My first visit back to the Governor's office since he imposed the boycott last month- he was exceedingly jovial and talkative- we kept the conversation light. I'm convinced he has some form of A.D.D.; he spends the entire time fidgeting, answering his phone (or checking to see if he's missed a call), adjusting the air conditioner, smoking, and dabbing his lips with a tissue. He prevaricated on rumors that he might be selected to a major ministry position within the new government. Then he explained with a surprising amount of sincerity his fascination with and dedication to Oprah Winfrey. He genuinely finds her program very interesting and even “therapeutic”. He claims to watch it every day he can. I thought this little episode unique; a little insight into the idiosyncrasies of one of Baghdad’s nouveau politicos. But I’m beginning to wonder if I’m not onto some kind of phenomenon. Stopping off at one of the shops at the Rasheed hotel today, I noticed the shopkeeper fully engaged in a TV program. Oprah was on. I asked the man, middle-aged and with limited English skills, what he thought of Oprah’s show. His response was just genuinely filled with admiration; I was a little creeped out, but also totally fascinated. “She is amazing woman. This show is good for families. I learn many new things every time I watch. Oprah is good- very good.” The conviction in his voice spoke volumes more than his words. “Watching Oprah to me is like… freedom. Under Saddam there is no information. Now- there is freedom. She’s very smart woman, you know…” I’ve done some informal canvassing of some of my other contacts; almost universal praise for the Oprah show, among both men and women. Apparently she’s only been on here for the past year; maybe it’s a fad, maybe a phenomenon—either way I got to put it down in that little file of ‘surprising things that just make sense in a weird way.’ Iraqis are just another society in need of some therapy.
Dr. Phil has a large fan base here as well.
