Oprah Winfrey: A Modern Day Thomas Jefferson
Stephanie Paul
August 23, 2010
Professor Adam Kadlac
Arts and Humanities: Twentieth Century and Beyond
Oprah Winfrey: A Modern Day Thomas Jefferson
Oprah Winfrey did not start out successful, she was born to a broke single mother in the backwoods of Mississippi. You would never know that looking at where she is today. As one of modern societies most iconic figures, Oprah Winfrey continues to lead American with her presence. I consider Oprah Winfrey a modern day Thomas Jefferson because she has always pursued happiness, liberty and zest for life. Through her talk show she has inspired, encouraged, and led millions in many issues.
Oprah Winfrey was born in Mississippi and lived with her grandmother for the first six years of her life. After her mother found a job she was able to move in with her but this turned into a big problem. As a young black teenager, Winfrey was promiscuous and rebellious due to the lack of supervision from her mother. At age 14 she had a miscarriage, which led to her moving to Tennessee to stay with her father. This turned out to be the best decision for Oprah because it was when she got her big break. Starting out at a radio station and working her way up to a prime time television talk show (Academy of Achievement. 2010).
Once she had America’s attention she captured our hearts with her genuine personality and stage presence. I believe that Oprah’s show hit it big with viewers because of her big personality and because it was one the first shows to do giveaways for the whole audience. These giveaways were not the only popular feature from the show, the personal stories and advice that Oprah gives also made it popular. With the recent announcement that this years season will be Oprah’s last many viewers are sad. Many of them watch her show daily and feel like she is so relatable through her guests that they are sad to see her go. I know that Oprah’s presence will continue in...