Bordering on brilliance…
There you have it!Archive for Maybe A Tad Controversial
Haters, Real Tragedy and Social Responsibility
I saw originally saw this article on AOL’s Black Voices. Although the story is, in fact, quite sad, what compelled me to post it were the comments of the readers. Many have focused their jealousy and hatred on celebrities such as Oprah and overlooked the tragedy at hand.
I’ve attached not only the story as written by the NY Daily News, but the actual link to Black Voices. Being short of opinion, like I usually am, my two cents is at the bottom of this piece.
Oprah Winfrey ’so sorry’ for abuse nightmare at academy
Monday, October 29th 2007, 4:00 AM
A tearful Oprah Winfrey begged for forgiveness Sunday as she met the parents of students at her all-girls academy, which is reeling from lurid allegations of sexual abuse.”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.
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy opened in January to provide quality education to underprivileged girls.
Surrounded by high-profile guests including Nelson Mandela, Oprah described the day the $46 million school opened as “the proudest, greatest day of my life and a dream come true.”
Black Voices:
My never to be humble opinion:
It is very sad when one in a position of authority takes advantage of
children of any age. Let’s not be sidetracked by the fact that the
school was founded by Oprah. That doesn’t change the severity of what
has transpired and the betrayal of the accused.There are many generous
individuals such as Oprah, Bill Gates, Paul Allen, and many other very
wealthy individuals. For some reason, less affluent people tend to
express an attitude of entitlement toward them. Suggesting that they
have an obligation because they can afford it, is unjust. For those
who have been greatly blessed financially and choose to use their
money and time to do for others, their generosity should be
appreciated. Much of the rest of the population is very stingy with
their money and time giving very little, if any of theirs.Many people
argue that the affluent get tax breaks for their efforts. Often it’s
not as much as you’d think, and not dollar for dollar what they
donate, so in essence, they are still spending their money. The rest
of the taxpayers also get tax deductions for donations whether
monetary or items like clothing, household goods, etc. And still,
how much do they donate in comparison. How much of your time and
money do you contribute for others outside of your immediate
social/familial circle?
