After watching this episode, I'm certain that most of you will have a pretty bad taste in your mouth for John and his lack of ability to understand something that I feel is a basic concept of life. That concept is that when you find yourself in a really deep hole, stop digging! But right now, I ask that you put that incident behind you and focus on all of the other things going on at the reunion.
Yes, I'm referring to all the LOOOOOVE that was starting to blossom in the house, not only between Joe and Rachelle but also between Lori and her “not-so-secret-anymore” admirer Mark — and the undeniable growing love between me and a certain brand of whiskey. (What?)
The final discussion point, and definitely the highlight of my entire trip, was the arrival of Tracey and Treda. I am a little upset with them for what they did to Antanus upon their arrival. We also get to meet the woman who's captured Antanus' heart for the last four years, and she's an absolutely stunning woman. She also was brave enough to be submersed in the middle of a group of people, most of who were complete strangers, and exposed to all of the craziness and antics that you have witnessed thus far. For that, she's OK in my book.
There are some words and/or phrases in the English language that seem to get people really fired up, including the proverbial “N” word and the “C” word. Although I'm not easily offended, there's absolutely no chance that I'd deem it a good decision to casually toss either of these words around, especially around people I didn't know well. A reasonable person knows that there are repercussions for the decisions that we make and the things that we say. I'm the queen of foot-in-mouth syndrome and have inadvertently said a lot of things in my lifetime that have offended people. However, in 40 years of running my flapper, I've learned that you can't say everything that comes to mind. That's me, and that's probably most of you, but that is NOT John. I believe that being the son of a cop taught John that he was a bit untouchable. The repercussions that we all feel weren't the same as his. This was true on every level from the words he said, to the laws that he didn't have to follow.
On the flip side of that, the idea of being “politically correct” is one of the worst societal trends I have seen in my lifetime. Being PC has made it seemingly impossible to say anything; PC is another name for thin skin. Unbeknownst to you, I may decide that the word “car” hurts my feelings and I could retract into a deep depression every time I hear the word. Sounds crazy, right? Well, that's because it IS crazy. It's just a word! I simply choose not to be offended by the word "car," and then I no longer have to be controlled by it. Letting one word control our emotions and actions is giving a lot of power to people like John that spout off without thinking. It created a tension in the house that spanned two solid days — one word got an entire household in an emotional tizzy. It was blown out of proportion and emotionally exhausting.
True, John shouldn't have said what he said, but there isn't one single person in that house that isn't guilty of saying something offensive at some point in their life. Whether it be the use of the word “stupid,” “dumb,” “retarded,” “lame,” etc. , I don't think that John is a racist. Because I was standing two feet from him when he said it, I also don't think he was intentionally trying to make a derogatory statement about the African-American population with his use of the “N” word. John made a really bad decision with his choice of language, but all of us in the house made a bad choice to give that word any kind of power.
Now, moving on to the all the lovebirds in the house. No comment… relax, I'm just kidding. I'm really not bitter about Joe and Rachelle's budding romance and I really never was. For a hot minute, I got protective. It was mind-boggling to me just how easy it is to fall back into emotional patterns, even when you really don't want to. I was a little bitter about not having more single men at the reunion so I could have a chance for romance, but what became apparent is that I needed the time alone to remember that I can be happy by myself. I do have the ability to be happy for others, but I'm not a hopeless romantic. I'm also not a huge fan of PDAs: It was tough for me to see Joe and Rachelle in constant lip lock from dawn to dusk. I felt it was a bit disrespectful to me, but in the long run, I just wasn't in the mood to watch people making out in front of me. But my true feelings were that I am really happy for them, but I got tired of being asked about my feelings about it and having people constantly making comments.
Rachelle is a really sweet and beautiful woman and she deserves to be treated well, and it seems as though Joe has grown up a lot. I was proud and a little surprised to hear Rachelle tell Joe that she wanted to "take things slow" during their beach discussion. From an outsider's perspective, it seemed like they were moving WAY too fast. It was like they met at 9PM, and were madly in love by 4:30PM… just seemed a bit fast given the fact that she had just gotten out of her difficult marriage.
