So, after our lengthy discussion about Oprah and everything she represents just through her talk show I got to thinking. I actually started thinking about Ellen Degeneres and her talk show - is she the next Oprah?
I think it is very possible that Ellen could have an equally positive impact through her talk show. Oprah emphasizes her lending hand given out to those less privileged; this has become a significant element in Ellen's talk show. She gives brand new cars to families who cannot afford them on their own, but require the mobilization, I'd say this counts. But, this brings another question, are we just focusing on material reality?
We see this type of reality in Extreme Home Makeover when the family is given a bigger house, the one they were living in was so small two people holding hands could touch either side of the room, and all of the children shared one bedroom; filled with bunk beds.
All of these reality makeover shows provide something that improves the materials a family or individual has to deal with. It may seem to be providing aid to the problem, but it simply appears this way to the uneducated eye; no one things about what happens when "the paint chips and we can still see the cracks" (figuratively speaking). These high power individuals provide potential for success, but the inability for these families/individuals to provide for themselves beyond this help is where we see problems. For example, the extremely high mortgage on a new house, or the monthly car payments on the generous 2010 model car.
What is given seems to relate to material wealth - it states then, that our society is infatuated with this as a statement of success. So, I go to say are they really helping, or just doing so to make money off of a television show.
I know this might be stretch, don't get me wrong, Oprah building a school in Africa is nothing but good. But the isolated individual being put on the spot because of falling on hard times, or psychological struggles does not always benefit from the aid that is given.
My point is, does these individuals know the burden that is potentially placed based on their generous donation? Or do they simply do good deeds strictly to benefit those in need.
It goes back to a societal view, the American dream, from rags to riches. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps - that's what makes a success story. So, in fact, these people are given a little boost, but still expected to make it for themselves.
Are these shows for entertainment? information? of course, if they just wanted to do a good deed it wouldn't need to be on their show. They as well as everyone else values, and expects to see the display of material wealth in reality television shows.
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