Dear Oprah………………
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008OK it’s official: OPRAH HAS GOTTEN ON MY LAST NERVE!!!!!!
What’s interesting is that I am not alone. Lately, people have been providing unsolicited comments like “who does she think she is…” or “I just can’t stand her anymore….she thinks she is the second coming or something!”
I am not quite sure when this happened but sorry “O”, it did. (watch out Martha because you aren’t far behind).
Maybe all the “Pollyanna” advice is just too much at this unprecedented time in our history. Today, we are a nation full of depressed and “stunned” individuals who have opened their 401K envelopes and now just want to crawl under the covers until it is over. Clearly, “O” and the other Pollyanna’s (let’s throw Rachael R. in the mix too) don’t have that problem. Their being out-of-touch now borders on insensitivity. I am sure it is not intentional but that’s the perception.
A good example is Martha’s note in her newsletter about “53 inspiring ways to carve a pumpkin”(or something like that). She sends this out at the height of the news about the economic crisis where the critical middle class is getting slammed! I heard from people that said “hey, I just opened my 401K envelope so how about 53 inspiring ways to slit my throat!!!!” I know it’s not Martha’s fault but people can’t stand someone who can think about more than one way to carve a pumpkin when they can no longer afford to buy the damn pumpkin!
Let’s get back to “O” and the comment that she thinks she is the “second coming”. I don’t know if she thinks that but let’s face it, she does sometimes act like a “know it all”. Take her magazine where she always ends with a story “This I know for sure”. When Oprah says “this I know for sure” her sheep-like followers believe her unconditionally. I think marketing classes now include the “O FACTOR” to describe the impact of her powerful endorsement. This impact is way beyond the old “Good Housekeeping seal of approval” for those of you old enough to remember what that is. It’s more like one touch and she can give sight to blind people! BAM…you’re golden! People actually include getting on the Oprah show in their marketing strategies because she makes you believe you can do anything. Reality check: you have a better chance of being abducted by aliens!
But is “O” always sensitive about what she brings to the flock? Does she at times unintentionally lead them astray? For example, they believed her when she went OVER THE TOP with the crew from The Secret on her show. She gave the impression that this was the most important advice you will ever get and following that advice will change your life in ways you could never have imagined. They all acted like they have some sort of direct line to GOD/Universe and it was “O’s” calling to bring this to the world. The followers listened, bought the book (made Rhonda a very rich lady), made intention boards, spoke only in positive phrases, and believed with all their heart and souls it would make a difference. Why? Because “O” said so!
Well “O”, some of the flock is tired of waiting. I hear from your former loyal followers that they did everything you said. The whole “Ask, Believe, Receive” became the mantra for the day. Now they are just hoping to hold on as everything they worked for over the years is slipping away. Sadly, others are still staring at their intention boards believing the pictures will save them.
“O” why don’t you use that all powerful “factor” to lend a voice to the depressed, stunned middle class and small businesses that no one really represents? They are, after all, the machine that built and keeps this nation going (not to mention your empire). Forget your holiday gift guide or book club recommendations because there isn’t much left over for these things. Forget Suzy O’s advice which is SO basic that most people already get what she is selling. They may not follow a sound financial plan but they get it. This is way beyond the old adage that you can’t spend more than you earn.
I would like to see you really get a handle on what’s going on out there. I would like to see you use your influence for real change. Let President Elect Obama know how, for example, the 55,000 laid off Citigroup workers are surviving. Most of these people will only take unemployment while they look for other jobs that don’t exist. Many of these people will have to sell their homes (if they can) because they can’t afford the mortgage payments and NO, the loan was not sub-prime. And news flash, they can’t go into their portfolios, 401K’s or pensions because they have all but dried up.
For these people and the millions of others faced with the same distressing situation, who will tell their stories? Better yet, WHERE IS THE BAILOUT FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS?
“O”, I am sure everyone is praying and hoping for the best because you know there are still many that buy into the whole ASK, BELIEVE and RECEIVE thing. These days, I am not quite sure where it would all come from. I sure do hope the Universe has a plan.
Maybe part of the plan is for the middle class to get out from under the covers and start shouting! Maybe it’s time to call for the firing of the members of Congress who were asleep at the switch but still have their jobs! Maybe it’s time for a MIDDLE CLASS MARCH ON WASHINGTON!
What do you say “O”. How about joining the cause even though you are at the tippy top of the 1%? Remember, the majority of your loyal flock isn’t and could use a voice. Use some of your golden touch for them. If YOU put our elected officials in your crosshairs for this cause, that would surely get their attention. It’s time to make a real difference!!!! Just in case, I will add this to an intention board so the Universe can give you a call to make sure you get the message.