Racism in the Oprah handbag controversy

[BainsBane]

The world has a number of billionaires, and they buy expensive stuff. Some buy lots of houses, islands, or oil fields. Oprah, a black woman born in poverty, had the nerve to want to look at a $38,000 handbag.

I am sickened by the vitriol against her by the so-called left. How dare a black woman with wealth spend her money? How dare she "whine" and "pretend to be a civil rights icon." I see his as about one thing: a black woman can afford to buy something that white people here cannot. The natural order has been turned upside down.

[PDJane]

1. I can think of lots of other things to spend money on, but it is her money.....

And she does spend other money on Good Works. She's allowed her really expensive treats.

[BainsBane]

3. Exactly. I spend my money on indulgences top

Nearly everyone does. What that indulgence is varies according to income and taste. The issue in the original story, however, is that no matter how rich a black person is, they are still black and still treated as inferior based on skin color. Too many assiduously avoid discussing that key fact, and instead show their own brand of racism.

[itsrobert]

2. I am a white male and I have been told numerous times a item was too expensive for me

they were right of course.

[BainsBane]

4. Here is the bag in question

Being carried by Jennifer Aniston.




Who thinks we'll be seeing threads about how awful it is that Jennifer Aniston spent $38,000 on a handbag?

[RZM]

5. That thing costs 38K?

What's so great about it? Looks like an ordinary brown purse to me.

[BainsBane]

6. No idea.

It's made of crocodile I guess, but you can't tell that from looking at it.

[JustAnotherGen]

7. I see it

And I think a lot of illusions on both the right and left got shattered a few years ago.

[HoosierRadical]

8. Op you may be right about the some of the criticisim being directed at Oprah

I didn't know how much the purse was, and this isn't the first time Oprah has experience this kind of disrespect, I remember years ago, she spoke about how some exclusive boutique in NYC wouldn't even allow her in because she was Black, and I believe something similar happen when she was in Paris. Anyway, I can't fathom paying 38k for a purse, even if I could afford it. Too many people are in need, for, someone regardless how much money they have or give to worthy causes to waste 38k on a purse. I sure hope everyone employed by Harpo Productions make at least 38k yr. If not, how disgusting for Oprah to want to purchase a purse for more than her lowest paid employee makes.

[BainsBane]

9. She didn't buy the bag, she asked to look at it

And I think it likely she didn't know the price, but she certainly knew that she could afford it, regardless of how expensive it is. The clerk assumed otherwise, evidently because Oprah is black.

[BainsBane]

10. Interesting contrast in discussing Steven Colbert's wealth

Someone notes Colbert has 45 million dollars. Everyone pounces.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2848995

Meanwhile, Oprah is "disgusting" for asking to look at a super expensive handbag. What makes Colbert so much more deserving?