Jackson Free Press

While playing a jolly game of inquiries recently, I was prompted to answer the question, "What is the biggest threat to humankind?" Hastily, and foolishly, I responded, "ignorance." But after further rumination over the question, I have arrived at what I know to be the most imminent, dangerous catalyst for utter self-destruction: Oprah Winfrey.

Women (and some men) around the world adore her for her philanthropic deeds, compassion and identification with the "everywoman," but how many cars did she have to give away to make American adults fall at her feet in adoration? How many made-for-TV movies did she have to produce (and star in) for people to trust everything she says? How many celebrity couples did she have to take under her wing before America realized that she is our salvation?

Perusing the titles at Barnes and Noble during the holidays, a book cover with her picture caught my eye. Hands clasped together palm to palm, gentle eyes looking upward, Oprah's photo is cropped to fit a large "O." In the classic iconographic style of the orthodox church, the "O" serves as Oprah's halo. The title reads, "The Gospel According to Oprah."

Enraged, I picked up the paperback book to read the back cover. It is filled with comments by reviewers and fellow authors of "The Gospel According to …" books, and the synopsis at the bottom reads that author Marcia Nelson concludes in the book that "Oprah is a compelling and successful spiritual teacher in spiritually eclectic and ever-practical America."

I felt woozy, as though I might faint. Did I read correctly? Oprah, a spiritual teacher? Will she author a novel that religious scholars will quote? Will I look into the face of my pastor and see Oprah Winfrey? Will she take over the known world? Will the new leading religion of choice be "Oprahism"?

I recalled my freshman year at Mississippi College, when the lobby of my dormitory would fill up with young women every weekday at 4 p.m. Kleenex boxes in laps, they were so eager to find emotional release and stimulation. I remember thinking it to be slightly cult-like, but occasionally I would join them for a few minutes in passing. They would sit in silent attentiveness, glued to the television, occasionally turning to each other and shrilly pushing out an "aww!" I knew that they would be in the exact same spot in 30 years, rounding out the 50-plus white female majority of Oprah's studio audience.

Emerging from my daydream, I returned the book to its shelf. Having been unsuccessful in finding the perfect gift—and deeply disturbed by my encounter—I left Barnes and Noble. I stopped at the grocery store on my way home to pick up a couple of items, and as I stood waiting in the painfully long checkout line, I saw her face. A huge fan of "home" magazines, I was initially intrigued by O magazine. I wasn't an Oprah fan when O first went into publication, but I didn't hate her, either. But there was always something holding me back from buying a copy: her face. Who in their right mind thinks it's OK to plaster pictures of themselves on the cover of every issue of their already self-titled magazine? Vanity is not just a piece of furniture, folks.

I'm not sure what deal the Kosciusko native might have made with the devil, but even the biggest Oprah fan must admit that the talk show star's rise to fame—and demi-god status—is peculiar. I remember when she and her best friend, Gayle King, did a road-trip special. People ate that crap up. They even laughed when she picked up the fuel pump at a gas station, and said that she didn't know how to pump gas. What?! That woman is from Mississippi, and she doesn't know how to pump gas? Right. But did her audience members stop watching? Of course not. They thought it was hilarious. They loved to see Oprah play dumb for the cameras.

Even more peculiar than her rise to fame, however, is her power of persuasion. She has the Midas touch. Why do you think "The Color Purple" was so widely acclaimed? Certainly not because of Whoopi Goldberg or Danny Glover, and definitely not because of Alice Walker, that's for sure. In September, Oprah endorsed Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential ticket, an unprecedented move on her part. Politicos doubted Oprah's influence in the political realm, but ever since Obama has been dancing—literally—into the hearts of Americans. Hillary Clinton, whose poll numbers were ahead of Obama's in September, now trails him by 7 points going into the New Hampshire primaries.

Does this mean that Obama will win the Democratic ticket? Not necessarily. But The New York Times reported last December that the majority of Oprah's audience is comprised of women who, if not for Oprah's endorsement, would be inclined to vote for Clinton. Perhaps Mommy Warbucks has turned the tides.

Only time will tell.

What I know now, this very day, however, is that America has to wake from its trance. The world must turn off its television sets and stop being mindless zombies. Oprah is a giving person, sure. She's built a school for young African women who might not have had the opportunity to learn without her help. That is kick-ass. But that doesn't make Oprah an adviser to be trusted by all of her fans.

