ByMyReckoning

Over the course of the last week or so I've become a little irritated with the volume and type of criticism (particularly in the US) that Oprah Winfrey has received for founding a girls school in South Africa. Has anyone else noticed it?

I personally can't watch Oprahs show, it's daytime pap, but that is completely besides the point

Some of the articles, and comments by posters on Newsweek and the Salon I've read seriously wants us to believe that little black girls in South Africa are better off with a minimal education, not having their expectations raised, their eyes opened to all the possibilities that we take for granted, simply because they just might not be able to fulfil all their dreams? Tell me, how are people supposed to improve their own situation or that of their compatriots, unless they are made aware of their potential, and the fact that their skin colour should not be a barrier to success? No. Better to drip feed them a basic education so they don't mess up the program. That’s how they've always been and we shouldn't change things too quickly, because these young blacks can't handle it. I'm used to hearing this kind of rubbish from white South Africans of old talking about "their blacks", but this stuff is coming from some black people in the US as well as supposedly 'liberal' white Americans who have no idea what a systematic block on his freedom of expression and right to advancement feels like. Let's apply this same logic to gifted white American kids from poor backgrounds, being excluded from special summer camps for the talented, because they'll never be able to fit in or afford the college fees. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it?

Everyone seems keen to point out that Oprah is a narcissist. I don’t see what their point is. That observation could easily have been made about most people of note in modern entertainment industry. In fact I thought it was a prerequisite for the job! It does not negate the good that her school will do. It does not taint her motives in any way. She's driven to do this because she knows something about the experiences of some of these girls. More than most of the keyboard happy posters and media trolls. Just how much of her money do they expect her spend on therapy, retail or otherwise?

Although her public announcements have been slightly ill-advised from a PR point of view and made uncomfortable viewing at times. I applaud her in her efforts. Perhaps a few more empty headed stars in the NBA, NFL or music industry, people secretly beloved of the establishment (since they never deliberately draw attention to inequality or rock the boat, but provide a constant distraction to their compatriots) could band together to forge links with and help the homeland or their fellow black Americans in similar ways. I would have thought that everything starts with tools provided by education.

Winfrey's school was the result of a pledge she made to Nelson Mandela six years ago. He is quoted as saying "We shared our conviction that the years of democracy would be nullified if we did not properly educate our youth. We hope that the school will become the dream of every young South African girl". I'd like to see her critics question his integrity or judgement on this matter. She also sought advice from leaders of the various ethnic groups, who supplied he with a list of likely candidates. How many schools around the western world have been started by rich benefactors. In fact I attended such a school myself in the UK. This is nothing new or out of the ordinary. The only difference is that Winfrey is a black woman pouring her resources into the future predominantly young black girls.

Back to the subject of her philanthropy: They may never have the luck, ability or opportunity to reach 'OprahWorld', but they might just make it to 'BubbaWorldUSA' and that I think is the real subtext for some in these responses across the web. Oprah is the classic example of a self made person, and as a powerful and influential black woman, who publicly identifies with other black people and their causes; she is seen by some as the ultimate threat. Perhaps they'd have preferred her to have grown up into a booty shaking video vixen? Her plan for this school reminds me of the proverb (I thinks it's Kenyan originally?). "Educate a man and you have educated an individual, educate a women and you have educated a nation". Oprah has stated that she will not have any children of her own, but it appears she's not letting that stop her from giving some members of the next generation a better start in life.

For those such as me, who are sometimes slightly perplexed by the divas antics, well....we just have to learn to separate our feelings about her show and the new age mumbo jumbo she pushes, from our assessment of her character and charitable works. Even people with serious issues can have a positive effect on those around them. Oprah, by consistently overcoming, perhaps even using hers as a motivating force, has set an example to us all. Unlike some of the American press, I doubt she's any more screwed up than the rest of us. Just think. She could have adopted an African child as a pet like Madonna. Instead she's chosen a project that will hopefully do some lasting good on a larger scale. She's certainly doing a damn sight more than any of her critics. All they do is talk.
OK that's my rant for Monday over and done with.

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