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DiversityInc readers are reacting feverishly to the wave of Oprah Winfrey bashing that the daytime-television queen has endured this week since opening her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Johannesburg, South Africa. While critics have taken Winfrey to task on everything--from spending $40 million to creating the school to choosing to build in South Africa--the vast majority of DiversityInc readers have come to Winfrey's defense, saying her efforts should be applauded. 

We have had dozens of responses to our two stories on Oprah and the school. Read the two stories here and here.

Here are some of the most provocative reader responses, both in support of Winfrey and criticizing her efforts:

"After reading this article, I was immediately taken aback because all the studies show that children perform better when they feel better. Hence the need for beautiful surroundings, running water, indoor plumbing and that includes 200 thread count sheets.

"I am not seeing the huge issue. If we remember correctly Oprah tried to assist black Americans in Chicago that resided in the Cabrini Green Housing Projects. She lost that battle, yet she tried. This woman is damned if she does and damned if she does not. I applaud her efforts, and most importantly, I applaud her ability to honor her word. She made a promise to Nelson Mandela and honored that promise. She has restored my faith in people! I celebrate her awesome gesture to ensure these young girls a prosperous future with endless possibilities, as well as restoring their faith in life!

"I have not always been a fan of Oprah, but today I certainly am!"

--LaDonna Upshaw

"Racism is alive and well in both South Africa and the U.S.  I'm floored by the nerve of white people bashing Oprah for trying to repair an injustice perpetrated by white people!  It's called reparations. And, surprise, surprise ... it's 'not' a handwritten check."

--Claudette Perry

"I am finding the information I have been reading on your site and in the newspapers rather intriguing.  For the record, I am a white Canadian female. I think that what Oprah is doing for the future of South Africa is commendable. I suspect the reason there are so many naysayers has to do with jealousy or envy, perhaps because she didn't set up the school in America so the United States can ultimately take credit for it. Good for Oprah for following her heart to do what she has always done! At the end of the day it is her money to do what she likes with it and who are we to tell her how she should spend it, especially when it is for the good of human kind."

--Bonnie LaPlante

Regina, Sk. Canada

"I am a South African and was interested to read your article on Oprah bashing following the opening of her leadership school in my country. 

"Whilst Oprah's humanitarian efforts are indisputable and perhaps unmatched, I am concerned about the students who have been admitted into the school under the guise of being previously disadvantaged.  Watching the opening of the school on national and international news, I became aware of how eloquent many of the children are. It is certain that the families of these children have experienced oppression during the Apartheid era; however I would hazard a guess that many of these children and their parents have had access to resources and opportunities.  Were this to be true, it would be in stark contrast to many South African girl children who are faced with a range of threats to their empowerment and survival. These take the form of violence, lack of educational opportunities, HIV infection, and lack of parenting and premature adult responsibilities being thrust upon them.

"Oprah needs to be wary of the current state of affairs in our country. While efforts at Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) have been widespread, for many South Africans the reality is that BEE has served to create an elite and privileged group of black people.  I believe foreign investment in the development of the people of South Africa is essential provided this investment reaches the people it is meant for--the alternative simply means that we create further rifts between privileged and deprived, oppressor and oppressed."

--Visha Gokaldas

"I am an African-American woman with teenage children. While education was the Holy Grail for me, to them, it is but a nuisance.  They neither care for nor appreciate what their ancestors went through to get them the education they so revile.  Unfortunately, their attitude is reflected among many black teenagers (and many white) across the country. While their [sic] are many black teens who will go on to graduate high school and then college, far too many will not. I say this to say that what Oprah has done in South Africa is wonderful.  Those children have no chance of a meaningful education without a benefactor to help them.  Here you can get an education. We have public schools and community colleges and state colleges. It may be not be Harvard, Cornell or Yale, but you are getting the same information. People will always find a way to put others down. Are any of these bloggers helping educate the underprivileged youth of America, Africa or anywhere else?  I doubt it.  There has never been an instance in American history where a black woman has so much power, and wealth; it sticks in some peoples throats.  I do not always agree with everything that Oprah does.  I do not usually agree with everything anyone does, but I respect her.  At least she is doing something.  We should all take a page from her book."

--Bonita Yarboro, J.D. LLM.

Senior Claims Officer

Compliance Manager

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