Lori and Mark: Wow, I have been a close friend of Lori's since the 10th grade, and I'd never seen Lori as happy as she was after reuniting with Mark. There were five close friends in the CheerleadIRRS, and she's the only one who hasn't been married. She's one of the most amazing human beings I know, but she can be a handful. There just haven't been many men who've been able to man up or keep up with Lori. She's a firecracker with a heart of gold and possesses a true sense of devotion to her friends and family, rare assets these days. She's very outgoing, funny, outspoken and loud — which I think are great qualities, because I'm the same way to a certain extent – and that can be tough to process. I honestly think Mark is one of the few people who would be an absolute perfect match for Lori. He's very romantic and sweet, but that's not the side of him that you would see unless you were dating him; the other side is a true people person who enjoys time with friends and family. He can drink more than anyone I know, and he's hysterical under the influence. He's a likeable person and always has a smile on his face. He's confident enough to appreciate Lori's outgoing personality — instead of holding it against her or trying to change her. I loved hanging out with them both at the house just as much as I loved hanging out with Lori by herself. They're just fun people to be around and you never walk away from them without a smile on your face. They were falling in love, but they recognized that partying is as equally important as love.
That was a joke to see if you were still paying attention. I adore Lori and Mark, and I hope they stay together for a long time and make things work so we can all keep smiling with them and for them.
Now, while we're on the subject of love, I want to say a few words about the Detention that was given to Antanus by Tracey and Treda. I'm currently going through a divorce after 8 years. By far, it has been the most emotionally difficult thing that I will likely every have to face. Marriage is such a deeply personal decision, and making that kind of a commitment isn't the same as telling someone you love them and care for them so much that you'll give up your other booty calls for them. Marriage is a legally binding commitment that can sometimes result in the creation of children. It legally combines two lives and brings together two people and their respective families forever. When the time is right to make that jump, then most people have no doubts, no fear and no reservations. Regardless, there are only two people who can make that decision and that is the man and the woman involved. I couldn't believe that Tracey and Treda would feel like they had any right whatsoever to push marriage on someone else, simply because they felt that the time was right. They are close with Antanus, and I get that, but they aren't inside his head or his heart. They aren't living his life for him and they aren't the ones obligated to Lakoiya for a lifetime. She's a great girl, beautiful and smart and all that, but whether or not the time was right to make her his wife, is NOT up to them. Anyway, I'm glad that Antanus took some time to think about it, and didn't let the pressure of the moment and of his best friends force him to make such an important life decision before he was ready. Kudos to Antanus for recognizing the importance and seriousness of marriage and not taking it lightly — even with cameras on him.
At the risk of sounding a bit harsh toward Tracey and Treda, I must say that these two individuals are amazing people. They're kind and patient and have made it through a lot of good and bad times during their many years together. In high school, Treda used to make me giggle harder than anyone else. She's goofy and understands sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself and not take life too seriously. I had the chance to have a few heart-to-heart conversations with Treda and it just made me love her even more. They are beautiful people so I hereby forgive them for the whole Antanus/proposal thing. I honestly can't wait to see them next time… and ask them what the hell they were thinking.
I will conclude this bloggy blog by telling you a little bit about our day at the beach on Tracy B.'s Hall Pass. As you can imagine, nothing is really a day at the beach when the Summer Girls are involved. They demand constant attention, pampering and maintenance. It wears me out just thinking about it. Couple that with the fact the Joe and Rachelle were constantly all over each other, and what you get is Jodi and John swimming really far out in the ocean to a coral reef. Anytime that a swim with John is the BETTER choice, you should probably examine your sanity a bit closer. I did consider drowning John near the reef, but I figured with the cameras around, I'd never get away with it. John is a jackass, but he makes me laugh. He doesn't care what anyone thinks and he forges his own path. I guess there's a certain part of that complete freedom of self that all of us would love to have more of, but we're far too sensible to act on it. However, it was a great afternoon!
I really love to write, and it's been therapeutic to journey down memory lane with you. I'll be blogging about the final episode as well, if you care. I look forward to your comments and questions. Just please don't use the "N" or "C" words.
