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Apologies From Oprah
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October 29th, 2007 
109 Comments 
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Posted by Bossip Staff
Oprah expresses her apology for the allegations of abuse and mistreatment going on at her girls’ school in South Africa:
“I’ve disappointed you. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry,” the talk show queen told families in an emergency meeting at the South African school in Henley-on-Klip, south of Johannesburg. Oprah canceled appointments and flew to South Africa twice in the past few weeks after allegations that one of the matrons fondled a girl and that other pupils had been physically abused. One pupil has said a matron grabbed her by the throat and threw her against a wall. Girls have also said the “dorm parent” swore and screamed at them, assaulted them and sexually fondled at least one girl.
The alleged incidents came to light when one of the pupils ran away from the school because the reported abuse had become intolerable. South African police and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit are now investigating. Oprah, who has spoken openly about being abused as a child, gave the girls her personal telephone number, her e-mail address and her postal address so that they could contact her around the clock. In addition to the matron suspected of being involved, Oprah also placed the principal and at least one other matron on leave two weeks ago. Only the principal was on paid leave, South African media reported.
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The Best Comeback
LezBeyon-ce
10/29/07, 09:00:am
just put some make up on, and we’ll forgive you gurl!
Lady Architect
10/29/07, 09:04:am
Thats crazy…I’m glad to see Oprah is taking charge and addressing these issues and has gone out there to apologize and take care of things.
Bahama Mama
10/29/07, 09:05:am
Wow, that’s sad…but’s not really all her fault…
Setting the Record Straight
10/29/07, 09:08:am
WHOA!!!
tht pic is so scary, i didnt even bother read what yall wrote Bossip! (shudders)
and the scary thing, is that she got on TOO MUCH MAKEUP!!
Mactanque
10/29/07, 09:11:am
OMG!
http://www.mactanque.com
CaramelTai
10/29/07, 09:15:am
Its a damn shame that this is going on. Oprah is doing such a great thing for Africa and this BS happens. Its not her fault at all though, I hate to say it, but I am not surprised that this is happening. There are always bad apples that mess good things up.
In addition, I think anyone would look like Oprah as well if they were involved in so much. Oprah is hella tired! She just needs a nap.
Dumplin
10/29/07, 09:18:am
I think it is a damn shame what is going on, but just because it is Oprah’s school does not mean anything. It goes on all the time and no one addresses it…..On another note, her earrings are funky
Free
10/29/07, 09:24:am
Bossip MUST begin to put warnings on these pictures. Yes this is Halloween week but damn! I’ve seen enough Frankenstein pics this month.
Licia
10/29/07, 09:28:am
She needs to put that make up artist on leave! Whoever smeared that on her should be beaten.
Mahogany
10/29/07, 09:30:am
I hate pedophiles.
It’s sick and twisted that pedophiles love to be in the school system.
That’s why I’m involved in the school activities. U have to know what goes on because some kids won’t say a word out of fear/embarr*****ment.
They have enough they have to deal w/ and to come to school and get hit and groped……..it’s *****ED UP.
I’m glad O took immediate action.
Usher Other Baby Mama
10/29/07, 09:30:am
SMH…..And i thought she had a very ugly cry. This beats her cry anyday. Please get this resolved we feel bad for the girls, but worse for us that have to see this pic.
fallon
10/29/07, 09:31:am
What the hell kinda ‘ish is going on over there? People are so cruel.
Marquella
10/29/07, 09:42:am
A child should be able to be a child without being beaten and sexually abused. Adults are supposed to protect them.
The adults who did this should go to prison for life.
Or killed.
lady
10/29/07, 09:42:am
This is why I wouldn’t spend 40 million dollars to build a damn thing in Africa, it’s too much ***** going on over there, and that’s just being honest.
Tiray
10/29/07, 09:44:am
not good deed………
think!
http://www.blackwiz.biz
Tiray
10/29/07, 09:46:am
typo….
NO GOOD DEED
GOES UNPUNISHED!!
http://www.blackwiz.biz
6 Figgas
10/29/07, 09:54:am
Go get ‘em Ope.
Baby Please
10/29/07, 09:56:am
Bossip: Y’all wrong for posting that picture.
LMBAO.
http://www.theblackactor.com/
GLADYS KNIGHT
10/29/07, 10:03:am
All IT TAKES IS JUST ONE DUMB, SICK PERVERT TO MESS THINGS UP FOR EVERYBODY. I HOPE THEY THROW THAT SICK, TWISTED MATRON IN JAIL IF SHE IS POVEN GUILTY. THE ABUSE MUST HAVE BEEN RELLY BAD TO MAKE THOSE GIRLS RUN AWAY LIKE THAT. GOD BLESS YOU MISS WINFRED, STAY ON TOP OF THINGS AND DON’T LET ANYONE DESTROY THESE GIRLS FUTURES.
AND...
10/29/07, 10:11:am
I am sooo glad that there are people in the world like Oprah who will spend $40mil to build a school for children who really want and need the education. The same sick ***** is going on in the USA so don’t act like Africa’s perverts are something new. Pedophila has no age, gender, race, income, or sexual orientation limits. Don’t believe me?? Watch “How To Catch a Predator” on MSNBC tonight.
