Robert Bianco's review in USA Today does something almost unheard of in today's media: it rips into Oprah Winfrey! He hints at the "horrifying" and "stomach-churning" as he describes her new entry into the prime time TV market.
Oprah is more than a pop diva or ratings queen—she's really become something of a cultural chaplain, influencing worldviews, belief systems, and careers. And she's done it with a sort of untouchability when it comes to media criticism.
That's why it got my attention when Bianco's review took aim at her new "giving" show, "The Big Give."
"Anyone old-fashioned enough to believe in keeping acts of righteousness private should give a wide berth to Oprah's Big Give (ABC, Sunday, 9 ET/PT)…as reinterpreted by the Queen of All Media," he writes. It's an "Apprentice-type game that turns charity into a competitive sport, Give will strike you as immensely uplifting or horrifyingly vulgar, or an odd combo of both."
He then goes on to point out the odd coupling of two dynamics: "Good works clash with bad behavior, altruism shares space with publicity-masked-as-charity, all wrapped in the familiar reality-genre clichés," he says. "And at the stomach-churning center is that old American TV belief that every problem can be solved with a take-home prize, without any consideration for underlying difficulties."
I haven't seen an advanced version of the show yet, but I'm glad someone has called Ms. Winfrey out. "That your charitable deed may be in secret," says the scriptures, and at some point even Oprah has to get reigned in. As Bianco concluded: "There's no doubt everyone involved means well, but then you do know where that road paved with good intentions leads, right? And it isn't heaven."
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The reviewer is completely correct. The show is nothing but a vile greedfest of product placement. The charitable acts simply put a pleasant face on the reality show conventions of in-fighting and backbiting amongst the participants, sponsors getting their corporate logos screen-time, and pulling at the sappiest of heartstrings by using homeless people, people with Down's Syndrome, injured vets and probably three-legged puppies at some point as props.
The spiritual guideline that charity should be done in private is conveniently overlooked. The complex problems underlying the issues faced by the giftees is overlooked. And the qualifications of the judges (including a chef, an interior designer, Chris Rock's wife, and some man with a British accent to give a more pleasant Simon Cowell air to the whole thing) are not just questionable...they're ridiculous.
Like the Pharisee, Oprah always gives of her abundance. Hell, usually it's the abundance of her sponsors or her production company. Blessed was the woman who gave all that she had.
Did none of you notice that some of the contestants had previously given of themselves prior to being selected for this show? Yes, it's good to give with no thought of a return; but doesn't it feel good when one is acknowledged for having a giving spirit?
And, then again, there are those of us who think only of ourselves. What we want takes priority over everything else. Some of the contestants fit into this mold as well.
In my humble opinion, the show reflects society. Some people give because it's a part of their soul while others give strictly out of duty--it's what they're "supposed" to do! Some of the contestants didn't know how to give graciously (They put themselves above those who were receiving)while others were respectful and ever-mindful of the feelings of the recipients.
This show should have the audience becoming more introspective. Which contestant are you most like? What are your motives in giving? Do you expect a return when you give? Do you give from your heart or do you feel an obligation to give?
To all who believe that this will turn into just another back-stabbing reality show: Was I the only one who noticed that, in the previews, it's pointed out that the participants DON'T know they're competing for anything? They decided to take part in this show for the opportunity to give beyond their normal means.
Being a Christian myself, I've watched Oprah from the beginning. I have been apart of her audience several times. I have taken her hand- crafted gifts and received a signed letter of appreciation and there is no question that she is a "Giver", someone I greatly admire. Being a "Giver" is biblical and this is primarily why she's so successful, in my opinion. However, this show "The Big Give", has me a bit uneasy and I'm not quite sure why, except there seems to be so much going on. I watched the show with mixed emotions. I was happy, sad, anxious, confused, exhausted and glad it was over. If anyone should ask me, "How was Oprah's new show"? I could only say, "CHAOTIC".
One other comment about Oprah's "The Big Give" show is the host, Nate.
Nate was clearly out of his element and I felt his pain. He may get better with time, as the show progresses, but he was not the self- confident, cool, ever so talented "Interior Designer" we all know and love with his cute self. No doubt.
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