Think for yourselves. Read up on your stuff—especially during the primary season—and make informed decisions. Just because Oprah tells you to read a book doesn't mean that it will change your life. If she tells you that Obama walks on water, are you going to believe that? Oprah may be worthy of a lot, but certainly not blind allegiance.

When humankind finally does kick the bucket, it may be due to ignorance. Or, it may be because of Oprah Winfrey.

Previous Commentsshow

catalyst for self destruction, oprah winfrey???? i disagree. catalyst for far fetched dreams? maybe. tangible evidence for the possibility of reaching them??? definitely. --- i grew up in the small dot of a city known as carthage, mississippi. run your finger too quickly over a mississippi map and you might miss it.. and it won't even cause the tip of such finger the discomfort of a thing even close to that caused by such obstructions as potholes, speed bumps. i'll give you a hint : when searching for it on a state map, saunter around the central portion. a second hint.... it resides in a sister county to the attala one that houses kosciusko - which as we all know probably by now, is the city that oprah sprung from. (continued next post)

eargasism

Jan 10 2008

However, blind allegiance seems to be the theme of many Americans alliance decisions when it comes to many issues and theories. Though a beautifully written article, I can't help but think this is no more than a rant. Yes, Oprah's spiritual endorsement is a bit strange in many instances, but I have to think of the number of "clergy" who rise to their peaks only to be discovered as liars and pedophiles themselves. What makes her any different? Her television show? Oprah is a fantastic speaker - even reminiscent at times of a Southern Baptist pastor per her pre-preliminary speech in Iowa on the 4th (I think it was the 4th). She has more experience in politics than many non-famous Americans. She has more experience in broadcasting, interviewing, reporting, writing, speaking, listening, chartible acts. Some of things that she does on television is for exactly that - television. Oprah is awesome. I agree - a bit narcissistic in nature, but if I had half of the resources she had, I think I'd give myself a little credit where credit is due. And, in my very humble opinion, her opposition should as well.

McG

Jan 10 2008

even as a child, i was as much an avid reader and film critic as i am today. i watched the color purple for the first time curled up on the couch in my madears living room. she was making sugar syrup and pouring it into the steaming belly of potato pancakes... allowing the sweet syrupy liquid to scorch their centers like acid, burning the faces out. i had read the novel of course, snuck and checked it out behind my fathers back from the local library. i identified with the central character... celie, who was always too female, too under priveledged, too tragic and too black. i searched the back of the books cover for a way to contact the author. i was certain that she either knew me, or was somewhere sitting in the branches of a tree, spying out the details of my life. i thought the movie was brilliant, maybe the most brilliant pictoral representation of written scenes that i had encountered up to that time. i thought the soundtrack was even more beautiful. instrumental to underscoring emotions, drama, themes. i convinced someone years later to buy me the soundtrack, and listened to it incessantly... ranting on and on about quincy jones' inherent genius. even the music inspired by such a piece of fiction, was brilliant enough to stand alone. i knew oprah then. but, only as the character sophia. a potrayal so fitting that countless times later, reading the book, i couldn't burn the image of such a character - fitted into skin as appropriate as oprahs - out of my mind. she did not just play sophia. she was sophia.... what i knew from the earliest years of my childhood... even then, and in the many years before that, was that i was a writer.... i made a bargain with God... much like Celie. if he would continue to whisper the words into my head, then i would continue to write them. people said... you are too carthage... too small dot. too woman. too black. (continued next post)

eargasism

Jan 10 2008

i knew eudora welty, of course. i even knew faulkner. i had read a little bit of richard wright. but, over the years, what i came to know deepest of all, was oprah winfrey. in my opinion, her appeal to some people, is simply the fact that she's so intimately human. she didn't hesitate, often, on screen even to cry. she chronicled her growth, publically. in an age and time when media and our culture in general was focused on turning outwardly for satisfaction... growth... etc. she was saying to us, no. this is not the way. look inward. on her stage, i watched maya angelou. nelson mandela. sometimes her guests were fickle. sometimes the stories mundane. sometimes it was simply a road trip with her closest friend. but her stories were as vast and colorful as those of any other person on this journey of human experience. sometimes days are mundane. sometimes people and experiences are too. the beauty in life, though, is stopping to recognize the worth in each of them. it is not silly to celebrate the worth of friendship.... road trips. even applying makeup. it is even less silly, to cry. there are a lot of people that i would mention on my list, if trying to commit to paper the catalysts of such crimes, as human ignorance and mass destruction. if i had a button and could simply blow them out of existence... well, i might... in one of my extremist moments. oprah, though. no. because to me, her views have been gentle. sure, she's made a spectacle of herself, sharing openly with us the highs and lows of her never ending struggle to become a better person, more spiritual person, or even sometimes just more of a person who enjoys the two second high that a certain new hue of lipstick can afford... (continued next post)

