Oprah Winfrey - Critics Shmitics

“Oprah Winfrey,” it’s a household name, and we’ve all heard of her.  Her show is one of the most widely viewed programs on television today.  She and her staff are responsible for making dreams come true for countless numbers of people, both on air and off.  Yes, truly, Oprah is one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in entertainment.  So, why does she get a bad rap from critics and what exactly are her critics saying?

Simply put, Oprah makes a great target because she is a big target, and we all know that big targets are easier to hit.  Because her name is so well known and her views are so widely publicized, she is criticized for everything from her religious beliefs to her political views.  

Some of the more interesting criticisms Oprah has endured are the flack she got for missing John H. Johnson’s funeral.  Johnson was a pioneering editor who targeted black audiences and is said to have “paved Oprah’s way.”  And then she was attacked for wanting to spend money abroad to open a school for girls instead of targeting problems here in the United States.  Next we have the flood of disdain she received from people who disagree with her support of Barack Obama.  

It seems that the people who band together to criticize her are doing so simply because she’s there.  Oprah’s influence is felt by many, and most will agree that nothing she’s done has brought about ill affects in any area.  She handles her criticism with dignity and continues to move forward.  Love her or hate her, agree or disagree, one must admit that Oprah stands out in a lot of positive ways and has accomplished more than most of us will ever aspire to.  So what if people think she’s a bit of a diva, hasn’t she earned it?