Oprah
Subtitle: the gospel of an icon
By: Kathryn Lofton
Publisher: University of California Press
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Berkeley
Language: eng
Number of pages: 288
ISBN-13: 9780520259270; 9780520267527
Subjects: Religion; Oprah Winfrey show (Television program); Religion and culture; Celebrities; Popular culture; Religious aspects; Influence
Description: "Today on Oprah," intoned the TV announcer, and all over America viewers tuned in to learn, empathize, and celebrate. In this book, Kathryn Lofton investigates the Oprah phenomenon and finds in Winfrey's empire{u2014}Harpo Productions, O Magazine, and her new television network{u2014}an uncanny reflection of religion in modern society. Lofton shows that when Oprah liked, needed, or believed something, she offered her audience nothing less than spiritual revolution, reinforced by practices that fuse consumer behavior, celebrity ambition, and religious idiom. In short, Oprah Winfrey is a media messiah for a secular age. Lofton's unique approach also situates the Oprah enterprise culturally, illuminating how Winfrey reflects and continues historical patterns of American religions.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction; title: Practicing purchase : the prosperity gospel of a spiritual capitalism; title: Celebrity spirit : the incorporation of your best life; title: Diverting conversions : the makeover as social rite; title: Preacher queen : the race and gender of America's confessor; title: Reading religiously : the reformations of Oprah's Book Club; title: Missionary gift : the globalization of inspiration; title: Conclusion; title: Epilogue : political spirituality, or the Oprahfication of Obama.