Oprah To Live In Poverty - Page 2

SummerChild · #1 03-25-2005, 09:55 PM

Ladygreek,
I think that it might be beneficial for some to see how folk in public housing actually live. Many have never thought about the conditions. It might bring light to that population. Heck, I didn't know, for example, that the walls and floors are concrete in many places (even though there are numerous small children and babies who live in these developments).

We all know that the problem has been around for a long time but it is *awfully* hard to pretend like you didn't know about it (which many legislators conveniently do) when Oprah is showcasing it.

Quote:

Originally posted by ladygreek
Oprah will not be living in poverty.

Living in proverty is as much a lack of hope as it is being financially poor. Oprah will know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel in 30 days. She will know that this is just temporary. She will know that she will have a permanent roof over her head and all the food and clothes she wants. And she will not have to live in fear--she'll have constant bodyguards.

Since she supposedly grew up in poverty, I really don't see the need for this grandstand. She can tackle the issue with her money and influence.

SummerChild · #2 03-25-2005, 09:59 PM

Dsmmi, I know that she gives hundreds of thousands to various causes. For instance, she adopted a village in Africa (and a bunch of African children), has given lots to the UNCF, etc. I don't know what she has done in the Chi but it's only b/c it didn't make the magazine article that I read (which it probably wouldn't b/c it's not as glamorous as adopting a village in Africa).

She really does give alot. Especially compared to all of other rich business people in our country, and don't mention all of the rich athletes.

SC

Quote:

Originally posted by dsmmi12
Not only EVERYTHing that has already been mentioned. But she WILL have security. So there will be no living in fear of getting robbed. Or having to take the dark stairs cause the elevator is broken.

You know I have very mixed dfeeling about Oprah. While she has her Angel network and all that...Chicago's impoverished areas have not really felt the impact of her presence here. or at least as far as I can see. So if she has done other things that did not make the media...then I take it back. BUT i work in the area where her studio is. It AINT NO JOKE. (or at least it USED to be No joke) I have yet to hear about her coming to a community event in the area.

ladygreek · #3 03-26-2005, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SummerChild
Ladygreek,
I think that it might be beneficial for some to see how folk in public housing actually live. Many have never thought about the conditions. It might bring light to that population. Heck, I didn't know, for example, that the walls and floors are concrete in many places (even though there are numerous small children and babies who live in these developments).

We all know that the problem has been around for a long time but it is *awfully* hard to pretend like you didn't know about it (which many legislators conveniently do) when Oprah is showcasing it.

I hear what you are saying SC, but it is moot now since this was a hoax. In any case, there have been many such public media forays into public housing over the years. 60 Minutes anb other newsmag shows have done this. After the initial sensation it all dies down because no money is forthcoming.

The issue is systemic, and unless we hold our legislators and politicians accountable, nothing will happen.

SummerChild · #4 03-26-2005, 03:10 PM

I hear you Ladygreek. I'm just an optimist and I think that every little bit helps. Are you familiar with any federal legislation regarding public housing?

SC

Quote:

Originally posted by ladygreek
I hear what you are saying SC, but it is moot now since this was a hoax. In any case, there have been many such public media forays into public housing over the years. 60 Minutes anb other newsmag shows have done this. After the initial sensation it all dies down because no money is forthcoming.

The issue is systemic, and unless we hold our legislators and politicians accountable, nothing will happen.

bro_strawter · #5 03-27-2005, 01:16 AM

Dang y'all, Oprah can't save the world. We live in a world of many races...not just black folks. SMH

ladygreek · #6 03-27-2005, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bro_strawter
Dang y'all, Oprah can't save the world. We live in a world of many races...not just black folks. SMH

And that right there is the rub. It is Oprah who sets herself up as the savior of all by constantly reminding us how many viewers she has ( and thus implying her impact.) Thus, my issue with her.

But I don't get your last sentence. We all know that, but what are you really trying to say?

Diovanka8 · #7 03-27-2005, 04:20 AM

I heard that this wasn't true. I really liked Oprah's speech on The NAACP Image Awards

bro_strawter · #8 03-28-2005, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ladygreek
And that right there is the rub. It is Oprah who sets herself up as the savior of all by constantly reminding us how many viewers she has ( and thus implying her impact.) Thus, my issue with her.

But I don't get your last sentence. We all know that, but what are you really trying to say?

It just bothers me when I hear statements like "what has Oprah done for the black community?" and "I betcha she wouldn't have done that for a black person!" Not saying you said those exact words, but you did question her assistance of lesser known black authors, which is why I stated that last sentence...she can't save the world!

I've witnessed great things Oprah has done for the black community. Shucks, she's completely rebuilding an entire area of East Detroit out of her own pocket! I can go on and on about the money she's put into Tennessee State...amongst other colleges.

Oprah is a fine humanitarian, and great inspiration for all, but especially black folks. I just can't see myself criticizing a woman who has done great things for people all over the world. Lets be proud of the things she HAS done, as opposed to what she has not.

ladygreek · #9 03-28-2005, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bro_strawter
It just bothers me when I hear statements like "what has Oprah done for the black community?" and "I betcha she wouldn't have done that for a black person!" Not saying you said those exact words, but you did question her assistance of lesser known black authors, which is why I stated that last sentence...she can't save the world!

Right. And I was specifically referring to her Book Club. It wasn't supposition, it was fact. All anyone had to do was walk into a book store and see who was benefiting from the Club.