Oprah's Award an Insult to a True Hero

Published on July 7, 2005 By Texas Wahine In Current Events

Oprah, Rusesabagina Given Freedom Awards

Both individuals are receiving the National Civil Rights Museum's Freedom Award (National for Oprah, and International for Paul Rusesabagina). These awards recognize their sacrifices and efforts to aid their fellow man.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't believe that Oprah's fit to tie Paul Rusesabagina's shoe. I think it diminishes the public's understanding of the horror he lived through, the amazing heroism of his deeds, and the monumental sacrifice he gave in order to save the lives of those he hid, protected, and provided for during the 1994 slaughter in Rwanda . This man risked his own life, not just to save his family and friends, but to save the lives of people he didn't even know.

His story is inspirational beyond words.

He deserves this honor and many, many more.

Oprah is a great American success story. Yes, she owns a company and has her own TV show. Yes, she overcame many setbacks and hurtful events in order to reach her current level. Yes, she's supported the National Child Protection Act and other causes. And yes, she has made trips to Africa and gives large amounts of money away to help care for the children she visits.

But how can you compare someone risking his own life and courageously saving the lives of more than 1,200 individuals...knowing that he would have to give up everything he had...his business success, his home, and possibly even his wife and children...in order to save these people....with a woman expressing support for this and that and giving away an amount of money that is staggering to common folks, but by no means a sacrifice on her part?

She earned her award in celebrity comfort and without risk to her safety or any other aspect of her life. Paul Rusesabagina earned his award at great personal cost and personal danger.

I'm not saying that Oprah doesn't deserve to be recognized for her acts of charity or her advocacy, but it makes me a little ill to see her name in the title with his, and to know that the two of them will be receiving the same level of recognition.

Comments

Texas Wahine

on Jul 07, 2005

Whoringly keeping this from being buried.

bakerstreet

on Jul 07, 2005

It's a stark contrast, no doubt. Why not Colin Powell? Why not one of the many "firsts" that have achieved roles in our national government in the last few years? WHy not the first black Supreme Court Justice?

Instead we elevate the Oprahs and the Tiger Woods of the world.

Texas Wahine

on Jul 07, 2005

Bakerstreet:

It's a stark contrast, no doubt.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees that.

Why not Colin Powell? Why not one of the many "firsts" that have achieved roles in our national government in the last few years? WHy not the first black Supreme Court Justice?

Exactly. I don't mean to make light of Oprah's accomplishments because she certainly done some amazing things...but when you put her next to someone like Rusesabagina, it just seems sickeningly inappropriate to me.

Is Oprah, who is primarily known as basically an icon for housewives, really the best black American to honor with this award?

Further, her financial contributions, while large, are not so impressive when you compare them, as a percentage of income, to that of many average Americans. I have family members who've given to their community and charities and people in need on the same level as most celebrities, percentage-wise.

This celebrity worship crap is rotting our brains.

cactoblasta

on Jul 08, 2005

I heard she's prepping for a political career. Maybe this was just an easy step on the way? A few dollars to the right people and she's got a civil rights award!

I agree with you Tex - there has to be more deserving targets. But I suppose when you have a small committee sifting through thousands of applications or recommendations the easy solution is just to give it to someone whose name you recognise. Sad really.

-----

on Jul 08, 2005

I agree...

Community AT Work

on Jul 08, 2005

Its probably racism... because she is rich and AMAZINGLY Black as well, she gets the award. In other words, she HAS to be a really special person because she is rich beyond belief and Black. AMAZING!!!

I mean, a Black person rising to this level? WOW. That is the only thing I can think of as to why she got it. I mean, why not Bill Gates or Rick Ruben? Why not Bono from U2?

(As far as that French store situation her only saving grace could be the possibility that she called ahead and they told her to come to the store anyway... they do that for celebrities so people won't bother them while they are shopping. If she just went to the store expecting it to just open for her then she gets little_whip's award LOL )

Dr Guy

on Jul 08, 2005

This celebrity worship crap is rotting our brains.

That is the most insightful statement here, and gets right to the heart of the matter. You should have made that the title.

Great article anyway, and I agree totally.

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!