Oprah's View on US Education

[Waffletush]

So, Oprah is opening a school in Africa (good for her), and she is pouring her own money into it (good for her). When asked why she didn't spend the money on US children, she quipped...

I became so frustrated with visiting inner-city schools that I just stopped going. The sense that you need to learn just isn't there. If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod or some sneakers. In South Africa, they don't ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school.

Dayum.

(I *thought* this may fit in Civil Rights as we discussed who gets what scholarships, but it is more education related, and there is no forum for that, so here we are)

[lily]

It's her money, she can spend it any way she wants. City, state and government pay for lower education here. When there isn't a school for miles around here and Oprah sends her money elsewhere, get back with me.

[BoogyMan]

What Opreah did was an amazing act of selfless benevolence. If she chooses to spend her money to help others its really nobody elses business, no matter what the circumstances here.

[Oedipus Rex]

It's her money, she can spend it any way she wants. City, state and government pay for lower education here. When there isn't a school for miles around here and Oprah sends her money elsewhere, get back with me.


Where did the 'city, state and government' get their monies? What is their product?

How can they pay for anything unless they use our monies? So, I guess what I'm saying is that the taxpayers paid for the education.

[lily]

.......as I said, Rex get back to me when there are no schools for miles. You don't want your tax dollars going for schools, petition the government to put selections on your tax forms.

[Nemo]

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[Waffletush]

It's her money, she can spend it any way she wants.Â*Â*City, state and government pay for lower education here. When there isn't a school for miles around here and Oprah sends her money elsewhere, get back with me.

Don't you find it ironic that people say minorities and such (especially those from impoverished inner city schools) deserve as mush assistance as they can get, even if it means excluding others, yet at the same time, well-know, very successful and influential minorities such as Oprah, Cosby and Rock not only say the opposite, but practice it as well?

[Nitrus]

I say, go Oprah! Who gives a hoot if she wants help poor African people, I mean, lets face it who needs it more Americans or Africans? Hmm?

[Waffletush]

Oh, I agree totally. But when people say we must help the impoverished of our country first (through whatever means you choose to debate) and yet you have very influential African Americans saying and practicing the opposite... makes you consider the validity of the nay-sayers arguments and wonder who has a more firm grip on reality.

[wonder cow]

even if it means excluding others, yet at the same time, well-know, very successful and influential minorities such as Oprah, Cosby and Rock not only say the opposite, but practice it as well?

I don't see what is ironic about it. But they are entitled to their opinion.

As for O, good for her. Another thing to consider is that they can do a lot more with the same money in South Africa then they can do with the same amount in the states.

And, on public school funding:

Go to Hover High School in Birmingham, AL and look around.

Then go to Anniston High School in Anniston, AL and look around.

The first looks like a college campus with several gyms and soccer fields. Beautiful campus.

The latter has a library in what is essentially a hall way.

Both schools are public. The first is from a wealthy to upper middle class area. The other has mostly impoverished students.

So why the difference if both are public schools? Public schools in Alabama are mostly supported by property tax from the immediate area. This ensures the disparity will continue.

I can't speak for other states, but I imagine it is not much difference.