Tiger Woods' prowess on the golf course transcends the sport. His dominance of the PGA Tour over the past decade redefined how fans look at the game and forced other golfers to step up their performance. On January 4, Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman offered advice for those looking to do just that, suggesting that the only way to end Woods' reign is to "lynch him in a back alley." Her insensitive remark had repercussions that extended beyond her intended audience.
Although Woods issued a statement saying he didn't believe there was malicious intent behind her words, Tilghman received a two-week suspension for her comment on January 9. Golfweek used its January 19 issue as an opportunity to address the controversy with an in-depth article along with a noose on the cover. Like most publications, their editorial process involved some debate about this risky move ... but this idea never should've been rewarded with approval.
I understand Golfweek's rationale behind their decision, for the image was meant to grab one's attention, stir an emotion, and create a dialogue about race relations. The sport's lack of diversity is symbolic of the racism that permeates society, but the magazine's approach was a botched attempt to confront the elephant in the room ... and, in the end, it cost Dave Seanor his job as editor.
The timing of this situation is ironic, since it occurred just before the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. While I applaud Golfweek for not sweeping the Tilghman incident under the rug, Seanor's good intentions doesn't excuse his ignorance of Black history. The noose conjures up negative feelings for many Black people because White supremacists used it as a weapon to kill their ancestors during slavery. It also doubled as a tool of intimidation, as recent incidents in Jena, Louisiana, and at Columbia University have demonstrated.
Lynching may be seen as a 19th-century scare tactic, but its ugly history still hangs over society in the 21st century. To put it another way, sending Seanor to the unemployment line doesn't change the fact that the elephant is still in the room. This unfortunate episode serves as yet another reminder that Dr. King's dream is still a work in progress.