Thanks for watching the show and have a great week,
Jodi
I agree with Taylor. Jodi, you need to leave Joe and his new lady alone. i didn't agree with you when you talked to Rachelle about your feelings. Honey, high school been over long, long time ago. You need to grow up and stop pining for him. I didn't think that you asked Joe for his permission to get married and have kids with your divorced to be husband? Joe and Rachelle don't need your blessing and you act like you were his wife and he's cheating on you. Sometimes we're not gonna like the way things are but you should accept it. Joe moved on so you need to do the same. He doesn't find you attractive anymore and he sees someone looking so much younger and better and that's what he likes. Look at him he looks good. He want a hottie like him and Rachelle is lovely and exotic that's his style right now. I am sorry but it's the truth. Joe is looking for the hottest.
Yes Jody, you need to move on. I know that high school love is very hard to forget. I had it too. Let Rachelle and Joe have their happiness you had yours with him and your husband already. Grow up and accepts the good with the bad. Leave them alone, can't you see? Joe loves her not you anymore and you can't bring back his feelings for you. Move on girl!!
Hey jodi its chad again just wondering are y single please email me please shooker36@msn.com
Hey Jodi dont let anyone bring y down especially joe but any way i think you are a very beautfull women
Wow, I think this whole PC arguement is proven by this message board. One word from John sparked all of this. Anyone who thinks this word does not have power or should be discounted as "PC BS" need only scroll down and look at the length of the messages and the back and forth between posters to this board. The dialogue is the longest thread anywhere on this site. Whether you agree with what John said, didn't take it seriously, or was completely offended by it, you cannot discount the power of the word.
Period.
Jodi has the kind of face that looks like she cries all the time. She needs to stop defining herself by who she broke up with 17 years ago. GET OVER IT! Move on. He certainly has.
But she won't. She's needy.
You were brave to congratulate Joe and Rachelle after what he did to you: you go girl!
Jodi, you were ever the lady the whole time. Anyone else would have caused so many problems for those two losers, Jodi and Joe. I think he targeted the person who came across as the "easiest" and went for it. I didn't go to my 20 year HS reunion because frankly, my life now is so much better and more fulfilling then what it was back then. From the people that went, I heard no one has really changed and those that partied hard in HS now look like old drunk fools. I'm sorry your reunion didn't produce a romance for you, but you're better off without Joe. He doesn't seem like a nice person to begin with and proved it over and over again on camera, all the way until the end and then some. So I think if you think about it, your life is probably more fulfilling now, then back then. Good luck and don't let those two get you down. I doubt it'll last long. With an ex like hers, he's probably too scared to dump her anyway.
Hi Jodi
i think people telling you to get over Joe is silly. it seems to me what you were feeling really had nothing to do with Joe. going through divorce is rough and i think you probably came to the reunion with expectations of feeling like your old self and having fun and it was just weird to see them together. you seem like a great person and i wish you much happiness.
JODI and the non- plastics ROCK! All the wanna be barbie's won't look great in a few yrs cause the earth is heating up, snow and glaciers are melting and so will the FAKE BARBIE's! And when it happens, all the men will slap themselves for not seeing true beauty in the beholder for what she was, And Jodi that was YOU!
Julie, you sound like a sore loser or just plainly a LOSER! You must have been dumped pretty badly in your lifetime.
All I can say is WOW! If all you say here is true, they certainly painted you in a diffrent way. You always looked so sad. I sincerely hope you are over Joe. You were married for 8 yrs., so you must have fallen in love again after HS. Joe deserves the same. Leave him alone! Move on….BE HAPPY!!
Jodi.
I felt really bad for you at prom.. I thought it was in very bad taste for Joe to propose to Rachelle there.. He should have taken the time to talk to you first… both of them showed no consideration for your feelings..shame on them.. may you find the true love of your life.. like I told Rachelle in her blog.. she and Joe deserve each other.. they are both selfish and uncaring.. by the way.. after hearing about your relationship with Joe.. honestly as much as it hurts to hear this.. you are better off without him.. he is very selfish and you deserve better than that
JOdi, I was hurting with you watching the Prom fiasco.You are going to be ok.I hate to say that because I don't wish anything bad upon anybody but Joe and Rochelle – BAD KARMA – and it will come around to bite them.No one is perfect and there's always something to be said about everyone of the cast mates but unfortunatly Rochelle was the most superficial of all, sure she was sweet and all but you could totaly see through the real witch with in.You on the other hand were from the begining the most trustworthy and call things as you saw them, very down to earth.I'm sorry about your mariage, but why would you want Joe back, he's an aspiring actor – which now makes me wonder about his true motives…,you don't need to support your kids and Joe, lol.I hope you did not loose sleep over Rochelle's blog – what a witch, I was sympathetic towards her untill her blog, anyway all I want to say is that things will get better, after the show many people feel like they know you better and maybe there is a prince charming waiting out there for you, I wish you all the best, you should keep us posted, xoxo.
