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'The Oprah Effect': Has she influenced you?

Posted: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 5:20 PM by Ryan Osborn
Filed Under: ,

TODAY anchor Meredith Vieira talks to CNBC's Carl Quintanilla about their new special titled "The Oprah Effect," which explores how the talk show host turns no names into brand names. Check out the clip below:

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Oprah has influenced me; specifically to smile at strangers.  WOW!!!  It is a feel good moment between two people.  I do it every single day.

Laura Sudderth, Marysville CA (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 6:24 PM)

Oprah inspired me years ago before she became enamored with Hollywood.  Look at the history of her shows.  

Jane Doe (Sent Tuesday, May 26, 2009 11:01 PM)

It was a step-by-step process. First Oprah gained the respect and trust of her viewers by her earnestness  as a TV personality, her spirituality, her curiousity of things in and out of this world, and her generosity.
In other words, people may be buying products that she has mentioned on her show, but people are also  looking inward to understand themselves and humanity a little better,giving more to charity,learning how to take better care of their finances, family and friends, etc.  The list goes on.
It's not just product. It's the whole package.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 8:51 AM)

I knew Oprah when she was a nothing in Baltimore Maryland.  Her attorney worked day and night to get her the first good job she ever had in Chicago, which spiked her career.  He had to sue her for his fee.  She was an arrogant black woman who thought the world owed her everything because she was black. Oprah lucked out though, back in the 80's being black and a woman would get you anything! Look out people!!!

Gina Marie, Annapolis, Maryland (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:09 AM)

She makes you want to be a better person.  She is someone I truly admire in this world.  She is truly a gift from God to us.  I love you Oprah Winfrey!!!!  

Beth O'Connor Kingston MA (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:13 AM)

Yes.  Oprah influenced me to start a gratitude journal, introduced me to Maya Angelou, and most recently rid myself of years of baggage (stuff at home, in my closet, in boxes, etc)...so much so that my best friend buys me books by Angelou as birthday and Christmas gifts, I've gotten 2 other people (that I know of) including my best friend to start gratitude journals, and my family (entire household) "cleaned house".  Just yesterday May 26th we filled a midsize truck with clothing, shoes, toys, household items, books, etc and donated everything to a local ministry for families in need.   We have also increased our giving and volunteering in the community.  Thanks for asking.

Yolanda Hernandez, DePere, WI (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:16 AM)

Oprah does not inspire me.  Just because she can give away cars, promote books, and elect presidents does not make her an inspiration. It may make her powerful, but not inspirational.

Paula Springfield, IL (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:20 AM)

It just goes to prove that if you have a product that  women but also men want and the product placement is with someone of trust and character and credibility like Oprah it's bound to succeed. However even Oprah has had a few glitches like the movie Beloved, the two gentlemen who admitted they'd made up parts of their stories featured on Oprah. I love her books on insight and how to make a best life. If there had been no Oprah these two decades I perhaps would not be as empowered and enlightened.

Liz Seger, Port Colborne, Ont Canada (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:21 AM)

As someone who lives in her home state of Mississippi, I am deeply grateful for what Oprah has accomplished. As someone who is also working on building my brand, her example is not only inspiring but humbling.

Cyrus A. Webb, Meridian, MS (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:27 AM)

Oprah has influenced me in a good way through her interesting programs that help us to become more mentally and physically healthy.  And, through it all, she shows her own struggles with life.  I'm not into the same type of books she reads or maybe agree with her on all things, but she does a darn good job in helping others and being a good influence.

patricia steward (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:31 AM)

Oprah is wonderful.She continues to do so much good in the world and helps connect people to the broader spectrum of light and love through love in action. She helps equip those with ears and hearts to listen to the kaleidoscope of life.

Kathleen Leasure, Florence, OR (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:35 AM)

Let's not think of Oprah as an influence, like we are like lemmings following blindly, but that she shares and publicizes issues we all face in our lives.  Now we know we're "not alone" and also her show directs us to actions we can take to resolve the issues.

Lisa, Dallas, Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:41 AM)

Oprah inspires me to want to know more about lifes stumbling blocks however I am disappointed that she is so uneducated about the Bible and its information on how to live life. She goes where many wont sometimes and inspires us to not be afraid to ask questions to learn and understand.

Cindy Howard, West Milton, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:01 AM)

I use to care about Oprah, but once I found out she doesn't have a clue about God, that was it for me. She actually said on national television that there is all these ways to God. This way,that way and her way.  Not true.  Only one way.  Ask scripture states, no one comes to the Father except through me. Period. The end. I hope she gets it right before she closes her eyes that final time.  Because all she has and is will not matter a hill of beans then. I feel sorry for her, I actually do. To have so much, but yet have nothing.

