A legacy can be defined as something that someone has achieved that continues to exist after their efforts or work has ceased.
After 25 years of the Oprah Winfrey Show, few can argue that her legacy did nothing less than inspire women to reach for the stars.
The Oprah Winfrey Show recently met its end. On May 25, viewers around America tuned in to the popular talk show to bid it farewell.
The former talk show host has been featured on the annual Time 100 Most Influential People a total of nine times and was deemed one of the 20th century’s most influential people, along with the likes of Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Her achievement list goes beyond several political leaders in the world today. However, given the fact that Winfrey is nothing more than a talk show host, can we really consider her a figure that has influenced our society for a span of 25 years?
The debate raises the issue of whether or not Winfrey should be considered simply an entertainer or one of the most influential women in the world.
It is no secret that Winfrey has influenced the opinions of millions around the globe. The Oprah Winfrey show is currently the highest-rated talk show in American television history.
The talk show host’s widespread popularity allowed her to connect with women of all backgrounds.
“[Winfrey] nevertheless managed to preach conventional, nonthreatening values to women,” said Frances Loden, professor of Women Studies at CSU East Bay. “She inspired ordinary women.”
Topics discussed on the show penetrated into American pop culture and often raised awareness of several controversial issues.
However, some argue that her message was not always of a positive nature. “[Winfrey] made a lot of women feel that the solution to their problems is their own actions rather than systemic or institutional change,” said Loden. “She does not promote collective action.”
Nonetheless, Winfrey did have an extensive impact on American society, but to compare her legacy to that of political activists and figures who defined a nation may be a bit drastic.
Activism can be defined as an effort to bring about social, political, or economic change. Martin Luther King Jr. lived for a cause and was an iconic figure in the advancement of the civil rights movement. Winfrey cannot compare to figures of such importance and power.
Is it possible that her legacy was financially driven, a mere effort to boost ratings and promote the Winfrey empire?
“I never bought her crap,” said business major Jacqueline Kennedy. “Her target market was women of all ages and she played her cards wisely. There’s no doubt she’s a brilliant business woman.”
Winfrey’s empire includes more than the celebrated Oprah Winfrey Show. Winfrey increased her media domination by launching O, The Oprah Magazine, Oprah.com, and the well-known Oprah Book Club.
The media tycoon was once the world’s only African American billionaire and is currently among the Forbes 400 richest Americans.
We live in a capitalist, money driven society. Winfrey has always aspired to be a successful, wealthy individual. As many view her as an inspirational figure, Winfrey considers money and success to be her inspiration.
“I always knew I’d be a millionaire by age thirty-two. In fact, I am going to be the richest black woman in America,” said Winfrey.
Above all else, Winfrey is first an entertainer.