Hi Jodi, I didn't start watching the show till about the fourth episode but frankly I was always pulling for you. I'm sorry that Joe couldn't really see and appreciate who you really are as a person. Had I been in his position I would've tried to reconnet with you again on a more personal level. You shouldn't feel bad about what happened between Joe and Rachelle, if they were meant to be together…so be it. You are a lovely and intelligent woman who any man would be honored to be your mate. I'm one of them. No, seriously I really liked you from the time I started watching the show. You seem so much genuine and grounded than the other ladies. I like them all but you were by far my favorite. Are you seeing someone now? I'd definitely would love to get to know you if you'd give me the opportunity. That said, I'd like to send you best wishes and bountiful blessings in all your endeavors. You're a beautiful girl, with a kind and generous heart…don't let anybody tell you different. I hope we can be friends, I would really like to correspond with you if you don't mind. All the best and take care of yourself.
Much Love,
Carlos
You absolutely nailed it in your paragraph about the PC BS!!! You go girl, I believe so many more people feel the same way as you but its not considered PC to say it!!!
Jodi, I feel so bad for you what your idiot ex, Joe, did to you on your 2nd prom no less. He's a loser who claims he's never been in love. He's 38 years old. Joe and Rachelle have no class. If you read the tail end of Rachelle's blog, she proves how pathetic, jealous and classless she is. Their actions througout the whole show prove it. She's barely out of a divorce, barely two weeks in Hawaii and she's already giving it up to someone she hasn't seen in 20 years. Girl, thank your lucky stars that he's with her. Trash and the Tramp won't last very long. You deserve better and you'll get it.
Jodi, you need to let Joe go like a bad habit and completely forget him. Trust me, girl, in the long run you'll be MUCH better off. I spent way too many years mourning my first love until one day I realized that I DESERVED better than him. Letting go completely of Joe will allow you to open your heart and life to the right man – the one who will respect you, love you, and treat you the way you DESERVE to be treated. Joe's "sorries" are all meaningless because he NEVER changes his behavior, he repeatedly does things to hurt you. When someone truly loves you, they don't repeatedly do the same things that hurt you over and over again. A very good friend pointed out these same things to me and I followed her advice. My husband, i.e. the right guy, and I will be celebrating our 29th anniversary this fall. Jodi, you DESERVE better than Joe.
I loved it when the manly summer girls party tanked and yours was a success….that said, Joe and Rachelle (spelling?) are sickening…..I dont care if this is P C or not, but what do they really have in common? …culturally they are from 2 different worlds……she must have pined for him all these years…how pathetic and sad…..she will break his heart…as soon as that thinning patch on the back of his crown goes completely bald, she will be history…I know her type
Wow. I agree with you about Antanus being pressured…although I wouldn't say I'd be upset at Tracy & Treda. They're his friends, they know the boundaries of that relationship. However, I really shouldn't have read the rest of your post b/c I couldn't disagree with you more. I feel that you're living too much in the past re: Joe. WHO CARES if he's with Rachelle? You haven't been together for 20 years. Move on. But, it was your little half-baked defense of John using the N-word that really made me see you in a different light. Excluding that word from one's language is beyond being "PC." It is NOT ACCEPTABLE. Now, people within the African American community can argue their points, but because I'm not part of that community I KNOW that I am not to use that word. EVER. It is charged with violence, hatred and unspeakable cruelty to our fellow human beings. For you to equate that volatile word with "car" is laughable. Yes, words have power. Anyone who is a follower of the Bible or the Torah or the Koran will attest to that. That power is something to be reckoned with, and when the power behind a particular word is filled with evil and violence the way the N-word is, it need not be uttered again.
Jodi,Let Rachelle find out what kind of guy Joe is instead of telling him not to do the same to Rachelle how he done you. I still say their moving TOO fast.She even told him they should take it slow and will it be the same when they go back home.