eargasism

Jan 10 2008

if we all opened ourselves like this, if we read the books that we are moved by - and then, took them off of our own shelves and handed them to others, in an act of showing them just a tiny piece of the things that have brought us our own senses of peace and liberation, then maybe our society would not be in the state that it is in. maybe if we taught our sons to cry... what oprah told me, long before it was fashionable... long before it was a movement.... is the same thing that her magazine (reminiscent of the spirit of the old essence "in the spirit" columns authored by susan taylor), is to enjoy my life. grab hold to the things that move my spirit. indulge in a road trip or a bubble bath sometimes. laugh. and even cry. be as varied as a human can be. and don't be afraid to be transparent enough to share the journey with others.. as we are all cultivators of each others souls. i subscribe to o magazine. in my mind oprah doesn't wear a halo. but, i am much more likely to chunk her, than i am a stupid cd that i've been bobbing my head mindlessly along to. and i'm much more likely to point out to my small dot daughters and sisters and brothers and friends that, regardless of the size of the city. it's in essence the size of the soul. peace. and respectful disagreement.

eargasism

Jan 10 2008

eargasism, I can tell you are a writer. I must admit that I am an Oprah fan, and I don't have a problem with self-promotion to a certain extent. I don't think she promotes herself more than any other celebrity, and I think that the phenomenon of people hanging on her every word just happened spontaneously. I remember when her ratings went down for a while when she revamped her format and stopped doing sensationalist programs. However, she didn't switch back, and people began to respect her as a result because she actually had programs with substance. To prevent boredom, she balances it out with fluff pieces and giveaways, which is clever. She definitely thinks like an entrepreneur.

LatashaWillis

Jan 10 2008

hello all! McG, I do agree that Oprah is more experienced in several areas than many "non-famous Americans" But what does that mean? That is a very open, blanket statement with no point of relativity or reference. Also, the simple fact that she interacts with politicians does not make her more "experienced" in politics. I can think of several "non-famous" Jacksonians even who have held public office or been activists in the community that know more about politics than Oprah. And, I do give her credit (see third graph from end). I appreciate your respectful disagreements, and I would like to note that my column this week is obviously over-the-top and to be taken with a grain of salt. I like to get a kick out of my commentary every once in a while, and this was one of those times. While I do believe much of what I said, I presented it in a satirical way that no one should take offense to. Thanks for reading, guys, and sharing your comments. And the support ;)

maggie

Jan 10 2008

You're welcome, Mags. You know, another topic came to mind after reading the article and the comments: Are black women harder on other black women than anyone else? If so, is it because we see ourselves as sisters and expect the best out of each other? Do we believe that how one black woman carries herself is a reflection on all black women?

LatashaWillis

Jan 10 2008

I don't know, L.W.. I'm pretty hard on Oprah myself. :) It could just be a woman thing

Lori G

Jan 10 2008

Lori, it could very well be a woman thing, too, but there's a dynamic with black women where we sometimes feel like we have to "represent". Although we would never openly admit it, a lot of black women feel that we are at the bottom of the totem pole of society, and we constantly have to prove our worth, so if one behaves in a way that other black women disapprove of, they get talked about like a dog. However, the idea of doing that is for the betterment of the person being talked about. Yeah, it sounds ridiculous, but it happens. I'm not saying that's what Maggie is doing - the article just made me think about it.

LatashaWillis

Jan 10 2008

maggie, that's what's up.. twas my first post onto the site.. so i think i got slightly nervous and excited.. ;) i've been reading the paper (and your articles) every week since I first moved to Jackson about 1.5 years ago.. and im absolutely addicted - can't wait for thursdays.. keep up the great work!

McG

Jan 10 2008

earg wrote: her appeal to some people, is simply the fact that she's so intimately human. This is what I love about Oprah. I have never watched her TV show, but I have read her magazine. And I love her column at the end, because it is so incredibly vulnerable. She owns up to stupid things she's done as soon as she figures out she's done them. Which, since she's human, is pretty often. Personally, I *love* the fact that so many people hang on her every word. Better to pay attention to her sentimental nonsense, than the rantings of angry people like Limbaugh and Coulter. One article I read about her pointed out that she managed to get *Tolstoy* onto the NY Times bestseller list. That is incredible power. Which is why I think her endorsement of Obama is going to more of an impact than Kerry's or anyone else's. Oprah's got her faults, but I believe that, on balance, she's a force for good in the world.

kate

Jan 11 2008

Kate-that's sort of my feelings. I don't particularly LOVE Oprah, but I think she's done more to bring self-reflection and READING back to Middle America than anyone else in the past twenty years. That, in and of itself, deserves at least a golf clap.

