Raven-Symoné, who probably has one of the blackest names ever, came under fire last week when she spoke about "ghetto" black names during a segment on The View. Not only did she state that she would never hire anyone with a ghetto-sounding name, but she also went on to make fun of the names.
Raven-Symoné is now attempting to clarify her statements and posted an apology on Facebook Sunday night. The actress seemingly backtracked on her comments about discriminating against "ghetto" names.
"I'd like to begin by saying that I was not attacking a specific race, but repeating a name that was said in a viral video which has received over 2 million likes," she wrote.
"I have been denied many jobs because of my skin color, body size, and age. Each time I was rejected, my self-esteem was negatively affected, so I empathize with those who feel victimized by what I said," Raven-Symoné continued. "We would hope that when it comes to hiring, our names, physical appearance, sexual orientation, and age would never outweigh our qualifications, but often times, they do, that's the truth and it sucks. But I should not be part of the problem, I should be part of the solution.
"As an equal opportunity employer, I have never discriminated against a name….even though I said I would, it's not true. My comment was in poor taste. My lack of empathy towards name discrimination was uncalled for," she continued.
Seems as though Raven-Symoné may have received a good talking to from her father, Christopher B. Pearman, who basically said that he did his best to raise his daughter, but sometimes she says "some dumb s—t."
"Raven is a really Beautiful, Sweethearted, Human Being," he wrote. "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!"
I'm sure Raven-Symoné would probably think my name is one of those "ghetto" black names, even though my last name is distinctly Irish. But unlike her, I spent the bulk of my career in human resources and was responsible for hiring people.
Because I knew that people did discriminate against names, I found it my duty to do just the opposite. When I saw a name that some would assume was a "black" name, I did my best to get that person in front of a hiring manager. And you'd be amazed at the stories I would hear from people who felt that their name was causing their résumé to be left at the bottom.
What Raven-Symoné doesn't realize is that she may never have to fill out an application for a job. Hell, she probably won't have to work a day in her life again, once The View is finally given the axe it deserves, but there are people out there who had no say in what name they were given. They carry it with them every day, and because of people who think like Raven-Symoné, it can prevent them from obtaining a job.
Raven-Symoné needs to prop herself on her chair during today's episode of The View and hand in her resignation. I'm not sure if the world can take any more of her illogical thinking and uneducated opinions.