Dear Oprah,
I love the OWN network and most of its programming and was really excited for something different on t.v., programming that uplifts the viewer. However, I was really baffled and disappointed with the airing of Joel Osteen on a segment of Oprah's Next Chapter. I decided I wouldn't watch that show as I didn't believe I'd be uplifted by him, knowing his views on gay people. I hadn't heard of any epiphanies nor was that episode promoted as such, so I didn't need to hear anything he said. However, the next day it was widely reported that he sees gay people as "sinners." Nothing new, more of the same! He and others use their bible to restrict and limit the rights of others.
I don't understand how an interview with Joel Osteen is uplifting? It appears to go against your mission: "OWN's mission is to create multiple platforms for women, men and their families with a purpose and a passion: to celebrate life, to inspire and entertain, empowering viewers around the world to live their best lives, and by doing so, lift the lives of those around them in ever-widening circles."
I find it to be extremely hypocritical and quite frankly, damaging. I know you live your life on spiritual truths, as do I. I believe there is strong "cause and effect" with allowing homophobic views and opinions airing on tv that has gone unaddressed. Especially if you want to "uplift."
For instance, a family sits around to watch the Joel Osteen interview. He calls gay people sinners. Parent says, "yes they are and they're going to hell for it." Child hears this because he's being taught hate in the home. Goes to school the next day and bullies the gay kid. Gay kid has had enough and commits suicide. It's all cyclical. This is how it happens.
I'm not saying this has occurred because of this interview, we've no way of knowing, but you cannot tell me it hasn't either. I just don't understand giving someone who is homophobic press on OWN uplifts? It only reinforces the hate that is being taught. Since this interview, there have been 3 more gay suicides, which has become an epidemic these past few years and we aren't doing enough. Philip Parker, 14 from Gordonsville and Eric James Borges, 19 from Visalia, Ca., around January 11th, and Jeffrey Fehr, 18 from Granite Bay, CA. Read about them, please. How can your heart not ache.
Our children are killing themselves and we all must take responsibility for this. The It Gets Better Campaign helps, but is it enough? Our cultural story about Life and each other must change, as Neale Donald Walsch says in his latest book, "The Calm Before the Storm."
Also, you stated early in the Oprah show that you wouldn't use it as a platform for hate (paraphrasing) because of the skinhead and race show. Why in 2012 is it acceptable to allow gay bigots to espouse their hate? People who spread and teach hate are dressed in all forms of clothing and come from all walks of life, even preachers! This, I know you're aware.
I know you're accepting of gay people and probably believe in full gay rights. However, there have been moments from the Oprah show that made me feel you didn't quite understand. Those shows were Melissa Etheridge and Terry McMillan interviews and the 2 shows about the "down low" and most recently Behind the Scenes. Let's watch them together so I can more easily point it out to you and hopefully help enlighten you a bit more. As Maya Angelou says, "When you know better you do better."
I'm most grateful to you and your work which is changing lives but I truly hope you understand and are able to see this in a different light as well. Let's truly "uplift."
In gratitude and peace,
John Steen