Oprah Winfrey is the champion of the dissolute, the dissipated, the depraved, and the downtrodden. At the end of each of her shows, she makes it clear where she stands on an issue. Often, this clear stance is to rally behind the pained. In her shows, the audiences ‘feel virtuous for gaping at the misfortunes of others.’ Oprah’s shows are dead-serious in making sure that Oprah exists to help others.
This quality of ‘seriousness’ is what makes Oprah achieve a reputation of being credible, reliable, and authoritative. The desired effect is achieved: her audiences believe her. They believe what she says. They fall for her advices. They trust her endorsements.
There are loopholes out of Oprah’s charismatic ways, of course. The New York Times wrote in an article a few years back about the ‘Oprah show’s tendency to hype plastic surgery without mentioning the risks.’
On several of her shows, as well as in her website and magazine, Oprah promoted Thermage, a procedure where radio waves are used to tighten skin and smooth out wrinkles. She missed mentioning the downside of the treatment: it comes with tremendous pain and it doesn’t always work.
On her shows, Oprah is a down-to-earth Everywoman who is an equal to her audience. While she has the same problems with yo-yoing weight, work stress, etc., the fabulously wealthy Oprah of real life is not the same as the television Oprah. She is not her audience’s peer. Fact is, ‘she is an unapproachable billionaire with a private jet and homes around the country who hangs out with movie stars. She is not married and has no children.’
Oprah inspires, especially those who need motivation. Oprah heals, especially those who are emotionally distraught. Oprah helps, especially those who have come to their rope’s end. By doing all these, Oprah laughs all the way to the bank.
Oprah, the Everywoman, is a brand with a net worth of $2.5 billion.
Via Newsweek
