The KFC promotional offer was inspired by Oprah Winfrey, who highlighted the deal and offered the coupon on her website. Of course, people from all walks of life bum rushed KFCs from sea to shining sea to cash in on the free meal. As would be expected, KFC was not prepared for this onslaught of visitors and ran out of chicken. They had to offer vouchers for those that were unable to satisfy that finger lickin' craving during their visit.
This whole situation raises a serious question: Does Oprah Winfrey have too much influence over Americans? We all know that if she endorses a product it is going to sell well. Simply because Oprah says so. I don't think it's unreasonable to argue that the most powerful person in the U.S. is not a black man, but actually a black woman. I wonder if one day my grandchildren will join in playground version of a game called "Oprah Says."
Catherine Larson, of The Point, offers her feelings on Oprah:
"Now is it just me, or is anyone else just a little freaked out about how powerful Oprah is, to control the reins of the populace like this? Oprah loves The Shack. Everyone loves The Shack. Oprah hails grilled chicken. KFC is inundated by consumers. Oprah becomes an adherent of Eckhart Tolle and his wacko beliefs. Lo and behold, so does your neighbor, and three out of five of your friends on Facebook.It is something to consider...
Don't get me wrong, if Oprah-tunity came knocking on my door, I wouldn't turn it down. But just the very fact that her word holds so much power is a little... chilling. I think if she told Americans that standing on their head for five hours a day would cure cancer, the world would, well, be turned upside down."
