Really? Why would Ponderings write about Oprah? I know that is what you are thinking.
Allow me to explain. Let’s not forget that the author of this Blog teaches Women in Politics and is extremely dedicated to the empowerment of women.
Oprah took this cause to all new levels. First, she empowered herself. She overcame personal challenges and setbacks to achieve her own dreams. While becoming one of the richest people in America, she reached out to help others. Through masterful use of television, she struggled with her own demons and empowered others to do the same. Throughout this process, she was becoming ever more powerful.
Many years ago, we began to hear the idea that “if Oprah touches it, it is gold.” This was true for books, people, causes, movies, travel destinations and more. I distinctly recall pondering this idea during the 2008 Presidential election and analyzing it from a political point of view.
If everything Oprah touches is gold and she endorses Barack Obama, will he win? Do I need to complete this thought? I don’t honestly believe that her endorsement bolstered him to victory but I do believe it provided him a much needed boost at the time and helped him to win the Democratic primaries. It was especially poignant that one of the most powerful women in America, dedicated to empowering other women, did NOT endorse Hilary Clinton.
However, my hat goes off to Oprah Winfrey for all that she has done for females. Prior to her television show, most talk show hosts were male. Now, they are female. She literally broke the glass ceiling for females in talk television. The current generation of younger women doesn’t even realize how Oprah changed this tradition.
And, Oprah has made millions. Taking her success as a talk show host and parlaying it in to a production and distribution company, she has touched aspects of the film and television business that most of us do not even notice.
Earlier this week, the blog topic was “Absolute Power”. I would rarely say this about anyone but Oprah Winfrey has absolute power and has earned it.
Thanks to Oprah for blazing the trail for women – in so very many ways.
Could not agree more! I was talking to some men about this very thing last night and was shocked they did not see her in the same way. Thanks, Nancy.
Don’t forget about Stedman! Stedman made it alright for a male not to have to be a bread winner in the relationship. Thumbs Up.
Oprah took a big step as a woman by deciding that she did not have to get married. In today’s society, I feel that is still pretty out there. She understands her role in society as an independent, powerful woman. In doing so, she makes it socially alright for a woman to not get married if that is what she chooses.