easy Ways to Get Diabetes
An Overview of Diabetes
Comments
Feb 11, 2012 04:Feb 4 | said
Poor judgement on her part
Poor judgement on her part and it came back to haunt her.. you cant walk around for years and years and eat that kind of food. Lesson learned for Paula.
Feb 01, 2012 22:Feb 10 | Lizzo said
I also just want to add... it
I also just want to add... it is POSSIBLE that her diet did not contribute to her diabetes. There are some thin people with good diets who still get Type 2 diabetes, because there IS a genetic component. But, the VAST majority of people with Type 2 diabetes have a number of other risk factors, including poor diet and being overweight. The thing is, there is no way to say conclusively that her diet caused her diabetes, even though in all likelihood it did. If someone has a genetic predisposition AND other risk factors, they can't identify which risk factor led to the diabetes. So, I suppose it's not entirely untruthful to claim her diet may not have been the culprit.
Feb 01, 2012 22:Feb 10 | Lizzo said
I just wanted to clarify the
I just wanted to clarify the whole Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes thing, since it is almost never addressed. Type 1 is not just "the kind that can't be reversed" - it's the kind that's an autoimmune disease and NOT caused by lifestyle (and formerly called Juvenile Diabetes.)
The vast majority (about 95%) of Americans with diabetes have Type 2, so I think it's fair to say that most newly diagnosed diabetics over the age of 20 also have Type 2... so the writer is correct, the number is huge.
Regarding Paula Deen... I had seen the headlines about her Type 2 diabetes, but had not read that her diagnosis actually came in 2008. I might be mistaken, but didn't she actually quite recently claim that she was in perfect health? I'm almost positive that I read she claimed to have perfect cholesterol numbers and blood pressure (which I suppose is still possible, but she said it to ward off criticism of her diet... even if she was technically being truthful (which is questionable) she was not exactly being honest.)
Jan 28, 2012 19:Jan 7 | Jane Boursaw said
We watched her show a few
We watched her show a few times, but found nothing of value there. Then we came across the Low-Carb Guy, who created a cooking show around his weight-loss efforts. I forget his name, but I don't think he's on the Food Network. It's one of the other networks. Healthy stuff.
It almost seems like Paula Deen made her career out of how shocking she could be. What?! She's adding ANOTHER stick of butter to that pastry?! Dear God.
Jan 25, 2012 10:Jan 10 | Anne-Marie said
I imagine that sponsors,
I imagine that sponsors, contracts and other monetary influences were at work here to keep Paula's condition under wrap for this long.
The good news is that we all "suspected" it. Many of us are educated enough now in the matters of healthy eating that we know better than to (other than very occasionally?) indulge in Paula Deen type cooking. Even my 14 year old daughter was commenting - BEFORE the "revelation"- on the nefarious effects of her cooking and of her show. So, the healthy-eating messaging has trickled down to younger generation. To the point that my daughter and her peers are perfectly grossed out by this type of over-the-top cuisine.
Now, we can only hope for a turnaround from Paula. Let's see how she handles it.
Jan 27, 2012 09:Jan 9 | Sheryl said
Nice to see you here,
Nice to see you here, Anne-Marie, and thanks for commenting. I think it's fabulous that your 14-year-old is aware of what's healthy and what's not...and hoping that this is the case for a lot of the younger generation. We've got to do something to get the climbing obesity rates of children in check!
Jan 24, 2012 08:Jan 8 | Nancy Monson said
Sheryl, I agree. Deen was
Sheryl, I agree. Deen was very irresponsible. She just didn't want to derail her gravy train to do the right thing until she was forced to, I guess.
Jan 27, 2012 09:Jan 9 | Sheryl said
Nancy, Exactly. The gravy
Nancy, Exactly. The gravy train was bringing in too much to sacrifice. Isn't that just such a shame?
Jan 24, 2012 08:Jan 8 | Sandra said
Paula Deen
Well said. I think the worst of it is that Paula is still cooking unhealthy stuff post-diagnosis. Now that she's "out," I think she should change her show to be diabetes-friendly and show herself exercising. There are so many people with diabetes and they need healthy role models.
