Oprah on BP - behind the 1/2 truths, exaggerations and drama

The month is almost over so I decided to return to my neglected and nearly nonexistent blog. I heard that Oprah was doing a show on BP this week and though it would be interesting to see her approach to the topic.

It sounded like good news - Oprah educating about a complicated genetic disorder including the advances that have been made in drug and non-drug therapies, etc. etc. ...BUT no....education was not on the list of goals. The show was explosive and shocking. It was not educational about the disease or the treatment. Then again, how could it be educational with a headline like this:

“Exclusive: Did Bipolar Disorder Drive a Mother to Kill Her Child?”

"On the outside, Andrea seemed like a devoted, involved stay-at-home mom. But inside, she was battling a mental disorder that disrupted her thoughts—and, she says, led her to do the unthinkable."

Based on Oprah's message boards I came up with three completely non scientific groups of similar respondents:

• Group X found the show informative regarding the dangers of bipolar disorder.
• Group H felt sorry for the poor woman who was forced to do violence by this terrible disease.
• Group M wanted to know the type and actual numbers of violent crimes that are caused by bipolar disorder so they could protect themselves.

People engaged and asking questions. Mothers glad to know about this terrible disease. Others thanking god for his mercy for keeping them safe. This level of involvement from viewers is normally a great thing. Sadly the true engagement and thankfulness of the viewers was a waste since it was derived from a cynically packaged 'story' created by the writers and editors. Truth or education about Bipolar Disorder wasn't even relevant. Bipolar was a useful character. The illness was painted as the evil puppet master forcing the afflicted against their will to commit acts of aggression and violence. Bipolar the controller. Patients mere victim/puppets. Non-patients beware. Bipolar create value (i.e. a dramatic show) and through value created ratings, ad sales and lovely lovely money.

So here's to you O:

Hey, Oprah! Oprah! Hi! Hey!
What? It's us. The BPers - you know -- the people you just used to get ratings. The people who now face more stigma, fear, discrimination and who knows what else now that we have been redrawn as ticking bombs who at any moment may simply kill our child, our spouse, our dog, you. Your show was a disgrace. If you still feel, you should feel deep shame that you put this into the world.

For other commentary on the web check here and here.