This time Oprah is lame, as in ‘Lame Duck.’ That is the only way I can explain how her production company (HARPO) is developing a new show with Nate Berkus. The show’s theme is: “Need help with your teenage daughter? Are you constantly fighting with your daughter? Whether it’s her wardrobe, boys, or her messy room, are you finding it hard to get through to her? Do you wish your daughter would listen to you more and take your advice? Let Nate Berkus help you maneuver through teen drama.” Nate Berkus is an interior designer. Ok, he’s going to tell us how to parent our daughters? Educators, psychologists, counselors, social workers should be furious. Where and when did this guy get his training to solve these problems? Does anyone at HARPO have a conscience? Have they considered the potential harm they could cause by an interior designer giving problem advice? Is Oprah paying attention to these people?

I must admit to a guilty indulgence. I had respected Oprah, even admired her in the past. For every 16 programs that had incestuous hillbillies and 11 of celebrities jumping on couches, she would have 1 or 2 that raised the level of intelligence of the USA. By George, she should be forgiven for that 27:2 ratio just on what she has done for reading in this country. I looked away at Dr. Phil, shuddered as he paraded out his son as an expert on teens based on the boy’s credentials of just having been one, the arrogant Art Smith was/is irksome but I could just avoid those shows, the Wizard of Oz, well he seems to enjoy himself, to hell with everyone else. But, an interior designer giving parenting advice? Is this an extended middle finger to America in the last year of the show? Take this America, it doesn’t take years of training and experience and decades of research to tell you how to care for teen girls, just consult the cutest interior designer you can find. It’s easy. I don’t know how much more of this I can take Oprah.

Isn’t it about time that organizations like the APA, the NASW and NEA spoke out to defend their professions? Isn’t that what we pay dues for? For them to protect our professions and guide the public so they turn to trained people to help with these issues? If such a folly as this invaded medicine, the AMA would shut this nonsense down in a heartbeat-probably right after mini-Phil started spouting out as an expert on teens. Maybe it’s time we all question where our dues goes to these organizations? Are they protecting you and I? ISPA speaks out to defend and build our professional’s careers.

Oprah, don’t be alame (duck) control your people. You only have a few more months, go out in style.

Dr. John Mayer