Marcia B. Thomas (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:26 AM)

She did inspire me in the beginning.  I am from MS and the way she began is an inspiration to all to remember that, no matter how you start in life, you can achieve great things.  However, I am disappointed in how she has chosen to become commercialized over the years.  She is now nothing more than a brand name.  Yes, she does do wonderful things for others but she does it while getting a profit.  That takes away the greatness to a degree.  Instead of true help to all, she now makes or breaks a few.  I am saddened to know that the determination she once showed has been turned into a fake sense of reality.  Ratings mean more than people now, and because of that, I no longer watch her show.

Christi McMillen, Pontotoc, Mississippi (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:29 AM)

Not in any way.

Amie, Dayton, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 11:15 AM)

While I admire Oprah, and many with her high visibility, it annoys me right now that those who can easily cut back and show BY ACTION they they want to contribute to this economy aren't but so many MUST.  Not hating, but all the green lightbulbs in the world don't say much if you're still living in a mansion.

Just a random rant. I respect Oprah and admire her and have taken to heart so much of what she's said over the years.

But like when she had the show on about the huge garbage thing in the water the size of Texas (or larger, forgot) SHE AND A MERE FEW OF HER AFFLUENT BUDDIES could hire a team to begin to clean it up. Yeah, I can watch my litter, but those who can do the most in a short matter of time are just talking about it, making themselves look concerned.  Not really impressed.  

Patricia, NJ (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 11:16 AM)

Opra doesn't influence me because I don't watch her show.  Nothing personal, I don't watch day-time talk shows.  I admire her for what she has made of herself, however.

Joan, Palmyra, VA (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 12:16 PM)

Not in the least...

Gaynell Michel, Louisiana (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 12:30 PM)

oprah inspiries herself. she is so full of herself. she acts like she's a god well she is not. she is just someone who was at the right place at the right time. sorry she seems phony to me

debra tesoriero (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 12:31 PM)

The Oprah Effect has for sure changed many things in the world and from a man's point of view I can tell you she changed my life, she caused two divorces because of her show, It's true...First wife became an addict and left me after 17 years for someone better to buy her more things, Wife number two was from Eastern Europe and never had much as a child and Oprah said she could be anything she wanted to be if she just followed her, and again she left me for her Lawyer from the courtroom... So you see Oprah is very powerful and mind bending towards women and the family home.. Good Luck Men, I bet I'am not the only one out there..

Dan Tompkins, Jacksonville, North Carolina (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 1:35 PM)

I guess I'm the minority.  I'm not an Oprah fan. She doesn't seem to really care what people are saying, she seems to always look away while they are talking.  And it seems she likes to tell everyone what she has done.  As the bible says, don't let the left hand see what the right hand is doing and she brags and puts her name on everything she does.  Not cool. So many give to charity and you don't find out about it until they die.   Also, the items that are given away on her show are from the companies, not her.   And then there is Obama ... does she only like him because of his color? It just seems like it.  He is a highly intelligent man, but she is all over people if they are black and successful.  That just makes me mad.  Like people for who they are, not what they are.

Gail Springfield IL (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 2:15 PM)

Oprah is a big inspiration to me - people that she has interviewed on her show who maybe cannot walk, or have cancer or who have been burned, the list goes on...  I feel the inspiration from those people and it does not make your own problems seem so bad.  She is very generous with her money - and what a good feeling it is to give - probably one of the best feelings in the world or to know that you have maybe helped someone in some little way.  She makes the world a better place...

sharon Grigg, Keller, TX (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 3:15 PM)

Oprah inspires me because she really cares about what happens to others.She does whatever it takes to better other peoples lifes.She is not afraid of letting us see that she goes through rough times like the rest of us.

Diann Killebrew (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 4:48 PM)

Oprah has inspired me for so many, many years, Meredith,  It fascinates me that if anything is on the Oprah show from Acai berries to Dr Phil to Nate Berkus, it and they become an overnight sensation.  As a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry, specializing in Geriatrics, I always dream that she will find me and make me famous and rich, of course.  Boy, would that be wonderful.  She is a golden egg and a good egg.  Thanks, Marilyn

Marilyn Earle, Bluffton, SC (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 4:54 PM)

Oprah has inspired me to always think positive no matter what obstacles try to interfere. There is always a solution if you seek it you will find it.

Jackie Perez, Yonkers NY (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 7:02 PM)

It should also be mentioned, Barack Obama became more broadly known when he came on Oprah's show promoting his book "The Audicity of Hope", which sold very well. However, it was on her show that Oprah was infusive and eagerly suggested that Barack run for POTUS. Even though he was introduced to America with that speech at John Kerry's Democratic Convention, it was his visit to Oprah's show that launched him into the consciousness of the net roots of the Democratic Party. The visit to Oprah started the "Draft Obama for President Movement" in this country. I think she should be given more credit for the sucess of his campaign, although she does not seem to seek credit. P.S. Her fundraisers for Brack were awsome.

ct (Sent Thursday, May 28, 2009 6:50 PM)



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