*Please note that this article is an opinion-editorial.

Whoever said, “The truth shall set you free,” obviously didn’t tell Paula Deen to never, ever say the N-word (Even the term “the N-word makes my skin crawl!) and then admit to it at a later date. When I was little my mom told me to never, ever use the N-word. Of course, she also told me to watch my money around black people. What can I tell you? Her grandparents were from Kentucky.

Unless you’ve been living under a flapjack, you know that Paula Deen, the former southern-fried sweetheart of the Food Network is now the country’s latest, greatest punching bag. She mistakenly admitted to using hateful words during a lawsuit deposition, and it leaked like a tsunami. America’s favorite belle was instantly vilified, if not crucified, as everyone rallied to lynch her. She wound up losing several endorsement deals and became public enemy number one. A few flubbed and awkward video apologies did little to save her bacon. Don’t get me wrong, I hardly condone what she did. But, it was a long time ago and she’s sorry. It seems irresponsible to dismiss her actions to simple ignorance. But, I dare say, I think that’s exactly what happened here.

As a gay man, I take issue with selective racism. People say f-g and “that’s so gay” in derogatory ways all the time, and they don’t even lose sleep over it, let alone their livelihood. When people find out that Orson Scott Card is a huge homophobe, they say, “But, he’s such a good writer!” Paula Deen said some (admittedly horrifying) statements 30 years ago, and we want her head on a stick despite being a really good cook. Prejudice of any kind is unacceptable. But, isn’t that a part of the human condition? We make mistakes. We learn. We grow. We apologize and we move on. “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” But, in the age of crucifixion, it’s a lot more fun to destroy someone’s soul, isn’t it? If she said some stupid things, I’m certain she is sorry. When I first heard the story I was with the lynch mob. But, when it turned into a mean spirited witch hunt leaving a woman that the country loved a few months ago devastated, it wasn’t as much fun any more. I mean Oprah stayed the night in her guest house for the love of Pete!

Speaking of the Devine Miss O, she needs to get on the horn and have a chit chat with Paula Deen. Matt Lauer did his usual, terrible attack mode, Judge Judy interview on The Today Show. And, while I know Oprah isn’t crazy about the N-word, she would at least be more partial. More fair. What’s fair? It’s an antiquated Latin word we used to use. We all have that old, racist relative that makes us want to barf in our stockings at Christmas or at least know someone that is related to someone like that. Is it right? Is it fair? No, but Christmas doesn’t get canceled. Once again, I think her words were terrible. But, I do believe she made a mistake. I do believe she is sorry. And, I forgive you, Paula Deen. How can we expect her to be a better person if we don’t rise to the occasion and show her a little compassion, knowing we may need a little ourselves some day.

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Michael Troy is a deeply superficial person. Born in the midwest in the ’70s, Michael came to Los Angeles to pursue his bi-polar career path as an actor and artist. 2005 saw the release of Michael’s first published book, Homo-Hero’s Big Book of Fun and Adventure (www.greencandypress.com). Michael has contributed to the Lady Gaga comic book from Bluewater Productions and has his hand in various other upcoming projects. Michael has performed stand-up comedy at all of the major comedy clubs in Los Angeles and is making his triumphant return to the main stage of The Comedy Store in September. Michael offers an off-beat sense of humor as the star of such youtube cult classics As The Gays on Film (www.youtube.com/fullfrontaltv), A Minute With Margot, a loving tribute to Superman legend Margot Kidder (http://www.youtube.com/user/rktcommander), and currently hosts a vlog style series Lethally Blonde over at www.monsterburg.com. Sitting alongside industry heavyweight Phil Jimenez at the “Divas and Lassoes” panel for the 2010 San Diego comic-con, Michael maintains and cherishes his “underground” status. A staunch believer in Blonde Ambition, Michael hopes his new comic about shallow blonde super heroes in Los Angeles, The Blonde Squad, will set the world on fire (or at least brighten it a bit). Check out Michael Troy and Lethally Blonde updates here!!!