Oprah's Big Give tonight!!

[shermanslave]

Posted: 3/2/08 at 2:27pm

Is anyone else planning on watching this tonight? I don't know why I am so into it, but I think it's going to be great. I guess I am just like every other middle aged woman in America and will do as the Oprah tells me.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 3/3/08 at 1:15am

it just didn't do it for me. I suppose if they didn't constantly mention how much was raised, it might be different....but it just didn't seem sincere.....

[pab]

Posted: 3/3/08 at 1:37am

Had Enough of Oprah?

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 3/3/08 at 1:40am

I didn't watch and don't intend to. I think is is so tacky when people brag about how much good they are doing. Just do it. I would rather watch Big Brother where you KNOW the people are smarmy and admit they are in it for the money. All this patting your self on the back because you do so much for people just kind of chafes my hide.

[tazber]

Posted: 3/3/08 at 7:58am

This review from USA Today sums up my feelings exactly about this show.

Good works clash with bad behavior, altruism shares space with publicity-masked-as-charity, all wrapped in the familiar reality-genre clichés. And at the stomach-churning center is that old American TV belief that every problem can be solved with a take-home prize, without any consideration for underlying difficulties.
USA Today

Updated On: 3/3/08 at 07:58 AM

[uncageg]

Posted: 3/3/08 at 10:33am

I am over Oprah. Have been for a while.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/3/08 at 11:45am

That USA Today article says it nicely. The Big Give raises people's problems to the level of game show. And what if the team fails to provide properly for the "poor person?" What happens then? More shame and humiliation and psychological scarring for someone who already has lost alot.

It's a bad gimmick. It's a nice thought for sure, but down on their luck or grieving folks should not be made fodder for the general public. It's a little exploitative.

It did make me cringe when they took a family who lost their father 6 weeks ago to Target for a toy shopping spree. I mean, sure kids love toys, but to me it sent the wrong message.

[touchmeinthemorning]

Posted: 3/3/08 at 1:17pm

Oprah is a paradox to me.

Show #1 is about how we should give things to those less fortunate.

Show #2 is about how things aren't important.

Show #3 is Oprah discussing her favorite things.

Show #4 is about how people hoard things.

Someone needs to truly discuss that paradox. The Big Give is truly the epitome of that. I'm all about giving, and I certainly think this show does more to help America than Big Brother, but the narrative told needs to be concise and not easily deconstructed by the masses.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 3/3/08 at 5:50pm

Those who fluant their charity are more interested in themselves than in those in need.

[shermanslave]

Posted: 3/3/08 at 10:07pm

I dunno... I kind of got into it. I think it could encourage others to do more for the less fortunate. Maybe?

[DBillyP]

Posted: 3/23/08 at 11:59pm

I watched this for the first time tonight. Two thoughts:

1. It's easy to give away SOMEONE ELSE'S money. (Note to Cameron: you're a dot-com millionaire; give away some of your own money.)

2. Only pretty people are charitable. Well, at least that's what this show makes you believe. Not an unattractive person among the contestants.

[verynewyorkcurious]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 12:21am

I miss Brothers & Sisters

[broadwaytourist]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 7:14am

IF I did watch it, it would be only for a regular view of Nate Berkus! What a cutie! I heard an interview with him the other day on Sirious OutQ, and he almost made me want to watch it. But I too am over the whole Oprah thing.

[Urban]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 9:25am

My theory is Oprah is like Mum from Futurama.