Woods thought this was racially insulting and offensive, and Garcia apologized. Then in the context of sort of defending Garcia, Euro Tour CEO George O'Grady said that some of Sergio's best friends are "colored".
When I was a kid, "colored" was a polite and acceptable reference to black people then black came in vogue, then "Afro-American" -- which is monumentally dumb -- back to black, African-American which is still stupid, and, apparently acceptable in some cases, "person of color". So if O'Grady had said "athletes of color", would that have all right? Is there really that much difference between "of color" and "colored"? How about "The Color Purple"? Is that racist? "Colored" in South Africa refers, I think, to mixed race or non-Africans who are darker, like Indians.
First, Tiger Woods has no sense of humor and neither does any other black person offended by a joke referencing fried chicken, chitlins, watermelon, Moon Pies, etc. It's part of southern culture. It's not about the pigmentation of anyone's skin. Does an Italian get offended if a host offers to make him some cannoli (cannolo is the singular) or spaghetti? Should hillbillies sue if someone jokes about moonshine? Grow up.
Next, I may be called a white person, a Caucasian, a redneck, a hick, a cracker, a hillbilly, honky, hoosier, or even a son of a bitch as long as -- like the Virginian said -- you smile when you say it. Again, if black people or Indians or Muslims or any group want to get along, learn to wear your britches like the rest of us and man-up a little.
It's time this little game of control by being offended was called out for what it is. It's a way to intimidate and gain power over others. I do not care for it, and I ain't inclined to play.
It's time this little game of control by being offended was called out for what it is. It's a way to intimidate and gain power over others.
ReplyDeleteWell stated.
Thank you.
ReplyDelete