Graduated in 74 last year had 35th reunion.
Good Luck Jodi !!
Beth
I loved it when the maly summer girls party tanked and yours was a success….that said, Joe and Rachelle (spelling?) are sickening…..I dont care if this is P C or not, but what do they really have in common? …culturally they are from 2 different worlds……she must have pined for him all these years…how pathetic and sad…..she will break his heart…as soon as that thinning patch on the back of his crown goes completely bald, she will be history…I know her type
Jodi. my love…..are you the only sane one at the reunion? None of these clowns were offended by John. They were just jockying for camera time. As I recall, BEFORE John even uttered the the silly word, Marcel called him a bitch!! Now that would offend me, but I wouldn't cry about it. (Unless I just wanted attention)
You are a doll, and I would take you out before any of them phoney, plastic, good-time girls. Joe is the loser. You have Rachelle beat all to hell. I felt sorry for you and John, because you were surrounded by idiots with no brains or guts. Love ya.
Jodi, i was watching the deleted verison of the party, and saw the one when you had pulled Rochellle aside to let her know how you felt about her. It was sweet to let her know that you are okay with this, but then again, listening to you speak with to her, you sounded like u r still in high school. U and joe had not been a couple for many years, and to think that you had the right to confornt her like that. I do think that you should have to left it alone.
I personally think you are amazing!! You are way prettier than the summer girls, because you look like an actual person! I'm sure you will find Mr. right and he will treat you with the love and respect you deserve
My sister's name is Jodi also. I have watched all three years of the show and have enjoyed watching this season, especially you. I gratuated in 1978 from Alhambra High School in the Los Angels area. We had our 30 year reunion in 2008, it was great. Wish I could have had you come along. Do you still live in the Las Vegas area? I live in the Palm Springs area and would love to hear from you.
I love everything that you said. It doesnt matter if its Joe and Rachelle or Lori and Mark making out all the time, everywhere by anyone is annoying. Marriage is a hard and vary important dicission to be made and pressure makes things worse. As for John he reminds me of Tiger, and I think thats why you can tollerate him. Your beautiful and I miss you tons.
Well written Jodi….
I couldn't agree with you more about poor Antanus being put on the spot with that ring. No one should influence or push you into a marriage proposal. I was biting my nails for him…..
Miss ya and love ya…. xoxoxoxoxo IRRS
Jodi, I think you are gorgeous and I'd take you over a summer girl any day of the week. Good luck in the future and I would love to meet you someday or night, lol. Take care hottie!
Goodness, do some people not take the time to educate themselves? @ Estella, "racism is a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority or inferiority of a particular racial group". Or in other words, racism is the discrimination against any race based on assumptions of that race…Asians, Cubans, Hispanics, African Americans, Caucasians, etc. Somehow, in America, racism has come to mean the discrimination of a minority. Racism DOES exist against the Caucasian race, as well. Please educate yourself before going online and trying to have an argument using a term incorrectly. I hate it when people do not understand vocabulary, which brings me to the blog. John's behavior was horrific, coupled with the fact that he tried defending his actions. He may have things going on in his life but, his anger is misguided onto people looking to have fun and reconnect. I would like to think that in this day and age, we (as a society) could try to come together, as opposed, to forcing people away. On Jodi's blog, the fact of the matter is, words do hurt. Some people do have thick skin and are not easily bothered by words. Other people, spend years trying to get a grip on words that have been thrown at them.
This John situation was escalated because he was throwing a slander at a person he DID NOT know – which shows that he is racist. He used a derogatory word against a man of a certain race. He aligned this man's skin color with the word. The word he used is a negative term towards that race. He could have easily called him an a**hole but, he chose a racial slur. I have to agree though that the people at this reunion are slightly misguided as well. You can not help a person who does not want to be helped. After the first incident, it should have been dropped because John does not see how ignorant he is. And several of the reunion go-ers have acknowledged this fact. I am honestly not looking forward to this week's show because the incident should not have been brought back up the second day to the people who were not involved, nor even in the house. This fight that is about to happen between Tracey and John is ridiculous. Tracey was not even involved in the situation…the word was not used against him. I understand that he feels very strongly about discrimination (i.e. his daughter) but, now he is doing exactly what John did. He is taking his issues out on another individual.
