Here is my question, can a person in America change their race or opt out of their racial classification? Can someone who is defined by others as black check another box on the questionnaire? The reason I ask this question is the events that happened over the last few weeks in the golf world concerning Tiger Woods. For those who don’t know there was a major controversy when a Golf Channel anchorwoman, Kelly Tilghman made the comment that the best thing young golfers could do was to take Tiger Woods out in an alley and lynch him. The anchorwoman was suspended for two weeks. Then in an effort to sensationalize the issue and sell some magazines the vice-president and editor of Golfweek, Mr. Dave Seanor decided it would be a good idea to dramatize the issue with a picture of a noose on the cover. Mr. Seanor was immediately fired.
In both cases many blacks and whites were outraged by the events and demanded swift and severe punishment. It should be noted that in both cases the offending parties apologized and stated there was no racist intent in their actions. While they may have exhibited poor judgment or poor choice of words there was no ill intent involved. Now here is where my question comes in, Tiger Woods the object of all of this attention was not offended by any of these events. Tiger stated that he knew and was friends with Ms. Tilghman and that no racist intent was involved in her comment. He stated that he spoke with her and accepted her apology. Upon hearing how Tiger responded to the incident many blacks were irate that he could so casually downplay the issue.
For his part Tiger was quick to forgive and forget, saying through his agent, Mark Steinberg, that the incident was a “nonissue” and later releasing a statement that said, “Regardless of the choice of words used, we know unequivocally that there was no ill intent in her comments.”
Golf.Com
Many have asked why wasn’t Tiger more offended, if not for himself for the millions of other blacks affected by the comment. The answer is simple. Tiger Woods does not consider himself to be black. According to Tiger he is Cablinasian, a word he himself invented that combines his Caucasian, Black, and Asian heritage. It is not unusual for prominent blacks to “transcend” race and become more than black in the minds of white Americans, it helps assuage any guilt they may have of worshipping an inferior human being. And in some cases the black person may believe that they have in fact been able to opt out of being black into a new racial category. We have witnessed this phenomenon with many black conservatives as well as sports and entertainment stars.
So since Tiger Woods is not black the racial epithets and symbols of racism do not apply to him, so why would he be offended by them? Not only is he not offended by them but he doesn’t understand why other blacks would be. This attitude is similar to whites more so than blacks, “why can’t they just get over it”. So, I guess the answer to my question is yes you can change your racial classification if you are Tiger Woods and you made over 100 million dollars last year in endorsements alone playing a game largely played, viewed and supported by white people. However, for Pookie down on the block it isn’t so easy.
When the cops roll up on him as hard as he might try to claim “Cablinasian” status the cops will see him as just another ni**er and they of course will deal with him based on those assumptions. As hard as we try to claim color-blindness the truth of the matter is we are not. We constantly make decisions about others based on their appearance and to deny that is deny our humanity.
So are other blacks upset with Tiger because he is able to overcome his “blackness”, like very light-skinned blacks in the past were able to “pass” for being white or is it something else entirely? The truth be told no one or no group wants to be dissed by a member of the group regardless of their identification with that group or not. I think it is especially painful when it is a member of that group. I remember the talk about O.J. when he was suddenly presented with the fact that he was black and how he embraced that fact when his ass was on the line. Tiger Woods can not be black if he chooses because of the world he lives in. The problem is for most other blacks that is not an option and so I think there is resentment in the fact that he can, because that means he is extremely rich but also that he would choose to do so. A similar case in point would be the infamous Michael Jackson.
So Tiger enjoy the ride and I hope you are never confronted with the ugly truth, but my experience here in America says different. But not to worry, you will always be a member of the family even if you deny us now. We have always been very forgiving, just ask OJ. Oh by the way to show how little any of this meant to him, Tiger went out last weekend and beat the brakes off everyone in the Buick Open winning by 8 strokes.
The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie — deliberate, contrived and dishonest — but the myth — persistent, persuasive and unrealistic – John F. Kennedy
I think Tiger is in the same position as Michael Jordan was: neither wants to upset white America because that would screw up their endorsement deals, the real basis if their wealth. Tiger makes ten times in endorsements what he makes on the golf course. So, much as Jordan played the role of the above it all Black star who transcended race in the 90’s that’s Tiger’s role now.
On a personal level I’m certain he was very angry, but for financial reasons he, like Jordan in the past, has chosen to play down his racial status.
I don’t say that what he has chosen to do is the right thing, but I also think we sometimes expect too much of famous people who become famous for their ability in sports or acting or some other reason unrelate to politics or pursuit of social causes. Very few people will look past their own self interest to take a leadership role on critical social issues, and those who do often pay a price. Jackie Robinson comes to mind, as does Muhammad Ali, and any number of actors who espouse “causes” such as the environment or social justice. Most people in these situations simply do not display moral courage because of the consequences to them personally. A sad but true statement for 99% of human beings, I’m afraid. There just aren’t that many people in the world willing to take a stand because they fear the consequences.
