Ellington

Who dares hurl stones at the throne? The seemingly impenetrable vessel has taken on some water, and all hands are on deck with buckets. The Empress of All Media is showing signs of mortality, and opportunistic vultures are circling, waiting for a carcass that may or may not appear.

In case you haven't heard (or in case you have and have been crying all week), Oprah's ratings are down—gasp. After over 400 weeks as the No. 1- rated daytime talk show in America, she's lost a few viewers. And it doesn't stop there. Oprah's magazine "O" has lost a few readers. As if that wasn't enough, her foray into primetime TV with "Oprah's Big Give" couldn't muscle its way into the top 25.

Now, any one of us would be more than satisfied with her ratings. But for Oprah, this could be a near catastrophe, to hear the media tell it. Methinks she's not too concerned. At worst, she could fall from "ridiculously" wealthy to just "incredibly" wealthy. I don't think that fall is going to kill her. Hell, she is preparing to embark, I hear, on what could be her most expensive venture to date: her own television network. So why the perceived reversal of fortune?

I'd love to think that this country has finally had its fill of the sap: the Tom Cruise love fests; the car giveaways; and who's even "in" Oprah's book club anyway? M.A.S.H had its run. The Sopranos left the air. And, yes, even "American Idol" will be vintage television one day. America almost always gets tired sooner or later. But, alas, I think these falling numbers and the media maelstrom that has surrounded them are eerily political in nature.

Some speculate that Oprah's very public endorsement of Barack Obama has put her on the outs with some fans. I, for one, would sadly have to agree. See, Oprah is the ultimate everywoman, an entity that transcends race, sex, religion and politics. The majority of her viewers are white women, and her success is due to her mass appeal. But, as I stated in my last column, when left to its own devices, America will always fall back into its comfort zone. This country likes its black moguls, entertainers and athletes the same: entertaining, talented, non-threatening and devoid of political opinion or influence.

Oprah may have committed her first, and most notable, faux pas ever. She's used her powers to help elect a black male president—not the woman—as many of her viewers thought. And in this electoral climate, that's a no-no. For an icon like Oprah, who has built an empire on showing folks of all colors that race is not a factor, she may have just realized that for some, it still is.

And that's the truth ... sho-nuff.

Previous Comments

ID

130761

Comment

Someone stated that her ratings had already begun to go down starting three years ago. No doubt, endorsing "the man" may not have helped since most of her audience is over fifty.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-06-12T14:01:55-06:00

ID

130773

Comment

On top of that, people have been trying to associate her with the occult or the Antichrist. This Snopes article is about an email circulating about Oprah allowing "New Age Christianity" to be taught on her Oprah & Friends show. At the end of the article, there is a YouTube clip that seems to claim that Oprah is trying to start a New Age cult (some call it the Church of Oprah) that goes against Christian teachings, and guess whose name got tossed in there? Yep, Obama's. The film was shown in my mom's church, so I'm sure it's spreading quickly. I don't always agree with Oprah when it comes to spirituality, but I'm not dumb enough to think that Obama believes the same things she does or that he is a part of the "Church of Oprah" just because she endorsed him. Let me add that I don't believe there's a Church of Oprah unless I get concrete proof. This is so much like 2004 when religious people got the wool pulled over their eyes. Here we go again.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2008-06-12T20:38:06-06:00

ID

130780

Comment

L.W., What kind of church does your mom attend? I don't want to know the name of the church. I am a United Methodist and in our church we would not play a film disparaging any candidate. It is a shame that some churches would play propaganda films like that while their members are ignorant of the destruction of the Earth and oppression of the poor that is occuring across the globe. This "Church of Oprah" story recently played on WAPT's 6 o'clock news.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-06-13T08:19:15-06:00

ID

130781

Comment

They are saying that Oprah says "man made God", but clearly the quote is taken out of context. I agree with her point which is that too many of the religious wingnuts are making God in their own image --- THEY are the ones who are the idol worshipers. They have created a God who is not concerned for the poor or for immigrants or for gay people --- a mean, vindictive god rather than the true God of Love and forgiveness of the new testament. They are so dogmatic that they can't even hear. She is saying that they are so obsessed with the death part of the crucifixion that it overshadows the Love and life and overcoming part of the story. They focus on heaven after death rather than on reaching the heaven of love towards their neighbors in this life. And it is not by accident that they make the link to Obama. It is evil, religious intolerant propaganda. they are modern day Pharisees who think they have cornered the market on understanding.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-06-13T08:39:23-06:00

