Is Oprah in trouble or still a force to be reckoned with? It depends upon who you ask. Last month afterThe New York Times reported a ratings decline and circulation dip in her eponymous magazine (plus her decision to not renew Oprah’s Big Give), there was speculation everywhere that her infamous influence was over. Why? Fingers pointed to her audacious backing of Barack Obama for the Presidency. Apparently, since her core audience is white woman they were clearly displeased and tuned out. That’s just a too convenient answer to be believed if you ask me. But then again, Hillary used that argument about Barack too.

But what do those pundits, critics and bloggers say now that Forbes reminded us last week that this dips can’t really supress the juggernaut that we know as Oprah? Even though JK Rowling made $300 million by wrapping up the Harry Potter saga, the list is not compiled on money alone. And we know that this sister has power and influence that defy expectations and standard measures.  But although I don’t classify myself as a die-hard fan (you know you’re one if you DVR it every single day while you’re at work) what I admire about this woman is how she keep it moving. You never see her dwelling on speculation and unfounded criticism, instead she keeps her eyes on the prize. And launching her new network (OWN) next year is what’s next on her to-do list.

The bottom line is Oprah is a smart woman who never forgets who she is—a black woman. She knows how our society has notoriously tried to put us back in our place when we get too educated or successful. And she’s not buying into that old thinking that limits how far we can rise. Even if there are setbacks, they won’t level her. In her lifetime, she’s endured far worse things that a ratings decline and circulation dip so don’t believe the hype.