There’s been no shortage of outrage directed at Raven-Symone after her comments on a recent episode of The View continued her run of culturally unconscious gaffes. Much to the horror of Whoopi Goldberg, Raven claimed that she would never hire a woman named “Watermelondrea,” somehow managing to validate two stereotypes at once.
Though many were disturbed by her comments–and her subsequent failure to see the problem with them–it shouldn’t have come as a surprise. It’s this very carelessness with which Raven discusses sensitive issues affecting Black people why she was added as a recurring co-host of the show in the first place–her shock value helps keep The View‘s ratings up.
Symone’s father, Christopher B. Pearman, author of a book called Dream So Big, admitted that though he feels that he did a good job of raising Raven, who has been a TV star since she was 3 years of age, “she says some dumb sh*t.” Read his full statement, which he released to Facebook, below.
To My Dear Friends,
There has been much talk today about my daughters comments on her show The View. People have been hitting me up all night questioning me about her remarks. Let me say this……I haven’t managed Ravens career in over 10 years. This woman is grown, has her own management team, has her own opinions, right or wrong, and is responsible for her own words and actions. A woman wrote to me tonight and said she couldn’t support my book because of the words of my daughter. What she fails to realize is that my book is about teaching your child to believe and achieve. Raven has achieved incredible success, and this cannot be denied!
Children grow up and become influenced by many things, situations and people. I certainly don’t agree with what she said….but she is damn near thirty years old. She’s a grown ass woman making grown ass mistakes. We all have been guilty of this.
I did my best as her father, mentor and career manager. I believe I did a Wonderful job. Aside from this inexcusable gaffe, her 29 years in the entertainment industry has been quite successful, for there have been only an Elite Few Child Stars to last this long and have little to no controversy. For this, I am Very Proud!
Raven is a really Beautiful, Sweethearted, Human Being.I should know. Her Mother and I Love her Very much and will always support her and have her back. Even if sometimes……….she says some dumb S#%T!
To see Raven and our families story go to:
Www.dream-so-big.com
