Blog 5

“EMHE” and “Oprah” basically focus on individuals in society that are in some way deprived or lacking.  Particularly with EMHE, the program focuses on how the state has failed families that are deserving of more in life.  Oprah focuses on people like this as well, but also teaches people “The Secret”, being that people must embrace their situation instead of blaming society and accept responsibility for their fate and move forward.  The ideas behind these shows is based on capitalist ideals.  Capitalism teaches society that we are responsible for our place, and that every individual has the opportunity to be successful, while is not necessarily true of America today. Neoliberalism focuses on economic liberation and privatization, which leads to a divide in economic classes. Peck emphasizes the divide between the “haves” and the “have-nots” in our society, and how economic divisions have been exacerbated by these ideas of capitalism.  American politics asserts that those at the top are rewarded for their hard work, and that those on the bottom are there because of their own will.  EMHE looks at individuals who are on the latter end of this, but paints them as not responsible for their class standing.  Oprah looks at these individuals too, but tries to teach them “The Secret” implying that they can attain greater standing if they adhere to the “law of attraction”.

The authors of both readings critique the ways these programs engage with their guests and audeinces. EMHE shows audiences about “real people” in society, who appear to be deserving of rewards.  The community is drawn together, and Christian principles paint a caring, giving community that wants to help out a deserving family.  Palmer makes the point that may people benefit from this process, but that the program creates the illusion that only the subject family is being helped.  Commercial interests are still at the heart of this program, and businesses like Sears, local businesses, and the ABC network receive arguably the best kind of PR for their involvement.  They are seen as charitable, as giving back and inspiring people with a ‘can-do’ attitude.  Although EMHE seems socially responsible, it is using mutual exploitation to benefit each side, and ultimately is still produced to be sold to an audience.  Oprah is criticized for her ideological message in Winfrey’s Leadership Academy project and in her promotion of The Secret. She is criticized for simplifying how to teach people how to lead a successful life, and teaching people that they can overcome inequality by just being positive.  She has been criticized for helping a small group of South African girls while there are many impoverished U.S. communities.  Oprah, like EMHE, focuses on individuals that are “deserving”.  She says that she selected those girls in Africa because they showed they were willing and eager to learn.

I think that Oprah definitely ignores a lot of the inequalities people are faced with, and this whole concept behind “The Secret” is far-fetched.  Its nice to believe that if we take advantage of our disadvantages and exert more positive energy we will receive it, but I don't think this can really be applied (at least to this economic extent) in our society today.  As the readings made clear, it takes more than a positive attitude to succeed in American society, and may people are deprived the resources to do so.