Jan 24, 2012 00:Jan 12 | said
Deen and Diabetes
In all fairness, it should be noted that Food TV contracts with Paula Deen (and all the cooks who have cooking shows on that network) to make a certain number of shows per year. The shows belong to Food TV. They, not Paula Deen, decide when to run her cooking show. You can be sure that, as long as a show has a large enough viewership and makes advertising money for the network, they will continue to run it. The show you saw may have been made years ago, for all we know.
Jan 27, 2012 09:Jan 9 | Sheryl said
Yes, I realize that the show
Yes, I realize that the show I saw was probably an old show, but still...you'd think someone would check to make sure something like that did NOT happen! Asleep at the wheel, perhaps?
Jan 24, 2012 00:Jan 12 | debbie koenig said
I couldn't agree more,
I couldn't agree more, Sheryl. I have a hard time understanding the Paula apologists, who seem to be mistaking outrage at her hypocrisy and duplicity for an invasion of privacy: "How dare you demand that Paula tell us anything about her diabetes!" I wrote a post similar to yours, though considerably angrier (both my parents are Type 2 diabetics, and I lost 100 lbs 15 years ago), and the number of comments I got defending her had me gobsmacked. I'm pissed because she waited to tell the world *until she found a way to make MORE money off her disease,* not because she kept it a secret. She's under no obligation to tell us, other than an ethical one. But to tie the announcement to a job shilling drugs (expensive, not-necessarily-the-best drugs, too)? That's pretty low.
Jan 25, 2012 10:Jan 10 | Sheryl said
I think it's so admirable you
I think it's so admirable you lost so much weight - congratulations on that. I can see why you are emotional about this topic, especially coming from the kind of background you did. Sounds like you made positive changes in your life and habits. You should be so proud of that!
Jan 23, 2012 23:Jan 11 | Merr said
I have wondered if the
I have wondered if the controversy about this will affect the relationship with the sponsor. Will they continue the partnership?
Jan 23, 2012 22:Jan 10 | judy stock said
When Paula Deen had her first
When Paula Deen had her first cooking show, I watched it a couple of times. But even then I couldn't believe what she used to cook. All that greasy heavy foods that couldn't possibly be good for you. Never watched her again.
She's just become a mouth piece for any company who is willing to send money her way. UGH!
Jan 23, 2012 22:Jan 10 | judy stock said
Shameless Paula Deen
When Paula Deen had her first cooking show, I watched it a couple of times. But even then I couldn't believe what she used to cook. All that greasy heavy foods that couldn't possibly be good for you. Never watched her again.
She's just become a mouth piece for any company who is willing to send money her way. UGH!
Jan 23, 2012 22:Jan 10 | judy stock said
say no to Paula Deen!
When Paula Deen had her first cooking show, I watched it a couple of times. But even then I couldn't believe what she used to cook. All that greasy heavy foods that couldn't possibly be good for you. Never watched her again.
She's just become a mouth piece for any company who is willing to send money her way. UGH!
Jan 25, 2012 10:Jan 10 | Sheryl said
I agree, Judy. It's a shame,
I agree, Judy. It's a shame, isn't it? She might be a nice, talented person who is not out to hurt anyone...but the timing of it all turned into a public relations nightmare.
Jan 23, 2012 21:Jan 9 | Vera Marie Badertscher said
I'm glad you're going on the
I'm glad you're going on the attack, here. Paula Deen appeals to the worst of our impulses when it comes to food.
Jan 23, 2012 19:Jan 7 | Kris @ Attainable Sustainable said
That brunch burger sounds
That brunch burger sounds disgusting. I totally agree with you - this 'coming out' and endorsement of pharmaceuticals sure makes her seem like a money grubber to me.
Jan 25, 2012 10:Jan 10 | Sheryl said
My thoughts exactly, Kris. So
My thoughts exactly, Kris. So many people RAVE about the combination; I find the thought of it repulsive. And the timing of the announcement paired with the pharm deal...that is a bit suspect, in my opinion.
