A letter to Oprah

Dear Ms. Winfrey,

Several weeks ago, I was reading a Stanley Crouch's editorial, on the New York Daily News website, about you and it possible to say something inside of me stirred. It was about you standing up to folks like Ludicris who berated you for not having "supported" their poor excuses for talent. A little confession, if you may. I know that somewhere along my humble blog I may have said some snitty things about you. At the time I was bit grouchy, and (yes, I'll admit) envious of your success. I've always berated fellow blacks that said and did vile things of other blacks that were successful. And when I say "successful" I mean those fellow blacks that excel in meaningful aspirations the enhance the black community rather than further stigmatize it (Maya Angelou, Tiger Woods, Octavia Butler, Rosa Parks, India Arie et al). Sadly, I find myself guilty of the very thing that I've accused and berated others for. There were times when I joined the bandwagon of folks that claimed that your show only seemed to highlight Euro-type successes like Josh Groban and Andre Boccelli. Boy, was I wrong on that and I should have known better. Considering the fact that I grew up with a single mother that took the time to expose me to the Motown sound, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Tchaikosky, Mozart, Maria Callas, Leontyne Price and Kathleen Battle (beautiful black opera stars) ... I should have realized that like her you were merely trying to open up the universe to your black audience. And yes, I love a good aria (like the Flower Duet from Lakme).

Several months ago, I recieved my degree in Computer Science and I'm presently in training with the federal government. Do forgive if don't talk too much about my training. It is funny what happens to someone's life when they get a taste of goodness in it, you tend to re-evaluate things and see them from a different perspective. Over the years, growing up in New York, I've witnessed the slow erosion and betrayal of moral values within the black community. The so-called black "hopes" like Jackson and Sharpton have turned out to be nothing more race card bearing charlatans that preach doctrine of vicitmization. I mention these folks due their recent attacks on Rev. T.D Jakes and Creflo Dollar who preach a doctrine of empowerment through faith in God and self-realization of one's purpose in life. How is it possible to achieve, appreciate life and God when all you're told is that you're a victim and there is no possible hope or the only hope you have lies in engaging glorified dysfuntion and stereotypical aspirations? Apparently, these two Martin Luther wannabes have found it more fit to be "down" than to find to actually help the very community they claim to serve. Do forgive, I don't intend to make this into another rant of sorts.

Over the years, I've lost many friends (or actually associates) because of my unwillingness to try to be "down" or accepting of the sweeping, celebrated dysfunction that cast many in the black community in a negative light. I've endured snickers because I use proper diction in my speech. And for awhile, I felt like a voice in the wilderness. So be it. The one network (BET) that could have made a change simply dropped the ball and rolled with the trash culture. It's what sells, isn't it? And when it all seemed as if I was on island with a few folks, along came you, the most influential black woman in the US (possibly the world) standing your ground for all that's decent not just in the black community but in the world. Surely, there is a part of me that screams "self-serving endeavors". The truth is I don't see BET going down to Africa to help impoverished, uneducated folks. I see you doing this. I don't see BET highlighting the cream of the black community. I see you doing this. Your actions have spoken volumes. And I appreciate this. It inspires me.

There is a chance that you may never, ever read this letter. It doesn't matter, this is my penance. If by chance you do, don't seek me (since I write anonymously on this blog). Just know that I appreciate all that you do, especially in trying to make your people shine. Just know that, in my own way, I'll try to bring some dignity to my people in all that I do even if it means that I remain friendless until my last breath. Most of all, just know that I LOVE you and I'm PROUD of you. You are my sister and, regardless of what of what the tabs may say, you are BEAUTIFUL just the way you are. I really mean this. To my last dying breath.

T. Durden

Tags: Oprah Winfrey, Stanley Crouch, New York Daily News, BET, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Africa, Harpo, beautiful