@flo I agree with you on “The people who are role models a lot of the times are people we never hear of.”
I understand about the gifts. I haven’t watched her show much in this last decade because it became too hollywood for me. I guess I’m talking more about the Oprah I saw in my teens and early adulthood. The Oprah that talked about the issues that no one else in the western mainstream media would talk about.
I’m not saying that Oprah is a better role model than any other decent good willed person. I only answered your question of “why Oprah?”. I understand why so many would choose her as role model. The amount of influence she has is absolutely astounding. We live in a culture that idolizes, and envies, the rich and famous. Of course there are going to be famous role models ..we talk about these role models because they are famous. Our society is addicted to its celebrities. I get your point and your frustration.
As for twisting arms and coaxing people to reveal things ..that’s what all major talk shows are like. There have been way worse ones than Oprah. Does that make it right? No, of course not. It’s just how it is. For all her flaws, I believe she genuinely cares for people (if she doesn’t ..then she’s one heck of an actress to be able to fool us for 25 years). This genuinity is what her viewers connected with. That’s her legacy.
I have plenty of role models ..some are famous but most are “every day” people. I am in no way a huge Oprah fan; but her story is certainly inspiring. Not the fact that she started out from poverty and became extremely wealthy; the inspiring part, for me, is what she’s done with that fame and wealth that so many other celebrities have not.
All this is just my humble opinion of course.