On a side note: Jodi you seem really sweet but, hon, I do not understand why Joe and Rachelle would be uncomfortable for you. I had a cheating boyfriend in high school too. Yes, some of my friends knew that he was cheating. But, today, if I see him I am nice (he is married, I am married) and have no longing for him. It's time to grow up, high school ended a long time ago for you. *This is coming from someone who is a decade younger than you.*
Well on the point of "PC",being another term for "thin skinned" I tend to disagree. To me IMHO "PC" (which is what the politicians have called it)is just having good manners. Now me I am a Black guy,Marine,and from NYC so I am ANYTHING but "thin skinned". Lol! But if I were in a conversation with a person and I unknowingly offended them,I would feel really bad. To me some of the people who cry about "PC this and that" are those (not all of them of course)who would still enjoy the days where you could insult one's ethnicity,sexual orientation,etc at will. Now that it's socially not acceptable certain folks cannot handle it.
Wow! look at Estella and Southern Belle go! lol I hope you all know that this is the kind of reaction that the Producers were hoping to get. lol That being said, there is indeed a double standard with Racism, and in regards to almost everything else in life aswell, and guess what? Itll never ever change, we just have to deal with it, get over it, and move on with our lives. Love the show btw
Oh to add to my previous comment… you think Joe and Rachelle are moving fast but you had no problem kissing Joe the first night. They don't owe it to you to mind your feelings. It's been 20 years, your getting divorced so you think you can just step into Joe's life. High school is over!
@Estella:
I have nothing to prove to you or have NO REASON or obligation to name names or anything. Too bad that you can't believe me. I really don't care. You are nothing to me. I made the statement that there is a double standard with racism on BOTH sides, backed it up with a TRUE statement and that is it! I could CARE LESS if you believe me! I really don't care!
@SouthernBelle
THANK YOU! I think more people need to be aware of the reverse discrimination and racism that exists in this country that is not involving minorities. I was FIRED (that's right, terminated) from a job that I did damn well because I was white. I was forewarned by my supervisor when I was hired that the "other girls" (including black, cuban, and puerto rican decents)always ran off the white girls and to prepare to be "vibed" if I planned on staying with the position longer than a month. I was called everything outside of my actual name from cracker, ghost, white girl, and my personal fav, powder. For what reason? I was always nice, courteous, and polite to EVERYONE. I did not deserve that kind of treatment, but I was not alone. There were 2 other girls that were fired alongside me that day, and yes, they were white. The ONLY other white girls that worked there. Coincidental? No. The man who fired us was black. Now did this incident make me hate other races? Absolutely not. But it did open my eyes as to just how much it hurt to be hated and mistreated because of the color of your skin. Reverse discrimination does exist, but people choose not to recognize it because it's not the norm. It's all racism nonetheless and it hurts just the same.
Once again, I call bullsh*t! I refuse to believe all that you're saying Southern Belle, I DEMAND proof of all your allegations. That is what they are, right? Allegations? Name names, because you cannot possibly make statements like that without backing it up, especially online where they could be misconstrued as slander or libel.
@Chelle
sooo true! I agree with what you said regarding Jodi 110%. I can't even add anything to it because it's just too true.
The reason I made my statement is that there is a double standard with race that people do NOT talk about. People are focused on John's comment and how he is portrayed as a racist, but people do not realize that there is racism from the other perspective. My parents were the recipient of that. They were THROWN OUT and asked to leave…..because they were white! My parents (white) faced racism at the hands of their old church and former pastor, who has a mindset similar to Jeremiah Wright. That was my point. So you can chill now. I am sorry that I did not make a full point. I did however have a reason for making it.
@Chelle: I think she is referring the "C" word as A Christian!
What is the "C word"? Cracker? Or is it the one that identifies a female body part? That one is actually pretty hot if you are saying/hearing it right.
I don't see how it could be disrespectful for Joe and Rachelle to practice PDA in front of you, since you haven't been a couple with him in over twenty years. That's nutty and very "thin skinned". It's really more "disrespectful" that you would expect the world to tiptoe around you or act different from their instincts (in a once in a lifetime romantic place) because you are stuck somewhere in the 80's. As you state yourself, for at least 8 years you were married to someone else. Let it go… part of letting it go is refraining from judging a budding relationship out of jealousy and pettiness.