Lori G

Jan 11 2008

Put another way—in a world where a Rush Limbaugh can achieve celebrity status, perhaps one needs an Oprah Winfrey to balance things out. Of course, I'm a Libra. I don't have a lot to say on the topic. I haven't seen her TV show in many years, and I've read her magazine a couple times (Kate gave me some old copies, in fact! Got any more, Kate? I'm at home in bed sick!) I do like what she's done with her book club and, frankly, have liked most of the Oprah book choices I've read. Anything we can do to push reading of decent books is cool with me. And she's a self-made woman with power. I dig that, too.

DonnaLadd

Jan 11 2008

I'm in total awe of her for two things: 1. Her *awesome* power to get people to buy books, and 2. Her *awesome* stylist. Every photo of her in her magazine is just stunningly beautiful. (Yes, I know that the photos are likely touched up, etc, but still - check her out). I may have one more copy. It's the current one, that I bought becuase it has an article on how *not* to dress like an old lady. which, lord knows, I need.

kate

Jan 11 2008

l.w., i have to admit that although i chose not to mention it, i wondered while reading as well, about that fragile dynamic that exists between black women. (also not saying that this is what was intended or what maggie was doing in writing.) it is definitely a real thing, however, that we can sometimes be the toughest crowd for each other. maybe this is why i immediately felt the need to defend her.... i wondered about that too, as i was typing away at my comment. it was like a weird oprah enduced dream, complete with floating halos, cows, oprahs big perfect hair, and fragmented pieces of the isis papers. it's a good question to consider. maggie, i didn't realize i didn't say this. but, i did think the satirical tone of the piece was hilarious!! speaking of the book club, i just finished reading both "the book of ruth" and "the rapture of canaan". great reads.

eargasism

Jan 11 2008

It's refreshing to finally learn of one other woman who isn't overwhelmed by Oprah. Maggie where were you about a year and half ago when I said Oprah was "too chicken" to take on rap or crap music? All the JFP women jumped on me and I had to, as usual, defeat them all. It took me a minute but I eventually methodically and beautifully whupped all of them as men, women, children and babies looked on. Yes, they all went down hard for a 10 counts. To top it off, Oprah later did a show and admitted she thought she would be alone and therefore was afraid to tackle the issue. Can you believe Oprah thinks she's a big baller and was afraid to take on Smelly Nelly, Tainted Intellect (TI), Stoop Dog, David Fanner, 4 Bits (50Cents), Lucifer (Ludacris), et al. I mean I whupped Kate, Laurel, Lori, Emily, Donna. All of 'em. And will do it again if I have to! Now all that money does make Oprah look beautiful. I can't lie about that!

Ray Carter

Jan 11 2008

Ray, darlin', you're mis-remembering. You're a crazy ole coot, who loves nothing better than getting the womenfolk all riled up. Besides, as I recall, it was Kamikaze who started that particular brawl. Besides, you're ability to influence Oprah and her fans is about as effective as the tupelo crazies suggesting that we all boycott Harry Potter books.

kate

Jan 11 2008

Po' witta Ray, victim extraordinaire.

DonnaLadd

Jan 11 2008

Ray ain't never whooped my a$$. :P

Lori G

Jan 11 2008

Love that line from Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) in 30 Rock, when asked what religion she practices... "I pretty much do what Oprah tells me to."

bryanms

Jan 11 2008

Donna, I'm no victim. I'm the victor. My apology. I didn't whup Lori, I whupped Ali. Blieve that! Kate the Nile is a river in Egypt. Kaze started but I finished.

Ray Carter

Jan 11 2008

Maggie maybe we can get Opry to go to bat or make a plea for brother O.J. Simpson who has gotten his "ignant" ass re-arrested for violating his probation - calling one of the witnesses in the Las Vegas foiled robbery attempt. "Some coloreds just cant seem to stay out of jail." Maggie, if you hear from Oprah after she reads your column, tell her I said send me some money or at least give a brotha a call. She has my number.

