"She doesn't ever say anything that anybody from the ghetto is gonna ID with. Take a poll. You go out and find me some young black women who ID with Oprah. . .She can escape the fact that she's black because she's a billionaire."

Surprise, surpise. Guess who said this?

His quote is taken from the July issue of Spin magazine.

So now if you're a billionaire you're not black. Somebody go call Sheila Johnson, Robert Johnson and nem. And when Oprah talks about abuse, addictions, building your self esteem, keeping your children safe, stories of success. . .nope, nothing any young black women can identify with there.

i'm just impressed 50 knows so much about being a black woman in america today.

Nobody gives a f*ck what 50 cent has to say.

I'm a young black woman (well, is thirtysomething still young? ) and I've respected Oprah for years and agreed with a lot of her beliefs and philosophies.

I don't identify with her stupid give-away shows -- the lavish wastefulness is nauseating ...she gives the most unnecessary and extravagant things people who just happen to show up that day. Sometimes families get mulitples. I don't find that nice, I find it despicable. So maybe only rich folks would think such giveaways are grand. She puts too much emphasis on material things (I can't believe Debbie Allen was jumping up and down because Oprah gave her some pearls -- like she had never had anything of value. Pathetic.) But since Oprah does a lot for people in need, I try to just ignore her frivolous consumption.


But otherwise I'm OK with Oprah. Young black women are human, right? People living in ghettos are human, right? Well, since Oprah's human and she talks a lot about self-awareness, personal strength, and overcoming , I'm sure everyone can in some way relate to her. That's her beauty.
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[Edited 6/16/07 14:56pm]

SynthiaRose said:

but "EVERYYYYY BODYYYYY GETSSSSS A CAAAAAR!!!!!"





I'm cool w/ Oprah on all fronts, except when she's being too corny for me... & of course the dreaded hot link incident




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[Edited 6/16/07 17:30pm]

Even Harpo comes across as a big phony sometimes, Curtis can sit his Donkey Kong lookin' ass somewhere and SHUT IT. The woman doesn't want him in her OWN show and cry baby don't wanna know how to quit and leave this shit alone with grace.

And beside, who made the motherfucker a representative for black people or the people from the hood anyway?

Still talking about the hood like he lives there,,,,,dumb ass.

Harlepolis said:

Donkey Kong

Harlepolis said:

for real... doesn't he have a house in or near the Hampton's?

Harlepolis said:

Yeah, still scowling at the camera like just being ugly ain't enough. You noticed that most of the rap artists who are successful and producing, have a clothing line and acting have graduated from the "I'll fuck you up" scowl. Even Ice Cube is smiling at the camera now. What the hell is he gonna talk about with Oprah anyway? Heard it, learned it and curbed it.

LQ

SynthiaRose said:

Huh...those were not pearls oprah gave them... They were some expensive ass diamonds Even Mariah was hyped about the ones the she gave to the young'uns.

Another thing....like with the car give away...all of those ppl needed a car and were chosen because of that....as well as the other give away shows...they just don't show up. Sometimes they are hand picked based on need, occupation or whatever.


Curtis really wants on that show huh?

Rhondab said:

Not only that but lets face it - need (cars to under-paid teachers) or no need (favorite things shows) it's super smart for her to have taken the giveaway thing to this level. It's like a one hour commercial that people actually wanna watch for a change Companies get their crap promoted w/ the Oprah stamp of approval, the audience is happy b/c they're set for Xmas/birthdays/whatever, & the viewers @ home love watching their insane emotional reactions It's a win win, I'd play Santa for a day too if I were her It makes perfect business sense...

Rhondab said:

Hey, Rhonda. Were those diamonds? My bad. I wasn't paying attention. I was watching to see something substantial and she invited all those 'legends' to do nothing but sit around, wear hats, admire each other, and emote over gifts. I was like what? When is the real show starting? I don't wanna see this sh*t.

Then, the next day people were talking about how the show affected them and changed their lives. I was like what? Were you watching the same thing I was? You were crying?! OoooK, then. It boggles the mind how she can be both passionate about deep causes and then in the very next breath giddy over the most hollow, shallow things.

Diamonds or not, I was like Debbie, sit your ass down.

I don't think those audiences are always handpicked. Many people sold those cars after getting them. I know in one case a husband and wife both got cars. And I had a friend who works in Chicago who went to a Xmas show and got a bunch of those gifts -- cameras, camcorders, etc. She wasn't in any need. Just got the right tickets to that unannounced show.

But let's say Oprah usually picks those in need -- yeah they really NEED designer sunglasses, China, cute flipflops and Oprah's favorite long-sleeve T's.

SynthiaRose said:

Well damn I thought the Legends Ball show was pretty moving & a really wonderful idea. They got dressed up, had good food, were serenaded & honored by fellow guests. The earrings were just a physical representation of her appreciation, just a nice thing to do. Had you planned the event yourself, what would you have had them doing instead?

CalhounSq said:

AFter that car episode, as outrageous and circuslike in interest as it was, I stopped watching her giveaway shows. So, I've been turning away for about 2 years, every now and then in a regular show, she'll sneak in a giveaway ...but it'll be a sweet social gesture of benevolence. And that's fine.

But giving extravangant, luxurious amenities completely turns me off ... because it promotes greed and coveting.

And the very notion that people at home would enjoy watching others get extravagant things denotes something very damaging about the culture of envy, waste and lust in America. The idea of the havenots watching with mouths drooling behind separating glass. Man, I'm getting worked up -- sad & angry-- just typing this.

