In the world, there are too many double standards.  When one can say or do something, it can be completely scrutinized.  Yet, another person can say or do the same thing and not have any punishment for it.  While I love social media and gaining every piece of information online, it is the internet that is probably our greatest fail.  People can overreact.  How many create a valid opinion or stop and think, "What is wrong or right?" The same point can be established by companies.  Unfortunately, many companies are dropping one television personality, and only one, for words said.  But how can one determine what is appropriate or not appropriate?  Paula Deen wasn't the only Food Network star who made it onto the news for actions taken. The three that I am most familiar with being: Cat Cora, Bobby Flay, and Robert Irvine.  

In the case of Cat Cora, Cora rear-ended a vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol.  She was sentenced for the actual crime,  Yet, after releasing a statement after the arrest, she was let off.  She did not lose the support of the network or any endorsements.  Although clearly, possibly endangering the lives of herself and others, drinking and driving is not an issue.  It is completely appropriate and okay.

In addition, Bobby Flay dealt with a lawsuit concerning wage and labour violations drawn up by servers at Bar Americain.  Not only did he take tips and did not pay for overtime work, employees had to buy and keep in top condition their uniforms and did not gain a percentage of mandatory tips for private parties.  Although an illegal practice and not great for publicity, he too did not lose support of the network or any endorsements.  

Restaurant Impossible's Robert Irvine embellished his professional experience extensively. When first found out, he was pulled from the line-up of Food Network.  However, they made modifications to the program introduction and honoured his contract for a fourth season.  After finding a replacement host for the following season, Irvine returned to the show.  When the show was discontinued, he has maintained a presence on the Food Network.

We have Paula Deen admitting to what she has said in the past when asked if she has ever used the derogatory term.  Growing up in the South, where it is still utilized, it is very unlikely that a 66 year old has never stated it in their life.  A heartfelt apology was stated, yet, she lost endorsements from Food Network, Walmart, Target, QVC, Ceasars Entertainment, Home Depot, Novo Nordisk, JC Penney, Sears, K-mart, and the company that was going to publish five of her upcoming books.  Even though the upcoming book release reached the number one best-seller on Amazon months before it's scheduled release, it was cancelled.  I applaud fans for truly sticking by her. Continuing to purchase her merchandise through the suppliers whom didn't cancel their endorsements, writing messages stating they want Paula on the Food Network's Facebook page, boycotting the companies that did, and sending the companies protest letters written on butter wrappers shows that she didn't lose the fan base.

If Paula Deen is getting scrutinized and punished for something in the past, why can't that apply to Cat Cora, Bobby Flay, Robert Irvine and other Food Network personalities?