More Proof that Oprah Is An Idiot
I should say that she is a marketing and self-promoting genius, but deep down, about the things that matter, she doesn't have a clue. She talks about God and pretends to be deeply spiritual, but reveals on a regular basis that she has no real convictions or any understanding of specific theology. She talks about parenting and children all the time but has none and reveals her ignorance of the subject repeatedly. She has compared parenting to training her dogs...yeah right.
But last night she demonstrated that she doesn't understand the negative impact James Frey's fraudulent book has had on many people's lives. She continues to endorse the book, saying the underlying message of redemption is true. Watch this Video clip of Oprah talking about James Frey on Larry King Live. Read the transcript of James Frey's appearance last night on Larry King Live.
What's really bad about the fact that this memoir is so full of fiction that has been marketed as truth, is the fact that James has been so outspoken against AA and 12 Step programs as a means to beat addiction. He has claimed that he didn't need AA (often said to be the ONLY way to manage addiction) and that he beat it of his own strength and willpower, without a higher power or spiritual foundation. AA is big on honesty and admission of weakness, while James Frey makes it sound like strength and determination are all it takes. I think he has done real damage to addicts by steering them away from AA. Yes, the book was good, but I think the impact of this controversy is a lot more real than James' addiction.
posted by Mainline Mom @ 1/12/2006 09:06:00 AM
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I've not read the book, but I grew up in an AA household. I attended many of the meetings as well as the pre-teen meetings regularly.
Alcoholism is a disease that is tough to kick. In fact, AA teaches that you never kick it, you are always an alcoholic, even 30 years after your last drink. If someone has fallen victim to it, they most likely need professional help and aren't strong enough to channel their own will and determination.
You are exactly right. And from the way I see Oprah talk about the drink, I kind of wonder about her demons.
Now he claims that maybe the stuff outside of his clinic stay was embellished, but the bulk of the book which happened in the clinic is absolutely true. It is a brilliant ploy because he knows nobody can get to those records due to doctor-patient confidentiality. The more I learn about this guy the more he stinks.
I doubted this guy was serious all the way back when you first told me about the book. The fact that the book opens with him sitting on an airplane in a pool of his own vomit and urine with a gaping hole in his cheek made me wonder. Even pre 9/11, how does somebody like that get on a plane?
I don't think I've ever heard Oprah talk about drinking, so I'm curious about that.
Yeah, most of the characters from rehab are dead now, so nobody can ask them either. It's not just his book where he lied either, it seems he lied about his jailtime in interviews to promote the book. Specific questions about what jail was like, to which he told elaborate stories about reading to his cellmate for 3 months, all of which may be totally made up. The guy is addicted to lying.
I think it was her last Favorite Things or maybe the Rachel Ray episode where she was gasm-ing over a "good martini."
And then there's the whole 50th birthday bash where she got drunk or close to it and loved it, can't stop talking about it.
I just wish she wouldn't talk about it in that manner anymore.
I've long held that Oprah is the anti-Christ. However, I realize that this is an overstatement (no blasphemy intended). However, her power combined with the strong impression of her "look how great I am" attitude reminds me of what the such a person would be like. I could go on...but then it would be a post, not a comment. ;)
Hi my names Jim and I'm a grateful alcoholic.
People made money off of me on my way to addiction, and people want to make money off of me on my way to recovery. Be careful what you buy into as it may cost you your life. James Fry is a good example of that truth. For me it is apparent that his issue with A.A. revolves around honesty as that is the corner stone to the program. I've been clean and sober for over five years and what I like about A.A. best is I have some friends for the first time in my life and I'm over 50. Thank you for letting me share.
Jim - thank you so much for sharing with us! I'm really glad you have found some friends in AA and I hope you continue to stay sober
Yonzie - interesting...I myself love a good martini, but I haven't bragged about being drunk since shortly after college...I realize now how stupid that was
Redhead - very good point
people, she didn't read the book!
everybody needs to start thinking for themselves. under the pretense of being an avid reader she has been endorsing books that she doesn't read. Amazingly to cover her exposed prosterior, she attacked his integrity to distract the public from her own personal lack of honesty. who knew that the best spin doctor on tv was oprah?
AA is a very cult-like organization that might help some people, but is ultimately flawed in its intentions as members must admit they are powerless, which is simply not true.
James Frey is a crook.
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