At Georgia Restaurant, Patrons Jump to Defend a Chef From Her Critics

He said his grandfather used the word often and without rancor in referring to African-Americans. But Mr. Hattaway’s own parents forbade its use. It is an evolution common to many white families in the South, he said.       

“She obviously didn’t get it but I think they are kind of blowing this up,” Mr. Hattaway said.       

He was particularly bothered by a commentator on a national news program who suggested that Ms. Deen should have atoned for the pain of slavery, given credit to African-Americans who helped influence some of the country food that made her famous and offered a stronger statement against racism.       

“She’s a cook,” Mr. Hattaway said. “She’s not a Harvard graduate.”

Article Appeared @http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/23/us/in-the-south-many-are-willing-to-forgive-deens-racial-misstep.html?pagewanted=all&src=ISMR_AP_LO_MST_FB

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