Happy 2 B Nappy
10/29/07, 10:12:am
It’s good to see that Sophia, I mean Oprah is not keeping quiet and trying to sweep it under the rug. I am glad to see that she has put it out their and addressing it openly.
It is sad that the folks in charge would be so opportunistic as to use a school and the children as their pedophiliac playground. One thing we can be sure of is that if the allegations are proven to be true, Sophia, I mean Oprah will press charges and ensure that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Happy 2 B Nappy
10/29/07, 10:15:am
should be “there”.
Marilyn
10/29/07, 10:18:am
Honestly, what did she expect? South Africa is NOT America. They play by a different set of rules there. In most black and brown nations children are seen and NOT heard. Which is so obvious by the way the prin*****l ignored the girls complaints of abuse.
earl
10/29/07, 10:26:am
O is looking a bit nappy headed!
???????
10/29/07, 10:29:am
I BET THE FEDS HAVE AGENTS PLACED AT THE SCHOOL TO UNDERMINED WHAT SHES TYRING ACCOMPLISH.
Smartie
10/29/07, 10:45:am
I love this pic; put it next to any of Star’s pics and you’ve got true lunch losing material.
nahnah
10/29/07, 11:05:am
She isn’t doing anything radical, so there’s no reason for the Feds. She built a school worth millions for a small group of girls to be just like her, how threatening is that?
I still don’t like her.
caramel_mimi
10/29/07, 11:11:am
Aww…. I’m so sad to hear about whats going on. There are some sick people in this world. Why would they do that to anyone?
yvonne
10/29/07, 11:17:am
Oprah you are forgiven, you had no idea what was going on. After all you’ve been through in your life, I know you sympathize with these children.
IBW- Ideal Black Woman
10/29/07, 11:19:am
@Marilyn and Lady, the same ***** happens in America. Black and brown children and adults were ignored in Katrina so what the hell are you people talking about blacks and browns are not seen or heard in South Africa but only in America. Read a damn book and stop demoralizing Africans. In NY recently, a bus driver was arrested for molesting or fondling the children that he drove to school. White female teachers in the south were having sex with their black students. So this type of sick ***** happens all over the world. It is not Africa’s issue but a global issue. Sick pedophiles are your neighbors, work with your kids, work next to you, and even deliver your pizzas. But I’m glad Ms. Harpo is addressing this issue.
that*****
10/29/07, 11:24:am
Marilyn
Honestly, what did she expect? South Africa is NOT America. They play by a different set of rules there. In most black and brown nations children are seen and NOT heard. Which is so obvious by the way the prin*****l ignored the girls complaints of abuse.
____________________________________________________
Exactly!
I love O but she has to realize that she built a school in another country. This means another culture and a whole other mentality in terms discipline and child raising. Next time she might want yo screen her employee’s a little harder. I know she will from now on.
Royal
10/29/07, 11:26:am
um O please begin the botox treatments I mean damn u looking hella ugly right about now
Supreme Magnetic Allah
10/29/07, 11:35:am
I do appaluad Oprah for taking the initive to go there her self and not send a corporate rep, but being a person whose occupation for the past 10 years has been working with at-risk kids, I would like to know when are some of these celebrities going to start going to “get over” the fade of swooping in and “saving” children from other countries and do something with the kids that are suffering here. Not saying that 3rd world countries don’t need the help but I see plenty of kids here that could use a good home and good parents so that they can have a better chance to survive and become a productive part of society. It was impressive that Oprah built a school for girls in S. Africa but when will she build a school here? Dont we all know achild that could benefit from that? Angeline Jolie is “collecting” babies from across the globe, but arent there babies here that need to be adopted? Is there not stilla need for schools in the Katrina devestation areas? I mean maybe I’m wrong, but, I have read/heard anything being done by these priveldged few on that scale here.. Sorry for the long post.
Prophetess Bennetta
10/29/07, 11:55:am
Don’t be sorry Supreme Magnetic you are RIGHT. I was kinda mad myself when Oprah opened that school. There are a gazillion rich Africians in ATL that could have opened that school. They fly back and forth over there all the time. I can’t tell Oprah what to do with her money, I wouldn’t dare. But I know there are children here that need “saving”!!
D
10/29/07, 11:58:am
@ Woman.. THANK YOU! At least someone on here has some sense.
Typical ignorant comments when it comes to Africa. I like how this has become “Africa’s” problem (yeah, something happens in one school, in one city in an African country, then somehow all the other 52 countries (let alone the whole of South Africa) is drawn into it and stereotypes made). This is a universal problem that happens in most schools. You make it sound as if such things don’t happen here..
GET A CLUE!And that “brown/black” nations comment is too ignorant to be responded to… when you make comments like that you speak about all black people of every shade.
