Oprah's philanthropy centers on her "Angel Network," a charity that seeks to "make a difference in the lives" of underprivileged people. In addition, she contributes to girls' education in South Africa and young black men's college education in the U.S.
In contrast to other talk shows and women's magazines that seek out the lowest common denominator in personal behavior, Oprah has targeted women who want to take charge of their lives, who want to have successful relationships, who long for a sense of self - esteem and who desire meaning outside of themselves. In her quest to reach others where they are, Oprah offers a brand of spirituality that sets feeling as its center. She once said that she was "guided by a higher calling." Oprah, however, defines the calling as a feeling, not a reasoned voice. "If it doesn’t feel right to me, I don’t do it."
Oprah's philosophically bland spirituality focuses on her audience feeling good about themselves and their possibilities; it teaches them to believe they can do better without placing any limits or demands on themselves. It also appeals to the human desire to be in control of your own destiny. Acknowledgement of the "goodness of life" by writing entries in a "Gratitude Journal" is an indicator of the fact that even if they haven’t yet arrived, at least they are headed in some positive, if ill - defined, direction. But is she? Are they?
Oprah has certainly connected with her target audience! Not since 1963 and the release of Betty Friedan's Feminine Mystique has anyone so captured the heart of America's women. But what a look back over the decades reveals is that no matter who brings the optimistic, feel-good, "you - can - do - it" message, and no matter what may be missing in the messenger's own life, there are vast numbers of women who are searching for "more", whatever that might mean. Some, who feel empty, would call it meaning or purpose or strength for life's challenges. Those who are crushed long for a reason to hope; they want something to rekindle their dreams. Others, merely wounded by the slings and arrows of life but with hopes that still flicker, seek the inner resources to try yet again to become all they can be.
Oprah's fame, fortune and professional success give her views about life tremendous allure, provided you don't look too far beneath the surface. She rekindles hope and renews the spirit of those who have given up on their dreams, but some women whose attempts at self - reform have fallen short time and time again recognize the limitations of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. Some women recognize the necessity for a theological framework to ground faith. Those women doubt that "feeling good" is a sufficient roadmap for spirituality. Others see their immense need of redemption and transformation; they recognize that the gospel of "being positive" comes up short, that faith in faith alone does not bring us home to the Truth, the Way, the Life – the One called Emmanuel, God with us.