The Oprah Phenomenon

Her image is iconic. Oprah Winfrey has built an empire on her ability to connect with and inspire her audience. Oprah is no longer just a name; it has become a brand representing Winfrey's own style of self-actualizing individualism. The cultural and economic power that Winfrey wields merits critical evaluation. The contributors to The Oprah Phenomenon examine the origins of her influential image and its substantial impact on politics, entertainment, and popular opinion. At the root of Winfrey's message to her vast audience is the assertion that anyone can be successful regardless of their past or upbringing. The contributors scrutinize this message. What does this success entail? Is the motivation for self-actualization, in fact, really the hope of replicating Winfrey's purchasing power? Is it just the ability to buy the products she recommends and to heed the advice of people she admires, or is it truly a lifestyle change that is beneficial on a more spiritual level? The Oprah Phenomenon explores these and many other difficult questions about Winfrey's media empire to understand its influence on American consciousness.