Tiger Acting Like a Black Athlete Now?
Tiger Woods has a problem and now so do I. I was naïve to think that I could survive this holiday season of Tigervision with its seemingly minute-by-minute reports of his self-described transgressions. Every media outlet needs a story to remain viable in this world of at-your-touch news and Tiger’s naughtiness provides the perfect scoop. This tale probably has no beginning and quite possibly no end. However, my nerves became frayed and I saw the immediate end of my sideline observer role when I changed the channel and popped in on the Joy Behar Show. As they discussed the latest Tiger escapade, Ms. Behar cleverly asked for insight on how the African-American community might possibly feel about his sins. Her query was directed to a female African-American guest, Karith Foster, who calmly stated that Tiger was finally acting like a black athlete. Pump your brakes!
Although Ms. Foster’s listed occupation is comedian, she made her bold statement sans smile or giggle. She was very serious and obviously hurt by his choice of women in this scandal. She went on to describe how the black athlete needs a white woman – a trophy wife – to be successful. Ms. Foster’s understanding of the black male athlete is a stereotype and confusion-filled. Shame on her and the media for supporting the racist mindset that promulgates a representation of the black male athlete as a superhuman man that seeks sexual pleasure from every white female that worships his athletic prowess. Surely we in 2009 know better, right? Yes, the ESPNification of our sports world has created larger than life entertainment figures. Money, power and women. That’s the ticket out of a poor situation – mentally and physically. It is no longer satisfactory to score a touchdown and hand the ball to the referee or dunk the basketball and hustle back to play defense. Instead we see many of our athletes (and more likely a black man) showboating, drawing attention to themselves, and discounting the teamwork necessary to achieve such success. We as fans are drawn to the television waiting to see the clownish antics instead of running to the restroom or going back for more chips.
What has happened to sport? Or is that the very issue? It is no longer a game but rather an entertaining sitcom. Has our drive for personalities created this monster that we can no longer applaud? And to fan the flames even more, that black male athlete is then pictured at courtside, leaving the nightclub or the Hollywood awards show with a blonde haired, blue-eyed dame at his side. The racists cry out in disgust as their claims of the animalistic behavior of the black man requires the conquest of the virgin white woman. Thus, they must protect their defenseless and pure woman from the sexually charged black beast. The idealists see no color but only the expression of pure love between consenting adults. The rest of us pause, take note, and move on since there are much more pressing issues in our lives such as our ability to pay our mortgage or change the temperature in our office.
And now we have commentary to suggest that Tiger’s African genes are emerging from dormancy. So, he goes on a rampage to subjugate women. Hog wash! Most black male athletes are not chasing or keeping a harem of white women. They may not be married. They may not live the all-american lifestyle of a wife, house, and two kids either. Black male athletes are human and they are faced with pressures that are unimaginable for most. The exorbitant salaries they earn may appear to be a nice band-aid for all they are subjected to each and everyday, but didn’t we learn a long time ago that money couldn’t buy you happiness or manners?
Yes, I am a biased Tiger fan. I believe that he is not consciously excluding himself from blacks. Oftentimes our environment dictates our circle of friends and associates. Look at the demographics of the golf industry. How many black females attend golf tournaments or get invited to events whereby they could be introduced to Tiger-types? Not that it is required to be defined as a black man, but it is my understanding that he had a black girlfriend while attending Stanford. In addition, he certainly pays homage to the black golf greats through his writings and as a golfer. If one knows anything about the history of the media and its positive portrayal of African-Americans, one cannot expect an accurate picture of Tiger’s outreach to the black caddies and minority youth. It’s just not going to hit the front-page folks. And don’t think for a moment that the red and black outfit he wears on Sundays is not a strategic move either. Tiger is black. Tiger is Thai. Tiger is an athlete who made a mistake. He has a history of comebacks and success. I am confident that he will seek forgiveness from God and his wife. The former will grant that request and I hope that his marriage can survive. The black community also has a history of forgiveness for our lost and wayward members. We all cheered his victories and dominance in the white man’s game and now we should just as eagerly and earnestly pray for him. Certainly the executives of the PGA are praying since Tiger’s appearances and wins pays most of their bills. Tiger’s errant actions are no more typical of a black athlete as is his ability to hit his driver over 350 yards. He has motivated many of us to get fit, try the game of golf for the first time, and a new club or technique to improve our scores. Tiger is a motivator. Now let’s all get off the sidelines again to use this circumstance as inspiration to be critical thinkers in the midst of the media firestorm, to find sanity, and to apply our own personal life lesson.