ID

130783

Comment

"This country likes its black moguls, entertainers and athletes the same: entertaining, talented, non-threatening and devoid of political opinion or influence." - Kamikaze I don't think it's a racial issue for Americans. Most Americans like their moguls, entertainers, and athletes (of any race) the same and that generally involves them being devoid of politics. I know I do! I thought it was rather crappy of Oprah to use her show as a pulpit supporting Obama (and I'm a massive Obama supporter). I think she completely abused her power and instead could have provided a more open platform for the candidates to discuss issues that reflect her audience. She killed that chance when she started using her show to stump for Obama.

Author

kaust

Date

2008-06-13T09:10:27-06:00

ID

130784

Comment

Kaust, I see your point. But respectfully disagree. It is indeed that attitude ..."I don't think it's a racial issue for Americans. Most Americans like their moguls, entertainers, and athletes (of any race) the same and that generally involves them being devoid of politics. I know I do!" that stagnates progress in America in my opinion. to whom much is given, much is expected. and for those who have the blessing of garnering so many devoted fans. I find it almost imperative to use that influence to spark action. I have nothing wrong with what Oprah did, although I know many do. Its time we start calling all of these millionares and famous folks, black and white to the carpet. Start puting your money where your mouth is..Like oprah, like Morgan Freeman did in Charleston, Like common, like Geroge clooney etc..thats our problem in america we want to escape, to be entertained, to not care.."make me laugh clowns"..Life just isnt always a joke. and its not always a sitcom or drama that can find a resolution in 30 or 60 minutes. Its not as simple as scoring a basket or a touchdown. I have pledged that whenever I have a captive audience in front of me I will impart something of substance to them. I refuse to be looked as "just" a rapper. I refuse to let you look at me and say "entertain me". My position is too important for that. (Just wait till Jubilee Jam Sat). Think of what Muhammed Ali, Jim Brown, Marvin Gaye and the like did in the 60's. It was our entertainers and athletes who helped to usher in the civilrights movement. Our celebs today are so high-brow they choose to remain above the fray. so that things like whats happening to Oprah dont happen to them.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2008-06-13T09:51:49-06:00

ID

130785

Comment

..and I will say Kaust that Black entertainers are held to a different standard regardless of how well they assimilate into the mainstream of entertainment. Will Smith, Oprah, Whoopi, and the like couldnt go out like a Mike Moore or Clooney. It would be a death sentence for their careers. The leash is a LOT shorter for us.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2008-06-13T09:54:44-06:00

ID

130788

Comment

"I thought it was rather crappy of Oprah to use her show as a pulpit supporting Obama..." - kaust Why shouldn't she...white people do it all the time. Everyone for years has had to listen to Al Jolson, Walt Disney, Charleton Heston, Clint Eastwood, Ronald Reagan, use their show business pulpit to push their right wing political agendas. When a black person like Oprah gets power and uses it to benefit her people, all of a sudden certain people cry foul. Not foul, just the way it's always been. You get the power, you use it as you wish.

Author

willdufauve

Date

2008-06-13T10:44:55-06:00

ID

130789

Comment

Well, comparing Michael Moore to Oprah or Will Smith is a bit of a stretch. I can barely take Will Smith seriously since Fresh Prince... Whoopi and Michael Moore are on a more even playing field even though Whoopi is hardly as antagonistic and often feels some burn from her viewpoints. Michael Moore's schtick is what it is. He doesn't host the View catering to millions of vanilla, day-time Americans or have a talk show covering everything from yummy yogurt to incest. He and people like Bill Maher and Colbert focus and build their careers on these political issues. It's why we like them! Plus, they are relatively fluent when it comes to the topics (unlike A LOT of entertainers). The conflict: what qualifies an entertainer as a political analyst or even knowledgeable of a topic? Part of our problem as Americans is letting these "leaders" whether they be politicians, entertainers, or whatever, lead us blindly because we trust them due to their 24hr exposure in our worlds. What qualifies these people as experts or even worthy of exposing such a viewpoint to millions of people? It's dangerous if you really think about it. And, if you think whites aren't held to the same standard when it comes to espousing political viewpoints, I beg you to recall the Dixie Chicks, Jane Fonda, Rosie, and, to some degree, Ellen (off the top of my head). All took a major hit for being political and their careers were certainly in question and suffered. One might argue it's because they are women, but several men have had the same kind of backlash, while most have been wise enough to leave their views to one-on-one interviews and not pollute or confuse their objectives or appearances. I want to be entertained. I don't mind thinking. Hell, most say I think too much... But, on Saturday night, a cocktail in hand, and some beats blaring, I don't really want to hear about George W. Bush, gay marriage, the war in Iraq, or any other number of topics for any long period of time. I like to sometimes offer my brain and psyche a hiatus from my everyday reality and the bombardment of bad news that streams the waves.

