Why Oprah 2020 May Not Be Such A Good Idea | The Odyssey Online
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Politics and Activism

Why Oprah 2020 May Not Be Such A Good Idea

There is no such thing as "your truth."

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Why Oprah 2020 May Not Be Such A Good Idea
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Oprah Winfrey became the first black woman to receive the Cecil B. DeMille award at the Golden Globes on January 7, and upon accepting the award, she dazzled the crowd and our televisions with an uplifting and empowering speech that many have argued would make her an excellent candidate for president.

She spoke of the injustice of sexual harassment in the workplace, which put women of all races and shades on their feet. However, I would argue that there are a couple of reasons why Oprah would not make the greatest president.

1. There is no such thing as "your truth."

Oprah said, "What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool that we all have." She made a mistake. There is the truth, and there is your opinion, but "your truth" encourages men, women, and children to declare whatever feels good and right to you, which isn't always a correct representation of reality. The people of this country don't need to be encouraged to live in their own little world.

2. Oprah was with Hillary Clinton.

Now, I am not here to discuss Clinton's political views. What I view as problematic is not a liberal vs. conservative debate. Oprah was "with her" precisely and only because she is a woman. During an interview with Good Morning America, she said, "I would also say that regardless of your politics, you cannot be a woman in the world and not see that this is a monumental time for women breaking the ceiling." Talk about sexism that we are so desperately trying to avoid.

3.Oprah sounds all too much like the politicians we love to hate.

This was clearly a feel-good speech. Oprah did not imply that anything will be done, just that she didn't like it. She said, "And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say 'me too' again."

This sounds wonderful, but just how will we develop those leaders? What magical time is this when no one will ever be sexually assaulted again? Even though no one likes the topic and most people in their right minds think that sexual harassment is wrong, her speech is missing action.

In all, Oprah sounds like a good idea on paper and in media print, but in practice, we may need someone with a little more grip on reality.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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