2008 Woodie Awards
Oprah and the kids back home
Editorial Staff: Chicago Tribune
Issue date: 1/15/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
No one has ever accused Oprah Winfrey of hiding her talents or her generosity under a bushel basket. Her most recent charitable venture, chronicled in Newsweek and People, on "Access Hollywood" and other places, is the opening of a private and very exclusive school for girls in South Africa.
Winfrey told the BBC, "I'm looking for the opportunity to change the paradigm, to change the way not only these girls think ... but to also change the way a culture feels about what women can do." The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls opened with $40 million and a plan to create a protected space where 152 young girls from deprived backgrounds will be groomed to be comfortable in power positions.
Some grumbling was anticipated at the lavishness of her private effort in the face of such overwhelming need throughout the townships of South Africa and indeed across the continent. There was talk about how charity begins at home - as in, why go to Africa when public school students in the U.S. could use a boost?
Winfrey's response was stunning. "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."
How strange to hear one of the world's richest women, whose TV show is built on advertising, ah, consumer products, complain about materialism among America's city kids.
And to hear her suggest that she has given up on them.
If she thinks they're so materialistic, maybe she could invite them the next time she does one of those Oprah shows where all the people in the audience truck off armloads of goodies she has given them. ("You're all getting a new car!")
Her comments cast a pall on an otherwise noble effort. The needs of children in Africa are yawning. It's a fine idea to educate girls there, teach them leadership skills.
But Oprah, have you really given up on the kids back home in the states?
Winfrey told the BBC, "I'm looking for the opportunity to change the paradigm, to change the way not only these girls think ... but to also change the way a culture feels about what women can do." The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls opened with $40 million and a plan to create a protected space where 152 young girls from deprived backgrounds will be groomed to be comfortable in power positions.
Some grumbling was anticipated at the lavishness of her private effort in the face of such overwhelming need throughout the townships of South Africa and indeed across the continent. There was talk about how charity begins at home - as in, why go to Africa when public school students in the U.S. could use a boost?
Winfrey's response was stunning. "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."
How strange to hear one of the world's richest women, whose TV show is built on advertising, ah, consumer products, complain about materialism among America's city kids.
And to hear her suggest that she has given up on them.
If she thinks they're so materialistic, maybe she could invite them the next time she does one of those Oprah shows where all the people in the audience truck off armloads of goodies she has given them. ("You're all getting a new car!")
Her comments cast a pall on an otherwise noble effort. The needs of children in Africa are yawning. It's a fine idea to educate girls there, teach them leadership skills.
But Oprah, have you really given up on the kids back home in the states?
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Russella
posted 1/16/07 @ 10:44 AM EST
I think it unbelievable how the writer of this article reasons. Im from an African country (not South Africa but Kenya) Ithink what Oprah did is one of the most gift that anyone would give to any child no matter where they come from. (Continued…)
jeteson
posted 1/16/07 @ 1:04 PM EST
I've lost all respect for the Chicago Tribune. Oprah just opened up the finest school in all of Africa, used her own money to do it, and this disgusting editorial has the nerve to bash her. (Continued…)
Terry Washington
posted 1/16/07 @ 3:53 PM EST
I will never read the Chicago Tribune again. What Oprah did was fantastic and all you can do is desperately search for some pathetic excuse to attack her. (Continued…)
pam
posted 1/16/07 @ 8:02 PM EST
The writer actually makes an interesting point. I think that the school is great and that it will have the effect that Oprah intends. It's great.
But, it is hypocritical to criticize American kids for their obsession with commercial goods (sneakers, i-pods, etc. (Continued…)
Valerie
posted 1/17/07 @ 3:40 PM EST
Oprah can do what the HELL she wants to do with HER money. I get so sick and tired of people criticizing someone who is doing good for people. What are the criticizers doing? Not a DAMN THING!!! but talking bullshit. (Continued…)
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