Oprah!!

Now that is one of the most recognized names in America. Once again she is using this to better others, but still my biggest reservation about her show is: what is the true message this show is sending? Sure, we see ordinary people going out and accomplishing great things so unselfishly, but as we saw, the aren’t getting rejected. To me it is one huge product placement ploy for those who are donating money- what if the average person came up to them minus the Oprah vehicle, camera crew, etc? Would they be so willing to donate then? I fear the message this show is sending is that it takes the support of a celebrity with great connections to be successful at fund raising. This society is already obsessed with immulating what the rich and famous are doing, but now it is as if we need their help to make a difference. I am excited that people are getting the help they need, but this is showing only the positives- i.e. when people actually give vs. having to work hard and still get rejected from time to time!

Oprah’s Big Give

After reading the posts of several classmates, I find that I agree with a lot of what they had to say. I think there is too much reality television these days. I think that in a way, this new tv show kind of exploits the idea of giving for the sake of giving. However, I do see that a lot of good could come from this show. It’s showing people how to reach out and help each other. Perhaps the show will instill these values in the contestants, the people they help and the people who watch the show. The feeling you have after helping someone less fortunate can be overwhelming. Maybe this show is what America needs to encourage giving to those in need.

Oprah’s Big Give??

I’m jumping on the bandwagon again and going with the popular post for this week: Oprah’s Big Give

I’ve never been sure what to think about Oprah.  She uses her fame to do a lot of good things but I also think she’s a little too influential/powerful.  I like that she encourages people to read through her book of the month, but if I find out a certain book is on her list I’m less likely to read it because she’s endorsed it.  I feel like it takes away from things when Oprah steps in.  I think she’s encouraging fads and I’m completely against fads of any type.

Her new show follows her old trends.  Oprah comes up with an idea and slaps her name on it, and guess what, it’s a big hit and everyone wants to watch.  I like how people who are in need are benefiting from the money raised on the show.  However, I don’t like that it’s a reality show and people have to be kicked off.  Instead, everyone would benefit if they could stay on and learn more.  That would encourage viewers not to give up just because someone else does a better job at raising money.  I also don’t like that the winner receives money.  I think the show should have kept with its theme and instead they could make a major donation in that person’s name to any charity that person wants.  That way the person is still rewarded and they continue to give.  Because of the theme of the show, I hope the winner spends the money on helping others rather than spending on his/herself.  My last problem with the show is that it has Oprah’s name on it.  I haven’t seen it and I’m sure she makes appearances but I feel that if it was just called The Big Give it would encourage viewers to go out and do the same.  Her name on their is like an endorsement that really doesn’t help the cause.  I think being on TV alone is enough of an endorsement and all the stars making appearances will help with donations.  Oprah didn’t need to slap her name on there.  I’m sure she felt she had to since she’s sponsoring all of it but I think it takes away from the theme of giving.

Oprah’s big GIVE?

I think Oprah’s new show, Oprah’s Big Give definitely sends a strong message to anyone who watches it.  It shows the amazing impact you can have on somebody’s life if you just help a little.  However, I am very curious to see just how much Oprah is profiting off of this show, that may end up being very popular.  The real question here is, what will Oprah do with all the money she’s rolling in once this show gets off the ground? (if it does)

Oprah’s Big Give-A positive

After watching the ABC show, “Oprah’s Big Give,” I became hooked on yet another reality t.v. show. Through out the past I’ve watched Survivor and The Amazing Race, but became bored with them after a while. I believe this show could be a great inspiration for our society. This is one of the few reality shows that involves people working towards helping others rather than themselves.  After all, most reality shows have a million dollar prize or a rich celebrity to win/fall in love with. All of these contestants auditioned to be on the show without ever asking what was in it for them.  These people really do care about giving back, and I believe this is great turning point in reality t.v. The process in which these contestant raise money for people in need within 5 days is definitely eye-opening, especially since  it shows how  normal people can make a difference in others’ lives. I can’t wait for next week’s show!