Jan 23, 2012 19:Jan 7 | ruth pennebaker said
paula deen
I don't think I'd call Paula Deen a hypocrite; after all, she said she doesn't plan to change her own diet, diabetes or no, so she's still practicing what she preaches. But I do think she was unethical in withholding her health status until she got a drug deal.
Jan 24, 2012 14:Jan 2 | Sheryl said
Unethical is a good word for
Unethical is a good word for it, Ruth.There are others, but I won't mention them here :)
Jan 23, 2012 18:Jan 6 | NoPotCooking said
I don't think how she behaved
I don't think how she behaved was the right thing to do, but I think it is her right to handle it however she wanted. She is the queen of cashing in so I'm not at all surprised. And I don't think people will turn on her because of it either. I suspect she will find a way to cash in on the outcry as well.
Jan 24, 2012 14:Jan 2 | Sheryl said
While I agree it's her right
While I agree it's her right to handle it however she wanted, I think there's a degree of responsibility that was missing. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
Jan 23, 2012 18:Jan 6 | Kristen said
I love to cook, but I must
I love to cook, but I must admit I've never seen her show. I did know enough about her recipes, though, that I steered clear of them. An indulgent meal every once in awhile is fine, but as an overall approach to eating--it just makes me tired to think about it.
Jan 24, 2012 14:Jan 2 | Sheryl said
Agreed, Kristen. An
Agreed, Kristen. An occasional indulgence is fine, but I don't think that was her message at all. Maybe it will be now?
Jan 23, 2012 18:Jan 6 | Roxanne said
I've seen several heated
I've seen several heated debates online about this, including people arguing that it was genetics NOT food that caused Deen's diabetes. The part that's hard for me to process (in any positive way) is this drug spokesperson deal. It seems to me that's the ONLY reason we know what we know, so (for me), that taints everything that came before the announcement and after.
Jan 29, 2012 17:Jan 5 | Casey said
Agreed - the drug sponsorship
Agreed - the drug sponsorship is really the straw that breaks the camel's back for me.
Jan 23, 2012 18:Jan 6 | Lila said
Jan 23, 2012 18:Jan 6 | Living Large said
I got into a long
I got into a long "discussion" with regards to this very subject the other day. People who told me they were RNs and diabetes educators were wagging their fingers at me for "being judgemental." They also claimed bad food choices do not cause diabetes and there's no real evidence to suggest that Paula Deen's condition was caused by her diet. That flies in the face of everything my family has ever been told by diabetes doctors and educators. I agree, she's a hypocrite, not only for continuing to push her terrible diet, but also for shilling for the drug companies WITHOUT advocating lifestyle changes first, which have in fact, changed many people's lives and even gotten them off of diabetes meds. I don't think people realize that this type of a "southern diet" is a lifestyle. People do eat fried foods day in and day out and drink sweet tea that amounts to syrup all day long. While she may preach moderation now, many people eat like this all day everyday here.
Jan 24, 2012 14:Jan 2 | Sheryl said
Couldn't agree more, LL.
Couldn't agree more, LL. Diabetes can be held off in so many people by making smart lifestyle choices - diet among them.
Jan 23, 2012 17:Jan 5 | Alexandra said
You have touched a nerve. I
You have touched a nerve. I even feel upset at food bloggers for not zeroing in on the health risks of modern food. Better eat organic to retain health. Watch out for the GMOs in everything, and the BPA in almost everything, like canned tomatoes. A real no-no. Yikes. You have set me off. I never watch Ms. Dean, but agree with you. Just today a study indicated there's a link between phthalates and obesity/diabetes. It's not rocket science to see that the new generation is doing something wrong. I mean, come on. Americans need larger seats on airplanes? No. Our whole society needs to think carefully about how bodies are affected by toxic chemicals and eliminate as many as possible, then lobby our Congressmen and Senators to stand up to the chemical industry. Sorry, sorry. I wrote about this on my blog today and it really upsets me.
Jan 24, 2012 14:Jan 2 | Sheryl said
Absolutely no need to
Absolutely no need to apologize for your passion! It is a very emotional subject, more for some than for others. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Alexandra.