@ Allah.. I agree with you. These problems are everywhere and most of all , they are here in the US of A and we do need to pay attention to what is going on here…
IBW- Ideal Black Woman
10/29/07, 11:59:am
To answer your question Allah Supreme. Because in America, there’s a system that helps children. Free public education until college. Albeit the public education is terrible, at least they have the opportunity to go to school. That is not so in many developing nations (i hate the term 3rd World). There is no social welfare system, educational programs or such. Now I understand that most of these systems in the US does not necessarily function well, but it is just because these programs are under bad management aka FEMA. So I applaud these women (Oprah, Angelina, Mia Farrow, Meg Ryan) for helping children who would otherwise not have lived till the age of 15 in their respective countries.
IBW- Ideal Black Woman
10/29/07, 12:03:pm
**do not does.
moxpoe1
10/29/07, 12:08:pm
Here come the lawsuits. I’ll bet any amount of $$$ that oprah thought she would only have these sort of problems in America!
Serious Sister
10/29/07, 12:13:pm
Oprah visited schools in several cities in the US, and because the kids were not desperate enough for education as she put it they were concerned with the material trappings of success, she stated she was not going to do anything to help them.
If that is all they see on her show, when they see her giving away cars and stuff, what did she expect? They are CHILDREN, not mini corporate ceo’s. I applaud helping the girls in Africa, but girls are being abused here as well, she can’t walk a block in NYC and not see children in need.
Serious Sister
10/29/07, 12:15:pm
OOPS, I forgot the big O does not walk in NYC, or Chicago, she has drivers for that.
Mzgapeach
10/29/07, 12:20:pm
Sometimes I do not understand oprah and many others like her. I understand what she was doing with the school in Africa but I did not and do not like what she was saying about some of the schools and about the children in America.
Supreme Magnetic Allah
10/29/07, 12:21:pm
Re: IBW: but it is possible for her to have opened a charter school here. Many churches and other religious organizations open them all the time. I live in a small town outside of Charlotte and there are no fewer than 10 charther schoolsfor pre-K to 12th grade. And the welfare system here is not the answer to the problem. I work extensively with kids in the DSS system and in situations where a childs well-being is in jeoparady they will put them in temporary out-of-home placement but (and this comes from actually SocialWorkers), they are “encouraged” to place either re-unite themwith there parents after they have proven to have gotten there s*** together long enough to get a judge to agree or placethem with a family member who is sometimes just as inappropriate as the parents because its cheaper to place them there than pay the $275.15 a day pro-rated rate for a non-profit group home. Like I said earlier, I do appauld them for theirefforts because some of these kids would not have the chance, but there are just as many underprivelged families here. Do uyou think just because there are more commercials for poverty-stricken areas in the world that there arent just as many poverty stricken areas here in this country and just saying “oh well, we have organiztions here whose job it is to help them” is enough? Come-on lady, it’s 2007 and I know families who still dont have running water in their houses. And its not just because I live in the South. A lot of these peole forget where they come from. Oprah herself grew up “dirt po’”, but can someone tell me if she went back there and opened a school for girls? P.ositive E.nergy A.lways C.reates E.levation. ps. I hate that 3rd world term also. i thought about it after I had wrote it.
Mzgapeach
10/29/07, 12:22:pm
FTR (for the record) U can lose all the weight in the world but if ur ugly then ur ugly case in point OPRAH
joe
10/29/07, 12:25:pm
It’s really sad, but i am happy to see oprah stepping up and being accountable. she is trying to make the situation right, however way she can.
Supreme Magnetic Allah
10/29/07, 12:26:pm
Would ya’ll please excuse all my grammatical errors. I got so into typing that I forgot to proof read. and I have a college degree(Representing those Mighty Winston-Salem State Rams c/o ‘96!!).Well,maybe if I would have went to an Oprah school…
joe
10/29/07, 12:30:pm
also…
i don’t think this is an “african” problem. it’s a world problem. the are pedofiles all over the world, in every counrty and culture. so its wrong to point the finger at “them africans”.
i’m also very irritated by the many ignorant comments about africa. africa is a CONTINENT, not a counrty. each country in africa is very different. all african nations DO NOT prescribe to the american induced sterotypes.
read a book and travel somewhere before incorectly judging annother country/culture.
some americans think they are so superior, but the education system sucks, the cl***** disparity is schokingly terrible, lack of mannerisms and values. americans are no better than any other people.
Sexeee
10/29/07, 12:34:pm
whoeva said peeps shudnt invest in africa ‘coz you dont know what goes on round ther’ is jus talkin shiiit,,,its funny how u african americans think ur above africans when in reality ur not,,,its really *****d up y’ll dnt kno wher u came from,,lemmi me tel u somfin majority of africans r waay clever than all y’ll n datz a fact atleast we kno how to read a a ***** map fo starters!! n dis kinda shiit goes on everywhere america,europe asia ,,its jus coz its oprahs school thats why dis is in d spotlight
ron
10/29/07, 12:36:pm
ya’ll wrong!!! LOL SHE IS UGLY THOUGH. SORRY GOD
MIKE
10/29/07, 12:37:pm
ya’ll wrong!!! LOL SHE IS UGLY THOUGH. SORRY GOD
kenya
10/29/07, 12:40:pm
i love you oprah
Pervster
10/29/07, 12:43:pm
Hey Joe.