Author

kaust

Date

2008-06-13T10:59:30-06:00

ID

130790

Comment

will, I don't like it when *anyone* does it. I don't watch Oprah to know her vote. Well, I don't watch Oprah. But, when a show becomes political, it's going to cause issues with many viewers... Maybe not with you, but with some that simply want to be entertained and leave the politics to bloggers, wingnuts, and talking heads. I frankly don't care if Oprah stumps for Obama. But, to act as though it wasn't going to have a fall-out or it's because of her race is a bit of a stretch. Start a conversation about politics or religion at the next large dinner you attend. See if 25% or more don't get a little irked and try to change to a lighter topic.

Author

kaust

Date

2008-06-13T11:03:40-06:00

ID

130792

Comment

I am not aware of Oprah having actually campaigned for Obama ON her SHOW. Did that actually happen? What she does in her private time is her constitutional right to free speech. She should retain and exercise her free speech right regardless of whether she has a talk show. Why is it that the people who say they love America are the same ones who want to infringe on our constitutional rights to free speech, to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures and habeas corpus? Kaust is right that Oprah should not have been surprised that some would be turned off.

Author

FreeClif

Date

2008-06-13T11:05:36-06:00

ID

130821

Comment

L.W., What kind of church does your mom attend? I don't want to know the name of the church. It's non-denominational. I think the focus was more on Oprah's spiritual views than Obama. My mom and my sister never mentioned anything about what was said about Obama. They're still voting for him at this point. Whoopi and Michael Moore are on a more even playing field even though Whoopi is hardly as antagonistic and often feels some burn from her viewpoints. I'm a big Whoopi fan. To me, she looks at all sides, draws a conclusion and says what she thinks without holding back. I think she's very open-minded most of the time. Well, comparing Michael Moore to Oprah or Will Smith is a bit of a stretch. I can barely take Will Smith seriously since Fresh Prince... I don't know about that. I watched the show regularly, and I watched him evolve into a serious actor on that show. If he didn't, people would still be calling him Fresh Prince. I am not aware of Oprah having actually campaigned for Obama ON her SHOW. Did that actually happen? Not exactly. I remember early on when someone asked her which presidential candidate she liked, and she said she was "feelin' Obama." I think she mentioned Obama briefly once more after she appeared with him at a rally the previous weekend. That's it.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2008-06-13T21:20:55-06:00

ID

130824

Comment

Most Americans like their moguls, entertainers, and athletes (of any race) the same and that generally involves them being devoid of politics. I'm not sure if that's necessarily true. I believe people tend to hurl backlashes at celebrities whose views differ from theirs, especially celebrities who espouse left-leaning views. Laura Ingraham wrote a book called Shut Up And Sing, which is aimed at such celebs like Bruce Springsteen. But if Ted Nugent or Tom Selleck make political statements, they're not met with the same fury than if said by George Clooney or Rosie O'Donnell.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2008-06-14T21:25:45-06:00

ID

130827

Comment

Conservative folks are just very upset that they don't have many outspoken Hollywood actors in their corner.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2008-06-15T08:49:43-06:00

ID

130828

Comment

"Ted Nugent or Tom Selleck make political statements, they're not met with the same fury..." Who? ;-)

Author

kaust

Date

2008-06-15T10:15:01-06:00

ID

130833

Comment

Kaust, EXACTLY! ;)

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2008-06-15T17:36:05-06:00