But…John is on national TV acting like a racist jerk – how will he live in his neighborhood, interact with people at his work, etc.
Now if you would of found a new love at the reunion I doubt you would of thought it's "too fast". You're going to have to work harder – you're not the head cheerleader any more.
@Southern Belle
I got the chills (and not in a good way) when I read the following in your comment, "We live in the Atlanta area, and my parents (white) attended a predominately black church (that they started but it did NOT start off black)." I don't understand the purpose of that statement and why it was even said. Especially the statement in parenthesis and the capitalization of the NOT. Who cares what color the parishioners ENDED up being? Geez!
@Southern Belle
I got the chills (and not in a good way) when I read the following in your comment, "We live in the Atlanta area, and my parents (white) attended a predominately black church (that they started but it did NOT start off black)." I don't understand the purpose of that statement and why it was even said. Especially the statement in parenthesis and the capitalization of the NOT. Who cares what it ended up being? Who cares who started it? Geez!
I appreciate your blog and agree with what you said. I agree with others here that there is a total double standard when the "N" word is brought up. But there are double standards with blacks and whites anyway. We live in the Atlanta area, and my parents (white) attended a predominately black church (that they started but it did NOT start off black). They were racially discriminated against by the blacks. You see another double standard. I know that not all blacks feel this way towards blacks. I do NOT like John, and no it was not okay for him to say the "N" word, BUT don't be "Fleissed" (as us bachelor fans say). Mike Fleiss and his crew always have schemes, cons, plans and will blow things WAY out of proportion to make something look like it is not (scripted things, etc). I can tell you MANY of things with the Bachelor. This show is MUCH better than that, I think and more real (thank goodness). I see that you, Jodi realized that you and Joe do not have a future and although it was difficult to see them, I see where he has changed and grown up and so have you. Hopefully you guys, can be good friends.
Antanus said it correctly, "if it rolls out of the tongue so easily, who says you're not thinking it?"
Stop making excuses for John and his ignorance, he said it himself in all the interviews, he thinks that just because you have respect for another human being that makes you a Big, Bad Liberal Lover. Frankly, I don't understand what's so wrong about loving everyone, especially when there's enough hate to go around in this world.
It's not about being politically correct, stop making excuses for him, because you don't hear anyone else in the house making derogatory remarks about everyone else. And please, your example of hearing the word "car" versus "N-word" is NOT EVEN CLOSE to justifiable. There is absolutely no comparison, and it goes BEYOND being politically correct, it's about RESPECT. His ignorance and lack of awareness of the impact of the things that come out of his mouth is what makes him the kind of human being that should be on display for kids, and only so they could learn NOT to be like him when they grow up.
You're equating political correctness with "hurt feelings," that is ridiculous! I'm way younger than you and even I know that your assertions are ridiculous. I hate to say it, but GROW UP!
Both you and Joe wrote a blog, semi-defending John and his actions, at least his defense is a bit plausible. With yours, you say you don't condone his actions and words and yet in the next paragraph you blame it on society being too PC. I call BULLSH*T! You know what Jodi, I would really like for my sisters to grow up in a world where no one will call them "crackers," or my friend who is a Navy Seal referred to as a "fag" or for my friends to walk into a club and have to be defensive because they were called "oriental." I mean, in this day and age everyone knows oriental is a rug, a spice, and not a person. So, if it means having to be PC, then damn right I'm a PC Advocate.
Jodi..I applaud you for handling the Joe situation so well,Joe seems like an idiot! Does he realize it's a reuion "NOT" high school,he's acting like a kid.You're the sweetest girlonthe show.
Wow! Jodi, what a thoughtful, well-written blog… I enjoyed your entry even more than the show!
I applaud your bravery for handling the Joe thing so well. I'm sure it was difficult to see he and Rachelle all the time – and yet you have the grace to compliment Rachelle on being a sweet person.
Out of all the personalities on the show, you seem to be one of the warmest, most mature in the house.
Good luck with everything, and thanks for sharing! You're a great writer.
Jodi,
Loved your blog and your sense of humor. I can tell there's a lot more to you than meets the eye and this show probably isn't doing you justice! Party on!