posted by Zagnut on Jan 12
I find the very fact that Kelly Tilghman drew a suspension and plenty of fire from the news media over her comment concerning Tiger Woods as plenty of proof that we are a long way from righteousness.
Tiger has a firm understanding of his place in the golf world, his place as a man. Fact is Tiger doesn’t need anyone to tell him when to be outraged. I think he has a good head on his shoulders and apparently is capable of making informed intelligent decisions all on his own. Suggesting that he should go on a rampage on camera with a furious rebuttal over something that was obviously a joke is insane. Tiger is well spoken and this isn’t his first rodeo if you get my drift.
If we are ever, as a people, going to heal the scars of the past we need to find a way to get over this chip on the shoulder instant reaction to the slightest implication of something to be upset about. Clearly there is a line that should never be crossed, and we as a people should treat others with respect, especially if we desire that same respect in return.
Given that that Ms. Tilghman and Tiger are known to be friends I think also puts her comments in the light of a friend busting on a friend. To punish someone for expressing her freedom of speech, because some people can make a distant connection with possible racial undertones is ridiculous. Let’s not pretend that any race of people have been left out of the wrongs in the past. To infer that whites, Asians, or any other race or nationality haven’t suffered lynchings is insulting and ignorant. No one race or nationality has the monopoly on suffering. Many people have suffered wrongs in the past and continue to do so. No amount of posturing over obviously innocently intended comments can erase that.
Only when we truly view each other as equals and can forgive each other when we step afoul, when we in our hearts care for our fellow man will we make true progress. This certainly doesn’t mean that there isn’t a line which once passed must be dealt with. I don’t believe in free passes to clear racist or hateful comments in the media. This in my humble opinion doesn’t qualify.
Tiger appears to have the correct line here while the media runs again with a story that isn’t a story.
Leave a Reply