I am certain it's much easier to find entertaining examples of how awful marriage can be versus having satisfied couples on the show, but I'm drowning in negativity. I feel like the only time we see happy, well-adjusted married couples is if they're famous...most civilian couples we see are polygamists, hoarders, swingers, abusive, hiding horrible secrets, etc. Yes, yes, every relationship has it's positives and negatives, but please Oprah-show producers, how about a little balance? How about celebrating what is RIGHT rather than what is WRONG with the decision to wed?
Today's episode on polygamy (which, by my count, is the 8 millionth show on this subject that Oprah has aired recently) presented the intrepid Lisa Ling who infiltrated a polygamist sect. Although I really felt terrible for the women and children in these communities, I felt a bit empty afterwards. The show was sort of cold...as if we were watching fascinating animals in cages at a zoo. There was no call to action to help the victims of this situation - it was a completely voyeuristic. And although I tend to shy away from direct critique of Ms. W., I have an observation I want to share: Oprah came across as more sympathetic and more connected to the dogs in the puppymill show than the human beings today. And let's face it, she guides the spirit and attitude of the show.
Do you think Oprah is losing her ability to connect?
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12 comments:
Losing? Noooo. Lost! LOST her ability to connect with the simple folks.
That's just me though.. you know how I am! :)
marisue, you make me laugh. you're SO subtle. why don't you say what is REALLY on your mind?? : )
xoLO
I know, I'm shy & don't want to step on toes! I'm working on becoming more verbose, wish me luck! ;)
Yes, some days I do think she's lost her ability to connect. I feel like it probably comes from overextending herself and seeing the bad in so many things in the world. I don't feel like I'm explaining this well.
Did you notice how many times the girl who helped bring downed Warren Jeffs said the word sad? I think it was in every sentence she uttered. Did anyone notice if she said she's been in therapy to help her deal with everything she's been through?
What can average people do for polygomists? I can say this situation has increased my desire to become a foster parent.
betsy, i am thinking the same thing about fostering. but i do think that the laws have to change...when women don't feel safe enough to leave a situation where their children are being harmed, then i believe it's our society/government's responsibility to change the situation.
really good point about the sadness. none of the women seemed full of hope for the future, which made me sad, too.
marisue, i'm in the same boat, maybe someday i'll come out of my shell!!
xoLO
Yes, I feel it slipping away. I'm not a hater. I LOVE OPRAH. I've watched since I was a kid. I'm happy for her life changes and her achievements and I'm happy that she's still on the air. I'm happy that she's getting healthy and enlightened.. But, it just seems like lately she almost doesn't want to connect to real world, everyday people and problems and situations. I love Oprah - I want to connect to her again. I don't have to agree with her to connect - I just need her to seem like she's still aware of us normal folk..
Ashley S.
I hate to say this - but I'm afraid it might be being too rich and powerful for too long.. You know Prince and Michael Jackson were somewhat normal and relatable once upon a time..
Here's my two cents...I think O is trying to go back to her journalism/news reporting days, but swaying away from the entertainment is hard (i.e., it looks like more or less she has one-3 entertainment shows a week, while the others are informative/ newsworthy/objective). I think all of the self exploration has brought her back to what first got her interested in the world of television. I also think she likes exploring topics that may/are affecting people now - but I agree it's quite obvious when she is excited about one topic over another. But what do I know? I don't think we'll ever get into the producer's heads (we sure haven't gotten in the stylist's, that's for sure - though I did like her outfit on the show with Dr. Oz).
I actually liked that Oprah didn't press the guests too hard - I was actually nervous for them. :)
I'm gearing up for tomorrow - I hope you are! I thought you would find this interesting - the description from O's website starts "Oprah didn't want to do her favorite things for summer, but these great finds changed her mind!" Looks like turkey burgers, makeup, and swimsuits are on the list...oh and of course Mary J. Blige's new CD :) woo hoo!
Ashley, I'm not a hater either. I think that's why I keep hoping there will be some sort of turn-around or return to the "old days." But, I have my doubts that is even possible.
I agree with the anonymous poster who commented after you...once the celebrity turns the corner, veering away from our reality, they seem to disappear down the road for good.
Jax - I was TOTALLY nervous for the guests too! How funny. Luckily, they weren't pressed to the wall...especially considering how hard their transition to their new lives must be. Interesting hypothesis about Oprah's new direction. I'm going to keep that in mind as I watch from now on.
Yeah, I read that about the Favorite Things ep. But why oh why did she have to change her mind??????
I'm SCARED!
xo
LO
Perhaps she changed her mind when she heard about you... Wants to see how committed you really are. ;-)
(BTW, this is my first comment, but I've been reading for about 2 mos. Really fascinated by your project.) Good luck today!
Hey there LO!
Quite honestly, the reason anyone or any program on TV shows what they show is ratings. Plain and simple. I mean seriously, who wants to hear about happy couples that are doing well and raising reasonably happy, well-adjusted children. Boredom. It's more fun watching those that have problems so one can say - "Gee! I've got it pretty good, compared to that poor sap!"
I also think O is losing her desire to connect with the average person. Sometimes I think O feels like she MUST connect - but just can't because she has forgotten what it's like to be AVERAGE.
But that's just my opinion.
Wouldn't it be nice to see a program solely dedicated to couples that have been married to the same person for say over 30 years and still happy? Hubby and I will celebrate 17 years in just over 2 weeks!
Blessings,
Garsy
hey judes, thanks for writing! it's so funny, on one hand, i doubt she's ever heard of me, but on the other hand, because this project has become so personal for me, i read something into every assignment she gives. like she's testing me personally. of course, in reality, this isn't true. i'm not even a blip on her radar, i'm sure.
garsy - i would love to watch shows on people who have navigated the years together. wow! 17 years! that's terrific. congrats to you both! (by the by, i really found your idea interesting - that oprah is losing the desire to even TRY to connect. i think i might just agree with you on that one. i'm going to watch with that in mind...)
xo
LO
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