Just scanned this blog and would like to say, thanks for injecting a couple of coherent points into the discussion. Others have as well, but yours in particular..
Oprah’s doing the right thing, keep standing up Oprah.
Mary J Blige
10/29/07, 12:47:pm
thosse dorm leaders deserve to be murdered. i am so *****in mad rite now. how could they? and the worst thing is these are women doing it to girls. wheres their *****ing sense of humanity and comp*****ion for their fellow females. poor Oprah trying to do something positive and these backward ***** *****es go and do this disgraceful *****. i hope the victims will recover somewhat
Mary J Blige
10/29/07, 12:48:pm
ron and mike are the same person. loser
Mary J Blige
10/29/07, 12:50:pm
Mzgapeach you aint got a rite to be talking bout *****ody’s looks. your picture made me feel sick. ugly ***** *****. how dare you call out a beautiful and strong woman like Oprah. look at the light, angles and the fact that she is grimacing. what the hell do u look like when you make a face? dookie faced *****
IBW- Ideal Black Woman
10/29/07, 13:18:pm
lol @ dookie face *****…
@Supreme, you are right. There are lots of children in the US who need help just as there are children around the world who need help. But it is not the jobs of celebrities to help these children. That’s why we have elected officials whose jobs it is to “Work for the People,” hence the term democracy. Another problem is that some people are not entering these jobs because they care about the kids/the people but because they need a paycheck.
If a child is in need of *****istance be it in America or China, I do not think that one should only help children in America their home-front before going abroad. What kind of priority is that?
@ Joe and And…
I agree with your *****esments, so true. I just hate blanket statements and perpetuating stereotypes.
Finally,
People need to get off Oprah’s looks. It’s so petty and immature.
John
10/29/07, 13:27:pm
That was too much of a close-up of Oprah. SHE LOOKS SO BAAAAAD WHEN YOU DO THAT!!!
joss
10/29/07, 13:28:pm
some of you people are so ignorant!!! WE ARE ALL AFRICAN!!! THAT’S WHERE WE CAME FROM!! what is the problem with oprah going to start a school in africa????? there is poverty all over the world… i hear all of you people saying that she should have done it in the u.s… how many of you with those comments give back to YOUR communities?? how many of you are big brothers/sisters?? How many of you go to soup kitchens or give to the salvation army?? How many of you decided to adopt/become foster parents??? Oprah may not have opened up the school in the u.s. but at least she did something to benefit a group of BLACK PEOPLE (no matter where they live) You people are the reason why black ppl will never get anywhere. So they’re black but because they’re not AFRICAN AMERICAN we should not help them?? instead of getting on oprah ( who actually did something) why dont yall get on successful black people who don’t do anything?? in the end, we are all black people and we all need to take care of eachother-no matter what country you are from. You wouldnt even exist if it wasn’t for africa-
second, all you people talking about oprah’s looks, that shows how ignorant you still are. Wow, oprah has come so far and did so much, but yet the only thing other blck people can focus on is how she looks?? We are talking about a case of rape/ molestation.. but half of yall want to focus on her looks??? again, you are the reason we will never get anywhere- white ppl are not the enemy anymore; we are our biggest enemies. How many rappers and entertainers are not doing sh** with their money but ‘making it rain’ and buying expensive nonsense??? “Free TI” is all over the blogs… he commited a felony, but yet we want to free him- we idolize him because of this. But oprah starts a school and we criticize her???? again, we are our worst enemies
John
10/29/07, 13:29:pm
MAKE-UP, Where is the girl with the MAKE-UP!!!!!
IBW- Ideal Black Woman
10/29/07, 13:38:pm
*applause, applause* @ Joss, well said, very well said.
Truthteller
10/29/07, 13:42:pm
@Supreme Magnetic,
The U.S.A prides itself as “the Richest Nation on Earth” and ” the Best Nation on Earth” so why are you being so un-American, America streets are paved with gold and everybody is happy, if that were not so, we would all be talking to our Politicians/Lawmakers and Corporate execs about fixing the system, instead of complaining about one woman spending her money do do what she believes is right.
Furthermore, in some places in Africa children are without shoes, without primary health care without primary school opportunity. Do you REALLY want to deny them a small chance.
