I thought I could let my reaction to Oprah's remarks go with my short post earlier today.

First, I acknowledge that Oprah has done good things. Wonderful blogger Ligneus pointed out in a comment at my earlier post that Oprah "does some good things like influencing people to read through her book club" and I wholeheartedly agree. I have often said I think she's one of the few trying (every now and then) to find ways to improve the emotional and (dare I say it?) spiritual character of the modern world. But was that all a ruse?

Imus has set up several organizations and given lots of money to children's cancer research. Since prior good acts were irrelevant for him, why are they relevant for her?

Second, Oprah was speaking at Howard University, a highly respected center of learning and thought which was originally established for black students. Today, however, it is (technically) not only for black students so presumably there were some white students in the graduating class. How did she intend her remarks to be germane for them?

Third, Oprah's recounting her joy at having -- and her recommendation to the students to go out and find for themselves -- some "good white folks" (it's hard even to write those words) is simply appalling. At minimum, that phrase carries a century of resentment and hate.

Fourth, it's evident that Oprah sees herself as different and separate from white people. What happened to her platitudes about "one world" and "can't we all get along" and "we're all human beings" and all the others? Has her work been entirely an exercise in getting back? Has her life been lived entirely in revenge? She said she is thrilled at having employees who are white (the "good white folks" of whom she spoke). Well how can that be interpreted in any way except that she's happy to have successfully flipped the racial tables so that now she's the Master and they (her "good white folks" (a/k/a white employees)) are the "slaves"?

Fifth, can you imagine the reaction if white parents with a black caretaker for their children said they'd "got themselves a "good black nanny"? Can you imagine the reaction if a CEO with a productive staff that included some black people said he'd "got himself some good black folks"? I'm serious: can you imagine the reaction?? It would be appalling. It would justifiably make headlines all over the country. (And what would the Sharpton/Jackson 'machine' do?!)

And finally, in part because she has been seen as a contributor to the betterment of society, but mainly simply because she said it, I do not understand why Oprah is getting a pass on being patronizing, vengeful and racist.

Labels: headlines, people