Anyway, that’s my ill informed opinion for what it is worth.
I agree. Too often the concern is with economic well-being and not social justice.
My first thought is–Geez, MAN UP!! There are times when your self-respect and dignity should mean more than a paycheck. And, if he really thought that he’d roil the waters, there were plenty of whites appalled at the comment and the cover, so he could take comfort in that. He doesn’t have to display any histrionics, just say it may have been a mistake but it’s unacceptable, hope that everyone learns from their mistakes and move on.
What, really, did he have to lose? He’s not the young phenom who’s just starting his career anymore–he’s an established record-breaker who sells everything from razors to cars. He could quit tomorrow and be set for life. It just seemed cowardly.
But my second thought is this: if this is how he wants to handle it (or not), then so be it. It’s his life–his right. Different strokes for different folks, so to speak.
I agree, except there are larger stakes here than just him and I think that is what has bothered so many people. In a sense this was an insult to a group, not just an individual. Unfortunately in America in matters of race it is difficult for one to divorce themselves of the larger group.
I agree, but if Tiger wants his divorce, I say stop contesting and let him have it.
I’m hopeful that perhaps one day, he’ll gain wisdom along with his expert golf swing and endorsements. Unfortunately, with friends like Michael Jordan, that doesn’t help. Jordan’s a lot of things (including being REAL easy on the eyes, can’t lie about that) but wise is not one of them.
I could almost understand if he was just starting out, but he isn’t anymore. If his golf swing means more to him than his dignity, then that’s his problem. It’s a shame, really, but he’s got to come to that understanding on his own. And it may never happen. Oh well.
Not one of these fake/silly ‘can never use this list of words in reference to black people’ things, and some airhead announcer doesn’t know the list.
Lynching is not a “word” on some “list.” It’s a fact that people were lynched with abandon and no fear of ever getting arrested, much less seeing justice. It was cruel, depraved and savage. It was torture.
That’s not a joke. That’s terrorism.
Nonsense. Tilghman referenced lynching precisely because of its strong racial connotations. It’s a word that, at this point in time, simply isn’t used without being a reference to white violence against black people. It’s only in that context that the remark even makes sense. When was the last time you heard of lynching in a non-racial context? 1850?
I agree that there have been occasions when much more ambiguous and probably innocent language ignited some disproportionate firestorms, but this isn’t one of them. Some symbols and references actually are unambiguous, just as you can be certain that the guys in white hoods burning crosses aren’t pretending to be Casper the friendly ghost.
…the guys in white hoods burning crosses aren’t pretending to be Casper the friendly ghost.
Oh, that’s good.
That is good…:-)
Get a grip.
http://www.centerfortheworkingpoor.org/Poverty.htm
If we don’t nip stupid crap like this in the bud, then history repeats itself.
That’s real.
Now, I’m not sure what particular brand of bug flew up your nether regions with your comments here, but you are either clueless or intentionally stupid. For those of us who have either witnessed, been a part of and barely escaped with their lives, or are one generation removed from that particular brand of terrorism, please don’t even ATTEMPT to condescend to me about what’s real.
Getting away with murder is very real and it doesn’t take much for it to happen again.
She made a lame joke using a offensive word. She apologized, Tiger forgave her and said he didn’t think she used the word knowing it would be racially offensive.
What the hell are you and/or forgiven going on about?
You and he pretend Tiger Woods has been so offensive, this tempest has been so ‘real’ and important, that forgiven wrote, “I don’t want to be black anymore.”
You are so far from reality that it would take an eternity and a universe for you to gain one iota of wisdom. However, on the topic of lynching, I have a suggestion for you (and others who think like you), and that is you should read up on lynching in America before you speak/write about things you know little about. I will refer you to an excellent book on the subject titled; “WITHOUT SANCTUARY – Lynching Photography in America”, published by Twin Palms Publishers, Santa Fe, New Mexico – year 2005,
ISBN 0-944092-69-I.
Tiger didn’t lynch anyone. The golfcaster didn’t lynch anyone. She made a lame joke using an offensive word, lynch. Her use of that word — that he thought she hadn’t used it in a deliberately offensive/racist manner — is what Tiger was generous in his understanding about. How did his statement become so offensive (and important) to you and/or forgiven?
In a world where there are multiple real horrible things going on.
So because no one got lynched today all is well in your America. The problem is when you talk about lynching any black man in America it effects all black men in America. Why don’t you call up some Jewish friend and say the way I could beat you is to put you in a gas chamber and gas you? You know why you or the announcer wouldn’t is because that is a line no one crosses and do you know why?
And the part about not wanting to be black was not for me, I am perfectly happy being black. Thank you very much.
for forgiving the golfcaster. Sounds like you’re angry at me for defending Tiger for doing so.
The golfcaster knew almost immediately that ‘lynch’ is a line she cannot cross. What more do you want from her, or Tiger?
Hint on ‘getting real’: Tiger is one of the wealthiest persons in the world, in a world with extreme and extremely unfair poverty. I don’t see him giving much of a shit about that.