Oprah Inspires Audiences Through New Big Give Series

On Sunday, March 2^nd, Oprah will attempt to do more than ever to inspire viewers to instill change in the world around them. Premiering at 9/8c on ABC, Oprah will kick off her new series "Oprah's Big Give." According to ABC.com, 10 contestants will be given a fiscal amount each week in addition to a completing their given challenge in the most creative way imaginable. For a total of 8 weeks, the contestants must compete and at the end of each week a panel of celebrity judges will decide who gave big and who is going home. The final contestant will be the winner of 1,00,000 dollars, with which they are free to do as they please.

The first challenge will divide the contestants up into five teams: each team receiving a picture, a name, and 25,000 dollars per member. They then have five days to help their recipient in the most creative and beneficial way that they can think of. At the end of the five days, the contestant must return to headquarters and face the judges: Jamie Oliver, the naked chef; Malaak Rock, wife of actor/comedian Chris Rock; and Tony Gonzalez, tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Through this series, Oprah is opening her heart up even wider than before. Known for using her power and influence for good, Oprah has become an inspiration to many viewers. This series does not fall short of the mark; in fact, Oprah is creating another opportunity to inspire viewers, allowing them to see everyday Americans acting heroic and helping others' dreams come true. She breaks down the barrier that only the rich and powerful can really do anything to influence the world.

While I feel this series could have some positive impact over the audience, I feel that offering a monetary prize to the winner defeats the true purpose of giving, regardless of whether the contestants know they are competing for it or not. In addition, doing this on national television gives the contest more of a rigged feeling, as though the contestants are faking or exaggerating their enthusiasm so as to be viewed a specific way by the audience. Giving is supposed to be an unreciprocated action, done purely for the satisfaction of knowing you are helping make someone's life a little better or easier. Having the influence of image or prospective fame or wealth taints the purity of the deeds.

That being said, I highly suggest marking March 2^nd off of your calendar and sitting down with your family and friends to watch what could be the most influential show on television this season. Who knows, maybe it will even inspire you to do something big for your community. Donations, service work, even recognizing simple tasks others have done for you; sometimes it's the little things that can make the biggest difference.