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6 Responses to “Tiger Acting Like a Black Athlete Now?”
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A friend of mine shared with me your article about Tiger Woods and black athletes. I must admit that until now I never heard of you or read any of your articles. After reading you’re article it became immediately clear to me why I never heard of you.
The stereotype that you perpetrate in your article is appalling. I hope that any African American males that know you set you straight.
You could have made (just as polarizing and stupid) a comment about typical white women that are always seducing these African American athletes. It would have been just as stupid as the one you said about African American athletes always going after white women.
People like you offer our society nothing but hate and stereotypes. You are no different than any other hate mongers in our society. Terrorist groups like the KKK love folks like you. How can you sleep at night? I can’t imagine any African American male wanting anything to do with you.
Most people do not do wrong. Most people try to do the right thing. That is why folks (including you) who do wrong stand out. I hope that I will never get a chance to hear or read anything you write or say.
I appologize for making my comments to you. It was ment for another writer.
Sorry
I liked your article very much. Some black comedians say the dumbest things for a laugh; remember they’re comedians not educators and it’s not funny at all its stupid. I think the thing that is missing in this whole story is the aggressive behavior of white women has toward black athletes. I’ve personally witnessed it. I’ve been to NBA parties where these white girls are all over these men and damn near taking their clothes off just to sleep with them! Really? I remember the first time I saw it, my sister and I could not believe our eyes. In my extensive travels I’ve seen white stewardess throw themselves at black business men and celebrities. It’s interesting that you don’t see many black women caught up in celebrity/athlete love triangles and woes. There is a difference in culture and how black and white women and are taught to behave and approach men. I know my three sisters and I were taught to allow a man to approach you and to act like a lady in public. Aside from the fact that it takes two to tangle, Tiger hardly represents Black Athletes, he’s caublasion remember? He’s never said he was black even though we know he is. It’s ironic that his victories are associated with his multi-ethnicity, but his short comings are associated with his black heritage. The media and social obsession with this mans shortcomings is absolutely amazing! It shows that we have become a society that thrives on tabloid gossip and mess! Wow what a noble country we are. This also shows there is a double standard, if this was David Beckhams story this would’ve been on the news for one short second and then we would’ve been back to the White House crashers. At the end of the day white America and the racist far right pundits are ecstatic that Tiger has flaws. The white male agenda is one that is evil and vicious. No person of color is supposed to beat or supercede the image, money, or status of the white male or white dominance. White people are happy that Tiger has this indiscretion and they’re pulling off the gloves to tear him down, based on color alone. Again if this was any other athlete, we wouldn’t be talking about this at this length. There are so many popular men who are known cheaters, Bill Clinton! After his ordeal everyone was all forgiving etc…. But not Tiger, which is a shame. I personally don’t care for him, because of his refusal to accept his black identity and his choice of women. However, I think this ordeal should not be played out on the news all day everyday! Come on people there are bigger and better more important issues to talk about in the news. This is an issue between him and his wife and um 9 plus other women, who by the way are skanks form coming on TV, really, now that’s what you call white trash. These same skanks are sleeping with just as many white athletes and powerful men too. Tiger is just one of them. White athletes are sleeping around just the same. There is nothing black about this ordeal.
Interesting point about Tiger’s lack of exposure to black females in his line of work per his choice of a marriage partner. Exposure is key. In fact, today I was speaking with a guy, and I asked why he started selling drugs and not me. “Exposure,” he answered. In other words, I watched my daddy get up everyday to go punch the clock. This brother watched his daddy sell drugs.
You sound like a black woman whose man was taken by a white woman. If so, get over it. If not, then you need to give your degree back, because you sound like a fool! And no, I’m not white. I’m a proud black woman that doesn’t hold every black man to the stereotypes given to stupid black men by white folks.
My comment was meant for someone else, too. Sorry!