It tolls for T.V.
On today's show, Oprah said she doesn't believe in having a television in the bedroom. I think it's probably for the best and for some months have been hinting to my husband that I'd like to remove it. I was worried he'd be upset when I told him Oprah's position, but he seemed open to it. We'll see what happens when it actually comes time to take it out later when we get home from work. I'll let you know if there's a tantrum.
I did notice on today's show (which was a week in review episode) that none of the guests questioned Oprah or challenged her. Everyone was fully deferential. I feel ambivalent about this. On one hand, I wish she'd bring people on her show who aren't passengers on the O Train. I'd like to hear more than one side of an issue and think it would be a brave thing to do. On the other hand, if I had a my own talk show, maybe I'd prefer to push my point of view without the risk of being confronted publicly. She is opposed so often in the media that maybe she prefers the completely controlled atmosphere of her television set.
I've thought about this since I've read so many of your comments and emails about having questions and doubts about Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth. Since the topic of spirituality can be so controversial, it strikes me as odd that her show only displays one point of view. I think debate is a healthy way to explore an issue and certainly more realistic and reflective of the world we live in. Yet, she is touting her belief system and I suppose I wouldn't go to a Jewish synagogue and expect to hear Hindu doctrine. What do you think? Would you like more than one point of view reflected on her show? Or are you satisfied as it stands?
And to switch topics for a moment, when Oprah promo'd her show with Cher and Tina Turner, she guaranteed, "You'll be dancing in your living room." Think I can include this as part of my Best Life Challenge exercise plan? I'll document my dance party and post proof on the site. Luckily, photographs won't reveal my lack of rhythm.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
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10 comments:
I don't know, its an interesting question about different viewpoints. I think, number one, she makes it hard to argue another viewpoint...what are they going to argue? Keep clutter? Remain unconscious? Cheat on your wife?
I do think they've done an okay job on answering questions regarding religion and people being nervous about Tolle's teachings. But I was absolutely thinking that I need to hop online and see if anyone is actively denouncing this guy...I would be surprised if they were, but now I'm curious, I'll let you know if I find anything.
hey hixx! it's not so much the topics that would inspire alternate viewpoints, but rather Oprah's opinion on how to solve them. so, she'd be opening herself up to opposition, not necessarily the show's subject. ooh...definitely let me know about what you see online about tolle. folks have sent me some pretty scathing stuff about him, but i don't feel right posting their comments without permission.
hey out there - if you have a strong opinion about tolle or oprah's choice of A New Earth as a book club selection, please speak up here!
thanks all!
LO
I have ZERO opinion on A New Earth because I'm very tired of the "O-train" mentality. I record Oprah daily, just in case there is something worth watching.
I will admit, your website has made me watch more--but I could only do Day One of Tom Cruise....it was just too painful to watch any more!
And YES! Dancing IS exercising--I just recommend you close the curtains before you start! ;-)
signed-MTV
MTV!! I wish I had read your advice before I danced...not all my blinds were closed and I'm worried I may have scarred my neighbors for life! :)
Uh-oh, my blog makes you watch the show more?! I never expected I'd be raising viewership for Oprah. How hilarious.
xo
LO
Uh-oh, my blog makes you watch the show more?! That your surprised by this, surprises me.
I never watch Oprah, and I'm not sure where I first heard about your project. However, I've found that I love your take and commentary on the show and the writing on your blog.
Now when I'm home on time, I'll turn on the TV to see Oprah. The first time I watched I was shocked at the number of commercials and how many of her own promos were played. It often felt like the commercials would end, she would ask her guest two questions and then there would be a cut to her promos and that would lead to new commercials. Totally annoying and I was surprised she had time in there to give you any assignments.
LO ~~ yes, in a 'round about way I guess you are increasing her viewership!
That fellow in the trillion dollar tank of water setting the record? I wouldn't have wasted my time watching that show had I only read the blurb about the show via the TV. But after reading your blog, I JUST HAD TO WATCH IT! And it was good! And I, too, was rooting for him! And so was my husband!
See what you've created!!
You are brave--mouth AND curtains open while dancing! You go girl!
signed--MTV
This is what some Christians are saying about Oprah and Tolle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgKIkruHZko
As a Christian myself, I don't turn to Oprah when it comes to spiritual teachings, I turn to the Bible. And I think the problem that a lot of people have with her and Tolle is that she identifies herself as a Christian, but Tolle's teachings obviously aren't. It's kind of a matter of hypocrisy.
But I also don't think she is evil. She is entitled to her beliefs, and it is her show, after all. But as individuals with free will and the ability to think for ourselves, we shouldn't follow any teacher or teaching blindly (unless it's only a temporary social experiment, of course :-))
lara, i know! tons upon tons upon tons of commercials. it's always funny when the show is about reducing clutter or simplifing our lives and then cuts to a commerical for target. a little conflict there, eh?
MTV - you are so funny. i am glad to hear you were rooting FOR blaine, rather than against him! :) and regarding the dancing, i'm not so sure i was being brave or stupid. i think there's a thin line i'm walking between them!
laurajeanette - i'm curious (as i'm not a christian)...what do you think about tolle's interpretation of the new testament and jesus' words? does that bother you? i've noticed he refers quite a bit to christianity...and buddhism, too.
oh, and verrrrrry funny about the whole blindly following thing. that made me laugh out loud.
xo
LO
LO, I answered your question in my blog. I sent a trackback, but just in case, here's the link: http://laurajeanette.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/a-christian%e2%80%99s-perspective-on-jesus-christ-oprah-eckhart-tolle-and-a-new-earth/
PS- Sometimes I laugh out loud at myself. Yes, I think I'm THAT funny. :-) I'm sure my husband disagrees.
So she was inspired by Eckhart Tolle and featured his book. I don't understand anyone's problem with that. His teaching is the most inclusive teaching I've ever read. He isn't religious, so why does she need to counter it with religion? I'm confused as to whether you like the book or you don't. Maybe having to write something is making you hyper-critical?
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