Why weren’t you complaining when wealthy White Americans were building schools and feeding the children and adults of Eastern Europe (Kosovo)
joss
10/29/07, 13:54:pm
thank you ibw- same to you and a couple of others… one last issue—- molestation is an african thing??? are you people stupid??? do you know how many american kids get molested?? yes, people, even by their ‘teachers’… this happens everywhere.. i almost feel like most of the bloggers to this comment are 12 year olds…. Joe- i totally agree w/ you.. some of you youngsters would rather pick up a rap album then pick up a book- especially a book about who you are. Again, i’m afraid that we will get nowhere in the world because of US. How many of you commenting on this know your history? How many of you know any black leaders (from all countries) other than mlk and malcolm x? How many of you know ANYTHING about yourselves other than what someone wrote in a history book? the fact that you are talking about africa like one country (instead of one continent with many different countries, customs, etc)- like joe said- is very sad. I bet you know that europe is a continent. and i bet you know that england, italy and france are all countries in europe. but how many of you can name 4 african countries? again, the reason we are where we are today is because of us. we dont know about ourselves or our history. We’re too busy breaking other black countries down and breaking down every black person who makes it (other than the rappers who spew misogynist and negatve lyrics to our 8-9-10 year olds- god forbid we try and censor them on behalf of our kids). As african americans, we are the luckiest black people in the world. We may not have all gone to stellar schools but the fact that there is an opportunity to go to a school for FREE (good or bad) is something no other black country in the world has. Instead of using our power and privilege to lift up other black countries, we talk sh*t about pple who are doing it? what does this say about the master’s tool?? i guess it really can’t ever be dismantled
T
10/29/07, 14:00:pm
Truthteller you are so right. Let them ignorant people know.
Wa-diddy
10/29/07, 14:13:pm
Building a school here in america doesn’t seem like such a bad idea after all, huh? But then her napkin(caucasian) supporters/owners wouldn’t go for that, now would they?
Truthteller
10/29/07, 14:18:pm
Thanks T,
To those who say leave Africa alone, let me say this:
Japanese Americans became an highly respected group and made many Americans want to learn Japanese, want to import Japanese culture, all because Japan became an economic force, they were wealthy and that translated into respect for the ordinary/average in Japanese person in America.
So, if we help Africa to become an economic force in the world (Leadership creation)it will translate to respect for the ordinary/Average Black person on the streets of New York, North Carolina or Europe.
I think that’s what Oprah is trying to accomplish, “People of a great country commands great respect”.
crest
10/29/07, 14:25:pm
it is sad that young girls and boys are abused n america around the world like this case. any women or men who abuse kids sexually need to be put in jail for life because those kids will think about it every day for the rest of their lives so the victim never stops suffering.
Neferkare
10/29/07, 14:32:pm
If the girls have Oprah’s telephone number and e-mail address, whats to keep it from getting into the wrong hands?
kai
10/29/07, 15:08:pm
I feel bad for O, but she really has limited control about what happens in a whole different country (especially that of Africa). I guess there is proof in the pudding: “you cannot save the world.” It will get better hopefully.
Geisha
10/29/07, 15:13:pm
Im glad she addressed the issue and is doing everything to make it better!
LaLa
10/29/07, 15:14:pm
Preach Joss!
Whatchaknowboutdat?
10/29/07, 15:32:pm
I truly hope that they (O)get to the bottom of the problems and clean the school up without dismantling it altogether. I hope as much thought goes into placing or replacing the staff as it did in choosing the girls that were accepted there.
Oparah don’t play that mess!
ria
10/29/07, 15:34:pm
Thank you Joss!!!! Black people can be so ignorant. I cant stand it. The type of people who say that Oprah should help people here are the lazy ones who can’t do nothing for themselves. Black people are given the opportunity to go to school and yet blacks have the highest dropout rates. Well-off kids have the opportunity to get a good education yet white and black people are dropping out of school in record numbers every single year.
People in this country are so selfish. We have so much yet were not suppose to give to people who truly need help? – people who don’t have any financial *****istance at all?? Im tired of this mess. Oprah is doing the right thing yet lazy ***** black people are complaining how come Oprah doesn’t do anything here? She actually has given millions of dollars towards schools over here and has used her own money to pay for the college education for many Black Americans. Why do people keep saying that Oprah needs to do ***** here as if she hasn’t done anything over here in the first place? She already has done it and keeps doing so. Is it Oprah’s responsibility to fix America’s education system? NO! Its our government’s job, not Oprah’s. Oprah doesn’t even need to be doing what shes doing. She could be sleeping in her bed with all the money she has, but no she actually takes the time to help people who are unfortunate.
What is wrong with people?? All of our ancestory come from Africa and were suppose to just let them die and rot? They have nothing over there. The majority don’t even have clean water to drink yet its wrong if Oprah wants to help them. You people have issues.
ria
10/29/07, 15:46:pm
Mzgapeach
FTR (for the record) U can lose all the weight in the world but if ur ugly then ur ugly case in point OPRAH
____________________
You really shouldn’t be calling anyone ugly. I don’t want to be rude but damn look at you!! The nerve to call Oprah ugly. As if you’re actually gonna lose some weight. I mean look at you! Damn! Oprah has done a billion times more for Americans than most people and yet you want to call someone out and call them ugly. You expect someone like Oprah to take care of you because you can’t walk up a flight of stairs. That aint Oprah’s fault. Lose some weight Biotch!!
