Oprah: Friend or foe?

Yesterday may have been Labor Day, but today is Oprah Winfrey Day here in Chicago!

I work downtown, and today's morning commute was a nightmare. Part of that can be attributed to the kiddies going back to school, and part of that is because Oprah's minions are all flocking down to Michigan Avenue for a chance to see their Queen Bee up close and personal.

It seems to me that there are two types of people in this world: those who love Oprah, and those who do not. Personally, I tend to fall into the second category. I'll admit that Oprah's done some admirable things in the past, but I do not understand the cultish fan following she has generated over the years, and it kind of freaks me out.

Example: Back in college, I took a course about the Holocaust. One of my most vivid memories of that class was watching a 20-something-year-old guy and a 40-something-year-old woman, both students, nearly come to blows during an argument about Oprah. I don't recall what the argument was about (or how the hell Oprah worked her way into a conversation about the Holocaust), but I remember our instructor literally having to restrain this blonde, obese, Oprah fanatic and keep her from beating up my fellow Oprah-hater. It was kind of insane.

I just don't understand how one talk show host has accumulated so much power. She even convinced Mayor Daley to shut down Michigan Avenue for three days just so she can broadcast her show from the middle of the street.

Originally, I thought this was just another publicity stunt for the Olympics. Maybe that's part of it (or at least Oprah convinced Daley that it is). However, this isn't the first time Oprah's taken over part of the city for her show, and I don't really think Chicago is going to profit from this in any way. (Did you know that Daley actually had the nerve to say that it is ESSENTIAL for Oprah to broadcast from Michigan Avenue, and also claim that this media circus will somehow help create jobs? Who is he kidding?)

If today's spectacle really was a last-ditch attempt to secure the Olympics in 2016, why isn't the show going to be peppered with Olympians and famous Chicagoans? Supposedly Jennifer Hudson is going to be there, but she's solid B List, if that. What about Michael Phelps and Misty May-Treanor? Why aren't Michael Jordan and perhaps a member of the Obama family making an appearance? And correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the Black Eyed Peas originated in Chicago. Would it have been too much trouble for Oprah to book the Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair, or even freakin' Kanye West? Anyone with even remote Chicago ties?

I'll probably wander down the street to check out the chaos this afternoon, but if any of the 350,000 reporters buzzing around the area asks me for my take on all this, I won't be able to muster up much enthusiasm for the cameras. Sure, Oprah will put on quite a show, but today's spectacle has nothing to do with Chicago pride...it's all about Oprah, Oprah, Oprah. Good riddance!

UPDATE: Okay, I had to walk over to Oprah's staging area during lunch, and OH MY GOD, the freaks are out in full force today! In addition to Oprah's minions, I mean fans, dozens of other wackos are lining the streets peddling and protesting various things. My favorites were the dirty puppet people...if you were on Michigan Avenue today, you'll know exactly who I'm talking about.