Oprah Winfrey: Power Can’t Shield You from Prejudice

In a candid interview, global media icon Oprah Winfrey opened up about her encounters with racism, the weighty history of the “N-word,” and her sense of responsibility to those who came before her. Despite her immense influence and fame, Oprah made it clear: “Power doesn’t protect you from deeply rooted societal prejudice.”

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Racism Doesn’t Always Show Up in Words

When asked if she’d ever been called the “N-word,” Oprah responded honestly: “Nobody in their right mind is going to call me the N-word—unless they’re a Twitter thug.” She explained that racism, for her, doesn’t always appear as slurs or open hostility. Instead, it often manifests as subtle energy in boardrooms, where she’s frequently the only woman or the only Black person for miles. “I can sense they don’t think I should be holding one of those seats,” she shared.

The Overlap of Racism and Sexism

Oprah admitted it’s sometimes hard to distinguish whether she’s facing racism, sexism, or both—because they’re often intertwined. “The higher up you go, the bigger the sexism gets. Men are used to running things,” she said. Her experience highlights that even for powerful women like Oprah, gender and racial bias are persistent, invisible barriers.

The Zurich Incident: Prejudice Knows No Borders

One of Oprah’s most talked-about experiences with racism happened at a luxury store in Zurich, Switzerland. Despite being impeccably dressed and internationally famous, Oprah was refused a look at an expensive handbag. The saleswoman insisted it was “too expensive” and tried to show her cheaper items instead. Oprah recounted, “I thanked her and walked out. Why did she do that?” This incident shows that prejudice can target anyone, regardless of their status.

The “N-word”: Historical Responsibility and Respect

Oprah expressed a strong stance against the casual use of the “N-word.” To her, it’s not just a word—it’s a symbol of historical pain:
“I don’t use that word out of respect for those for whom it was the last word they heard before being hanged, fired, or having their homes burned. It’s the word people heard every day walking down the street, forced to step aside for others.”
She emphasized that her life is not just her own, but built on the sacrifices of those who came before. As Maya Angelou wrote, “I come as one, but I stand as 10,000.”

Belief in Progress and the Duty to Inspire

Oprah concluded, “I was born at the right time. If we were Black women in the 1960s, neither of us would be sitting here today.” She sees her achievements as a tribute to the past and hopes her story inspires society to better understand racism, sexism, and historical responsibility.

Conclusion:
Through her honest reflections, Oprah Winfrey demonstrates that no amount of power or fame can fully shield someone from prejudice. She chooses not to respond with anger, but with dignity, gratitude, and a desire to inspire change for future generations.