Oprah Winfrey is quite possibly one of the most influential people of our time. Sixty years ago African Americans were still denied civil rights in our country, and there was not a chance that somebody would be able to say that an African American women had the power to be highly influential. It is amazing how much our country has changed since then. Oprah Winfrey was extremely poor growing up, and made her fame and fortune by working her way up to the top. Her talk show premiered in 1984, and audiences immediately loved her. At the time most talk shows were hosted by white males, so many people did not expect her show to be as successful as it was. Oprah broke many taboos on her talk show. Her fun yet bold personality immediately changed the talk show world. In Herman Grey’s reading, “where have all the black shows gone” he talks about how shows with black casts have been segregated into less popular networks, Oprah was able to remain on ABC, one of the most influential networks, despite being African American. Oprah was very open to discussing issues that went against our societies hegemonies, such as LGBT people, biracial relationships, violence in schools, etc. Her openness and positive personality has led to a very large and diverse group of followers. Oprah is an icon, which is why anything she says or does on her show has the ability to influence people all over the world. CNN calls this “The Oprah Effect”, when Oprah talks about a product or company that she admires, business for that company sky- rockets. Oprah is considered to be the best advertiser for any product in the world. If Oprah likes your product and says so on her show, business for your product will expand faster then one could ever imagine. Oprah herself is a phenomenon. In chapter five Cullen discusses television, and how it has evolved into one of the most influential forms of popular culture, people everywhere have access to Oprah’s show. Oprah has the ability to take a small business that is failing or unpopular due to lack of funds and the ability to advertise, and turn it into a million dollar company. Oprah has recently announced that her show will end in 2011, this will be the end of an era for our culture. Although Oprah is continuing in the television world in other ways, fans will no longer be able to tune in every day and watch America’s favorite personality.
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