South Africa: ?Oprah Winfrey and Gordon Brown Could Doing So Much … made me think of Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens. I wouldn’t call myself a fan, but I do respect what Oprah does in the name of charity. She has never been one to tell others how and who to give to, nor does she flaunt what she has and gives. She does happen to be one of the wealthiest women in this country, has a successful television program, and is the fodder for gossip. That comes with the territory. So I guess it should not have surprised me when she was attacked for opening her school for girls in Africa, which she had been planning to do since 2002.
And for those who question why the academy is not on American soil, Oprah told Newsweek:
“I became so frustrated with visiting inner-city schools that I just stopped going. The sense that you need to learn just isn’t there. If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod or some sneakers. In South Africa, they don’t ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school.”
Nonetheless, criticism is already kicking up. The Huffington Post slammed O.’s work with this headline: Oprah’s Lavish South African School For Girls Includes “200 Thread-Count Sheets, A Yoga Studio, Beauty Salon, Indoor And Outdoor Theatres”:
Comments to this post included one by off-center personality and extremist cuthbertallgood calling “people like Oprah and (Bill) Gates” “off-center personalities and extremists.”
And Neutrino74 said, “Why not a school for children instead of exclusively girls? Why not money for teachers instead of art and frill?” (Anyone who has been involved with the arts knows their intrinsic value, and anyone who hasn’t:well, makes comments like that.)
Oprah has planned a second school for both girls and boys, but then the criticism will be”"Why in South Africa. What about us?” And if a school were to be built in Chicago, “Well, what about New York?” Or, “Why only poor people? Middle class white folks have it rough:” or whatever argument would undermine the gift. It’s like devaluing the building of a hospital wing for leukemia-stricken children by saying, “What about muscular dystrophy?” (I experienced this when I raised money for women’s cancer prevention through the Entertainment Industry Foundation, and was asked, “What about men?” My father died of cancer. I know about that intimately, thank you.)
It is a gift. It is her money, and it costs the critics nothing. Today in South Africa, a group of impoverished girls with the motivation to become extraordinary have being given an unparalleled opportunity to do so. It’s a wondrous gift, that inspires them, and us. ~Tartsuite – Ana Maria Montoya
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I agree.
I’m no fan of Oprah’s either.
This school opening in Africa I’ve been watching carefully and I agree about her charity work. Good Gawd. I suspect if one has THAT MUCH MONEY after a bit it begins to be “how much is too much” and you realize it must go to something bigger than us all. For that I applaud her efforst.
As far as that show of hers goes? Beh.
Oprah and Dr. Phil setting the moral code for humanity? I don’t THINK so!
Okay..I find this somewhat funny.
Oprah on the one hand complains of inner city youth WANTING too much but how long has it been that Oprah herself has been taunting and teasing her audiences with FREE GIFTS?
We’re all familiar with her “My Favorite Things” show. This would be when Oprah herself gives out $500 sweaters and $200 bottles of lotion, jumps up and down with glee as she screams, “I just can’t live without these things.”
Come on….she’s tired of hearing kids want iPods and she gives away these swanky gifts and makes people think they HAVE TO HAVE THEM?
Give me a break.
That’s a good point Sandy. In the case of her comment about US schools, I took it that she was saying that in this country, the poor expect more and more and there is never a thank-you, nor is there evidence of improvement from said gift. The attitude is what else you got for me.. But in the case of her school, there is much appreciation. You are 100% correct that she does promote that attitude on her show. Even though it may be tied to advertising or her money being given on the show, she is giving away some things that could be construed as “unnecessary”. Rather than her favorite things, she could do necessary for survival to the audience…
Good point.
P.S. Disclaimer..Oprah is not complaning about the criticism..it was me that did this…she said it’s her money and she can do what she wants with it..
Oh you are 100% correct if I am reading you right Peejz….we are full of a nation that has our hands out and Jason and I were just discussing this last night. I saw where Oprah was disgusted and on the OTHER hand I do understand. The kids in Africa want school supplies, our kids want junk.
And I do agree…it is HER MONEY and despite my criticism I do believe she has a heart of gold and she does GREAT things with her money….
I just had to say that little bit earlier though…
4- Odd thing is..I knew what you meant:razz:
I dont even care to listen to these wackos whater it be DR PHILL or ORPHANED WINDFREAK their too damn liberal
#5
I read that there are two white female students.
They are poor and they are African. The skin color isn’t an issue over there like it is here.
Oprah Winfery is nut’s, if she loves africa move to africa and get out of here for good. is she really about basic human rights or the power?
race is not a issue Peejz? becuase within 20 years no white people will be in south africa.
just like here, the political, sex, and race laws, are out in front of you but most can’t see what is happening or care. by the way only 2 white female students? is that a joke? both will have kids by age 14.