Ray Carter

Jan 11 2008

Opra and I graduated from the same University and she was the guest speaker for my neice's graduation from medical school at Meharry. There were people then (20 years ago) asking why a person with only a BS would be the commencement speaker for a medical school. My question was, WHY NOT. I don't understand WHY Opra brings out such negative discharges from this author, Maggie. Maybe Opra could be appreciated and viewed as a positive contributor to mankind if she had done what was typical for an African-American woman born in Mississippi during that era with parents who divorced leaving her to the exposure of men who would rape and impregnate her. Kids from this type of abuse and neglect do not end up with the caring, giving heart of an Opra Winfrey. Maybe the author of this article could appreciate Opra if she did not build homes for the needy, give millions of dollars to historical black colleges and universities and also millions to advance medical research for many problems that effect all races. Maybe this author could appreciate it if Opra was on welfare and living on the streets of Chicago. Maggie, what exactly is your point??????

justjess

Jan 14 2008

I'm going to get to Oprah in a minute, but instead I think we should denounce Chuck Norris as well. I mean, he's endorsing Huckabee ;)

emilyb

Jan 14 2008

My friend MF and I say, and especially said when I was momming from home, Oprah is like a little bit of church for your day. I love her focus on hope, faith, love, etc. I find that very spiritual. I also love that self-maded woman. And her "Imus" segments gave me a catharsis when she had the women of Spelman and Rutgers and gave them a much, much needed audience. Do we question the non-political famous men who endorse? I also think that you took the "Gospel according to....." much to seriously. That is a series that includes several people. I have never taken it literally, that it is, in fact, Gospel. We can alll think for ourselves. We don't have "blind-alligience." I always have felt that an attack on Oprah is sometimes an attack on "old white women."

emilyb

Jan 14 2008

do not disrespect the chuck by putting him and oprah in the same vein...chuck norris is a saint...didnt you see what did for average joe's...chuck was out their protecting the civilians in texas while you were on the internet emilyb...dont disrespect chuck...if chuck norris is for huckabee then so am i...chuck norris is for the common man…and that weightlifting machine…but even that’s for the unfit common man

skipp

Jan 14 2008

Who are you, skipp? Ray Carter, Jr.? LOL

LatashaWillis

Jan 14 2008

But Obama looks MUCH better without a shirt on than Chuck. Chump.

emilyb

Jan 14 2008

And what, praytell, was Chuck doing while I was teaching? I did learn from Chuck that one can strain red wine through pantyhose if some cork gets in there. Not that I'd ever do anything as primitive as that.

emilyb

Jan 14 2008

well, while you were teaching, chuck was fighting drug dealers so your kids could learn your little lessons...and not be tempted by the streets...chuck norris is like martin luther king jr...he had a dream and told martin...when lyndon johnson heard chuck norris was behind this dream, he knew then he had to take action...i mean who wants it with a six time undefeated world professional middleweight karate champion... In 1968, Chuck was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as Fighter of the Year. In 1975, he was inducted as Instructor of the Year and in 1977, Chuck received the honor of Man of the Year... In 1997, Chuck achieved another milestone in his life by being the first man ever in the Western Hemisphere to be awarded an 8th degree Black Belt Grand Master recognition in the Tae Kwon Do system. This was a first in 4,500 years of tradition... and he wrote "the secret of inner strength"... read more http://www.chucknorris.com/html/biog.html

skipp

Jan 14 2008

when god was a man he was jesus...well if jesus was american...he'd be chuck norris -skipp coon Chuck is also a commissioned Police Officer for Terrell, Texas...wonder if he knows franke baby

skipp

Jan 14 2008

Chuck Norris missed over that kid in my one class.

emilyb

Jan 14 2008

The editoral by Ms Burks, is clearly an execise in arrogance against, the Honorable Madam Winfrey, it is sad that Ms Bruks does not recognize that the Honorable Madam Winfrey is an agent of benevolence. We should be vigilant, to guard against such arrogance--when it rears its little head.

bjluchion

Jan 15 2008

Get ready: The Oprah Winfrey Network is coming in 2009. It already has clearance in 70 million homes in the U.S.

golden eagle

Jan 15 2008

As the old saying goes: If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon or build a better mouse-trap than his neighbor; though he builds his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten pathway to his den. Opra has done this. Maggie and other O-Haters, it might be a good idea to find someone else to pick on. Opra ain't the one. Golden eagle, I heard this on Good Mornin America this am. I was thinking on my way to work that this news just might push Maggie over the edge. LOL

justjess

Jan 16 2008

Does anyone think that Oprah will end her talk show after she gets this network going?

LatashaWillis

Jan 17 2008