Tembella
10/29/07, 16:24:pm
WOW, I knew most Americans were ignorant but had no idea that even African-Americans were this clueless about Africa. Maybe Oprah should built a scholl for ya’ll, ya’ll sure could use some education. South Africa is one of the most liberal countries in the Southern Hemisphere. Most black South Africans are better educated than the average Black American. Ya’ll never see that on CNN ’cause they want you to think all Africans are dying of AIDS, live in poverty etc. Oprah loves South Africa, she always has. I read somewhere she believes she has Zulu ancestors!!! South Africa is the only country outside the US where her magazine is published. Millions of South Africans watch her talk show. She built the school, not because there are no schools in the country but she wanted something special for girls. Come on people it’s 2007 we dont all live in huts anymore.
joss
10/29/07, 16:37:pm
tembella- point taken.
but i have actually been there and i HAVE seen the ‘third world’ poverty that many black south africans still live in. sout africa may be one of the most ‘liberal countries’ in the south. hemisphere (havent researched that, but i’ll trust u) but trust me, i’ve seen abject poverty there, blatant racism towards blacks there and people on the street of johanessburg, durban and soweto who are poorer than the poorest of black americans here. there may be a population of wealthy/middle/upper cl***** south africans, but dont get it twisted- there is major ‘third world’ poverty going on there. i did not see one poor white or indian person there actually. maybe i was going to the wrong areas, but i saw a heapload of poor africans (comparable to what i see in haiti- the poorest country in the western hemishpere- whenever i go there)
Truthteller
10/29/07, 16:41:pm
@Ria, You have said it far better than I could have.
There are Black Americans who have the opportunity and refuse to use it, but still have their hand out.
they don’t go to parents teacher meetings.
They don’t know their children study books nor lesson plan.
They don’t reply to teachers letters
they don’t talk to their kids about their school day.
They don’t ensure the kids are eating nutritious food, at school and home.
They don’t read the kids report cards.
They don’t make sure their kids friends are nice kids
But complain they can. About Oprah’s money and her looks, while their kids are running wild without direction.
To those people I say “Shame on you!”
Truthteller
10/29/07, 16:49:pm
@Joss, that’s quite accurate, South African Blacks are extremely oppressed with poverty, while Brown and Whites live a fairy tale lifestyle.
I would modify Tembella’s statement to say when the SA Blacks are given the opportunity of a good education they grab it, and do quite well with it.
joss
10/29/07, 16:57:pm
truthteller, unfortunately, i agree with you. I used to be a teacher in a public school in ny and what i saw saddened and sickened me. Let me let you in on a secret people: parents have more power in their kids’ education than anybody else!! teachers are afraid of prin*****ls, prin*****ls are afraid of school boards and school boards are afraid of parents!!! guess what?? the reason that public schools in upper cl***** areas work so well is not because of money- its because of parent involvment!! these parents come to the school and raise hell when their kids are not being taught properly!! these parents are there for every report card nite, every conference, etc. the schools stay on the straight and narrow b/c they’re afraid of the parents!!! when i was teaching, the only time i would see a parent was when they wanted to come fight a teacher for telling their child to “be quiet’ or ’sit down’. 10% of parents came for report card nite, and even less would come when i demanded a meeting for their child’s behavior or concerns about grades. We are not in the predicament because ‘black people are poor’. we’re in this predicament because we are not taking proper care of our communities/children. wake up people. we are in a land where foreign black people can come w/ no money and no education and rise up the ladder in ONE generation (and they’re living in the same ‘poor’ areas that many african americans do). It’s not racism that’s holding us back-we’re asleep. We are the sleeping giant. as soon as we wake up, there’s no stopping us. but until then, we will remain on the ‘bottom’. everyone wants to talk crap about bill cosby but everyone wants to ‘free t.i.’
Truthteller
10/29/07, 17:16:pm
Jewish mothers have the reputation of driving their children into medicine and Law studies, and they would hound their kids until they graduate.
Chinese parents have the reputation of having their kids leave school each day and go home to the kitchen table to study.
African Americans have the reputation of ????
dmac
10/29/07, 17:44:pm
Hey not to say we told you so, but the ***** should have invested in the States. F this *****.
young
10/29/07, 17:57:pm
u see oprah didnt want to give the USA anything saying we wouldnt appreciated it. Karmas a *****. the US is the reason she rich in the first place. I dont think this type of stuff would have been happening had it been a school in the states
missy
10/29/07, 18:09:pm
THOSE PARENTS SHOULD TAKE OPRAH 2 THE JUDGE 4 CASH
ria
10/29/07, 18:23:pm
Karma’s a *****? So you’re glad that some kids were molested? Oh because that would make Oprah look bad… As if she had control over what happened, she can’t be at two places at once. Abuse happens all the time at colleges and at public schools here in America, (shocking isn’t it?) and unfortunately it happened at Oprah’s boarding school too. Oprah just needs to take care of the matter, period. Which is what she is doing right now. And the same people who say that she should’ve invested a school here are the same ones who ditched school everyday and wonder why they’ve been working at McDonald’s for ten years. Newsflash: Oprah has given a lot of money towards schools here and has paid the college tuition for many poor Americans. Whats wrong with helping those individuals who want an education but can’t afford one in another country?
ria
10/29/07, 18:29:pm
I agree with you truthteller… parents aren’t paying attention at all to their children’s lives but for some reason they expect the teachers to do all the work? They can’t do everything. Its difficult for teachers to help children who don’t want any help in the first place. This is why parents have to be involved and why they have to continuously check their child’s grades and what they learned in cl***** each day. Its not that hard. Even if the parents are tired from work, they could still check their child’s bookbag and then talk to their child later on about their cl*****es or if anything is wrong at school.
smash'em
10/29/07, 19:24:pm
danm oprah u can look better than that.
