Tayari's Blog: Oprah, I Have a Bone To Pick With You
Posted by TayariJones on June 23, 2006 06:39 AM
Filed under
Current Events
Dear Oprah,
I read in the news last week that a few hip hops stars, like Ice Cube Ludacris and 50 Cent are angry with you because you don't seem to embrace hip hop on your show. Well, Oprah-- may I call you that? I've always wanted to hear myself say "Well, Oprah,"-- I have been thinking it over and it has occurred to me that you have never had ME on your show either! I know you think that Harpo is your company and it's is YOUR show, and YOUR magazine, your whole EMPIRE, your WORLD, even.. but I think I am going to have to agree with my fellow ATLien, Ludacris, that you sort of owe it to me to feature me and my art on your show. I mean, out and out here living and breathing, doing my art, writing my books and you have just failed to catapult me to fame and/or fortune. And what's up with that?
Now, before you go and take this the wrong way, just hear me out. I want to kiss and make up. Ice Cube has a really good idea. Why not have me on your show to discuss why you haven't ever had me on your show? We could read read my books, Leaving Atlanta and The Untelling, and have a discussion about the issues I have raised here. I think that is a reasonable compromise that works out for everyone.
Sincerely,
Tayari Jones
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There are 4 comments on "Oprah, I Have a Bone To Pick With You". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.
Comment #1, by Zoe Blue ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tayarijones.com/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
I agree with you 100% about her not having you on her show. You are a very talented writer and I've read both of your books. I don't understand how Oprah who claims to love good books, shy away from Black authors and rarely select books by black authors as her book club selections. I think she's missing out!!!!
June 23, 2006 10:12 AM
Comment #2, by Jackie
Ok, so I agree with you, but, um like who is gonna send the message to Oprah? Oh and when she invites you on her show, can you see if you can get tickets for some of us? You know, to be your support group, to have a sistuh's back, you know?
June 23, 2006 11:15 AM
Comment #3, by Judy
Can I get a witness?! I see no reason not to put you, Tayari, on the show. You're certainly talented enuf. But I don't agree with the beef from various artists about Oprah and her inattention to us. But I guess it's only human to criticize her for something. Yet, I ain't mad at her for nothin after watching that Legends celebration. Wow!
June 23, 2006 01:11 PM
Comment #4, by Ladylee
Yo, Queen T, you ATLien, don't you worry about all that... you just keep writing... Oprah will come calling once you win your first Pulitzer (and you know it's coming)!
You just keep writing. Your writing is awesome, whether Oprah says so or not...
Really though.
@Jackie...
who needs a ticket, my sista... we'll just bumrush the show! #1 fans don't need tickets!
June 23, 2006 08:15 PM