I can't imagine what folks in other countries think while watching all that. But regardless, it turns my stomach.

She's higher than material lust. Or I thought she was.

SynthiaRose said:

Yea, I can tell it really bothers you I dunno, the car giveaway was to a hand picked audience of under-paid teachers. What they did w/ the cars after is up to each of them, but I think the gesture was cool.

And yes, American culture is indeed sick about materialism. But for me watching the audience isn't only about "ooh they got THAT!" - I'll admit w/ certain items I'm like, "DAMN! Lucky!!" But the emotional reactions are literally insane, & therefore (to me) hilarious. I mean, CRYING & shivering over a video camera??? It's nuts, I can see how it makes you sick & it all proves your point. Doesn't bother me as much (obviously, since I'm still watching)

CalhounSq said:

Hey,
We would have recited better poetry than that cliche stuff someone read from Angelou. And read passages from great philosophic essays.

Held round table discussions and dramatic presentations over IDEAS.

You get great people in a room (and a few were not great) and somehow it should be about IDEAS ...the exchange and enjoyment of human thought, opinion, and yes a display of art. High art.

It was not cerebral enough for me. It was just so base and low level.

Did I miss something where the significance of the diamond was expressed in metaphor? Had she given pearls (my fav jewel) and said this represents endurance and the ability to change an irritant, an obstacle into a thing of beauty as you've done with your lives --- I could have dug that. I love the symbolism of the pearl which starts with a grain of sand.

Then Debbie could have screamed over something meaningful instead of acting like a bling slut.

SynthiaRose said:

So you would have got those old women out there & put'em to WORK Just kidding, I hear you. But I also think it's wonderful to just sit back & bask in it without having to DO anything, especially @ their ages. They've done a lot of work already

As far as the diamonds, here's what was said: "I know that that is an extravagant gift. But there isn't a gift that I could have given that said how much your life has meant in my life. So I know there are people who say, 'well, that was so extravagant.' I know it was extravagant & yet it still wasn't enough."

I'm just not mad @ her, it's a nice gesture imo

SynthiaRose said:

1) I didn't say all the audiences were hand picked

2) So what either way, she doesn't have to give anything

3) To honor women who rarely are honored I thought was very moving. The focus wasnt on Oprah but the women. When you're being honored normally doesn't mean you come to work ie politicin'and discussin' stuff. Oprah pampered them. I thought it was deserving.

4) Debbie Allen...so what again. She had the right, the freedom to jump, run and scream. My mom was a passionate person like that. She would yell and holler if you gave her a dollar. Sometimes ppl really do appreciate just the GESTURE. Its not always the gift itself.

5) They read a poem by Pearl Cleage, "We Speak your name".

6) and again...so what. Who else thought to honor these women?

5) and Calhoun


Its always easy to say what other's should do with their fame, fortune and influence..... I feel ya...I do it all the time...ask Robin Power

Rhondab said:

Actually I didn't say what Oprah should do. No one should tell anyone what to do with their money.
I debated materialism on the basis of principle.
I expressed my reaction to what she did and answered questioned about my opinions on material excess. I also gave Oprah props for other things.

I'm just exchanging thoughts. And I enjoyed Calhoun's thoughts.

SynthiaRose said:

yeah...you sorta did.

Materialism on the basis of principle....whose principle? Yours, mine, whose?

Anxiety said:

Ouch!!!!

Harlepolis said:

50's new album, Curtis is coming out in September. All he's doing is generating more controversy by looking for new enemies (Oprah & Master P).

Can you notice that he needs controversy to sell records because his mostly young white audience are THE only people dumb enough to believe in his bullshyt?!? Even with this kind of drama, it doesn't change the fact that his music is freaking wack, IMO.

TonyVanDam said:

While you're at it, throw Slim Shady, Luda, TI, Camron and the rest of them jungle bunnies into the mix too.

Thats what most of them fill their "hype machine" from; CUNTroversy, beef and salami

Back in the day, we know that a REAL MAN would settle his differences with his opponent in a one-on-one confrontation untill the matter is settled,,,FOR GOOD.

Now these bitches breath a new meaning into the word "petty highschool lil' girl". And I blame nobody but the people for giving these sorry motherfuckers the time of the day.
[Edited 6/17/07 20:02pm]

Rhondab said:

My principles.
I'm sharing my beliefs.
I love discussions on values, opinions, philosophies, etc.

SynthiaRose said:

If its YOUR principles, then are you telling Oprah how she should spend her money based on your beliefs.

I think I would feel you more if she was having these "My favorite things" shows and didn't give anything away. If she just flaunted these things in front of folks.

Letting some well deserving women get pampered FINALLY, sounds good to me.

I can't identify with the bullshit 50 talks about. Does that make me any less of a young black man?????

50 is so damn coonalicious he ain't even the threat he thinks he is.

Rhondab said:

Thank You, Calhoun and Rhondab- as usual you ladies just brought it on home...

bboy87 said:

I love the .org. I get to learn such tasty words as "Minstrelicious", StepinFetchtatic" (both courtesy of NovaAngel) and now, bboy87 blesses us with "coonalicious".

If these rappers only knew. ..

I was gonna go for "Coonarific" but I've been using coonalicious more often

Harlepolis said:

All that's missing is the banana....
[Edited 6/28/07 20:18pm]