Victoria
10/29/07, 19:28:pm
All I have to say to this photo is: OMG!
Sonia
10/29/07, 19:39:pm
Unfortunately, with all her wonderful intent at creating the shool for those well-deserving girls, Oprah didn’t realize and probably could never have imagined, the culture that persists in Africa. It’s one where the adult has little to no consideration for the thoughts or feelings of the kids, especially the females. Kids are not supposed to voice their opinions or challenge authority or even feel privileged. That’s a persistent attitude that won’t be changed easily but at least Oprah is letting them know this is her school and things are going to be done differently!
IBW- Ideal Black Woman
10/29/07, 20:10:pm
Um Sonia, have you ever been to Africa? Did you go to school in Africa? Do you know any Africans? Have you studied the history of Africa? Did you know that Africa is not a country but a continent? So why the blanket statement?
What do mean kids are not allowed to voice their opinions or that adults have little to no consideration for the thoughts or feelings of the kids especially females? Whoa…your ignorance is beyond belief.
“Kids are not supposed to voice their opinions or challenge authority or even feel privileged. That’s a persistent attitude that won’t be changed easily.”
If I knew you, I would smack you outside the head for this nonsense. For you this quote will be appropriate…”it’s better to be quite and people think you a fool than open your mouth and erase all doubt.” I see the educational system let you fall through the cracks.
Truthteller
10/29/07, 20:34:pm
Africa: Pre-Independence quick snapshot
Western side: mainly colonized by the British
Central and Northern side mainly colonized by the French.
South Africa: Colonized by the Dutch and then taken over by the British, so you have two sets of Whites the ruling British and the Afrikaners the speak Afrikaan which is a Dutch extract. (see Boer wars)
Then there is Northern Africa: colonized by the Germans.
and Places like Tanzania Dutch controlled, some of of these countries would change colonial hands like moving chess pieces.
The French Colonies fared better because France allowed them good schools and a great deal of self government.
Truthteller
10/29/07, 20:46:pm
Africa: Post Independence
Most of Africa’s wars are tribal land wars caused by the British arbitrary re-drawing if tribal land boundries, so you have Tutsis who had one land, now living in three different countries Rawanda/Uganda/Congo.
The corrupt leadership iin Africa was also created by the British, who setup a “caste system” in their colonies and gave the minorities power over the populace, it was easier to control the minorities who had to depend on the British to stay in power.
My favorite African country is Rawanda, they are one of the smallest country in the region, but they are spunky afraid of no one, the President is Paul Kagali he is a Tutsi.
THE END.
whoseamerica
10/29/07, 21:48:pm
You’re so wrong for this picture.
There are risks in trying to do good and this is one of them. I have no doubt that Oprah will remedy this situation swiftly.
E
10/29/07, 22:01:pm
Paul Kagame is the President of Rwanda of which Kigali is the capital. I feel he should be nominated for the *****el Peace prize because he has not sought revenge against the Hutus for the genocide of 1994.
In fact, he has behave like a true Christian and has encouraged forgiveness and reconciliation among the Rwandans.
As for Oprah, charity begins at home and she has enough resources to open a school in the U.s as well as Africa. There are so many African-American children that would love to be in a better, safe environment and would very much appreciate an opportunity to learn and live a decent life.
She really should reconsider her attitude regarding our black children right here.
Country Girl
10/29/07, 22:24:pm
“In God We Trust, all others we run through NCIC.” The company who ran the background check on that awful HAG should be sued, not Oprah! She tried to do a righteous thing, she should not be punished for it. This is only a setback. She can still accomplish the mission of her school.
dmac
10/29/07, 22:42:pm
Make- up, make-up artist. Halloween is later in the week girrrrrrrl. I mean really, you have major paper, get your self fixed up. Naturally, of course. It amazes me, how poor people can be healthy as an oxe, yet billionaires look like ***** and can’t look half way decent. I guess money is everything. LOVE IS EVERYTHING.
Truthteller
10/30/07, 00:35:am
@E – Yes you are quite right, I rushed it through and mixed up the capital of Rawanda with the president’s name, his name is Paul kagame.
Regarding Oprah, have you considered not trying figure out how to spend her money and look at what you can do.
If Oprah or Bill Gates decided to burn all their money you shouldn’t have anything to say unless they are burning you money too.
How would you feel if some stranger started telling YOU how to spend your money?
E
10/30/07, 01:16:am
When I said “resources” I wasn’t necessarily talking about Oprah using her own money. Just like she built all those homes for Katrina victims in Houston (she encouraged the public to donate whatever they would like to buy for each houses) she could do for a school in the U.S. She has tremendous influence which is also a resource. Look at how her book club makes bestsellers mega-bestsellers.
I guess I wouldn’t like a stranger or a friend telling ME how to spend my money but I’m always open to suggestions.
BTW, I guess you rushed through the spelling of Rwanda twice but I knew what you meant.
E
10/30/07, 01:18:am
Oh yeah, it was the Belgiums who colonized Rwanda, not the British but, again, I understand what you meant.
CAPILA
10/30/07, 01:48:am
@lady
This is why I wouldn’t spend 40 million dollars to build a damn thing in Africa, it’s too much ***** going on over there, and that’s just being honest
******
child abuse is everywhere around the world
Traydayz
10/30/07, 07:40:am
No child anywhere on this earth deserves to be abused and the only comment people can leave has to do with her appearance?? And for those that say charity begins at home, Africa is the original home of mankind. So sad to see a people of African descent write off their ancestors homeland. Why does everybody want her to build a school here so bad? Half the people saying this probably don’t even belong to their own childrens PTA. It is the parents obligation HERE to fix our own schools. The children in Africa have to pay to go to school. I commend her for trying to do something!!
dayg715
10/30/07, 09:39:am
i just found my halloween mask!!
Truthteller
10/30/07, 11:43:am
@E
Actually I didn’t mention who had colonized Rwanda, if I had I would have said:
Germany in 1885
Belgium in 1916
UN Trust in 1945 or there about.
Not to make excuses but I wasn’t trying to give history lessons, just quick notes, Rwanda was originally spelt Ruanda.
Truthteller
10/30/07, 12:02:pm
@E
The then League of Nations had adapted the British Colonization policy of promoting minority population above the majority and so when they offered the then call former German colony of Ruanda/Rwanda to the Belgians(1923) to govern, it was agreed that they would use the British policy of colony governance.
Then when it became the UN, the tried to make it sound legal by giving the Belgian colonizers a protecterate status.
It’s all far more complicated than that but, this isn’t the place to get into that.
tracy
10/30/07, 14:47:pm
awww, poor Oprah. I’m sure she is devastated. To have done something so spectacular, then have something like this happen is a tragedy. I can only imagine the euphoria of doing something on the level of opening a school for children who are practically starving for an education, knowing how proud God must be of you to open your heart like that, thinking of how many lives you may change, how many smiles you may bring to children’s faces and hearts, then BAM!! having someone jeopardize all that, and at the same time just opening the door veeeeeeeeeery wide for all her critics to come on in.
Visualize this: If this was a physical door, can u imagine people shoving and pushing like it was Black Thursday at Target and everything in the store was $1.99. Mmph mmph mmph……. What a shame, shame, shame.
tracy
10/30/07, 14:51:pm
oops, or is that Black Friday?
tracy
10/30/07, 15:06:pm
Oooh Joss – I am so feeling your p*****ion.
E
10/30/07, 20:33:pm
For someone who is not giving a history lesson there’s an awful lot of history in your posts. OK, I give, you’re smart. However, even if Rwanda was originally spelled Ruanda, it has never been spelled Rawanda.
Oh yeah, since you know so much then I’m sure you know that the Belgians had the biggest impact on Rwanda than any of the other colonizers.
Anyway, this is my last comment on the issue and I will allow you to have the last word as I’m sure you will react/respond.
NO OPRAH
10/31/07, 02:43:am
When closet lesbian opens up an all girl school and hires a bunch of dykes this is what happens
the truth
10/31/07, 15:12:pm
seriously she could’ve built one in the u.s. as well. sayin’ no black students wanted to learn (which schools did she visit and how many?) flies in the face of all those feel good stories 60 minutes and their ilk do all the time. she has the money.
as much as i believe she’s full of it, i don’t blame her for this, ***** like this always happens everywhere in the world even with stringent background checks (that western countries especially the states don’t do enough of).
as far as Rwanda, i’ve seen the early footage and a do*****entary on how the belgians divided and conquered and set up the disaster to we all know about. they believed (thanks to the tired belief in lost white civilizations i.e. Egypt, Lemuria, the ancient city in Zimbabwe, etc…) that the Tutsi’s look more like them (caucasoid) and thought the Hutu’s were subservient (more like they had a cooperative society), so they used it to their advantage. this lead of course to bloodshed and other ***** throughout the years before the last genocide. Rwanda dispels the long held ‘fact’ of countries in Africa (and Asia and even in europe i.e. the former yugoslavia) of natural animosity dating back to ancient times.
Ariel Yahudah
10/31/07, 17:50:pm
Oprah, don’t you know that Africa is cursed because of what they did to God’s Chosen people the Israelites(who are now here in America lost as hell). Watch the movie with Bruce Willis Tears of the Sun he says the same thing…The so-called Negroe needs help in this God forsaken country called Babylon (america)..You can’t look over the Losts Tribes of Israel and think you are going to be bless…It is know earthly way possible..Read Deut 28..
KIWIWASHERE2007
11/3/07, 13:16:pm
Yuck! look at ET in a wig!!!!!