The Golf Channel’s Kelly Tilghman, who recently finds herself enmeshed in controversy after claming that “young golfers should lynch Tiger Woods in a back alley” during a broadcast, should resign or be forced to by the Golf Network. Tilghman’s comments, though aimed at praising Woods’ golf game, were inexcusable and despite her apology, invoked horrific and painful images of unjust and murderous acts against African-Americans that constitute some of the most gruesome and deplorable in the history of the United States.
While Tilghman did offer apologies to Woods both in person and on the air, her comments went beyond what can be dismissed reasonably or brushed aside as a well-meaning gaffe, and The Golf Channel’s decision not to punish or reprimand Tilghman officially is equally reprehensible. While everyone is human and well-meaning people of all races are capable of making offensive off-the-cuff or racially insensitive remarks, Tilghman’s invocation of lynchings as a metaphor went far beyond any reasonable limits or justification. These comments–and The Golf Channel’s inaction by not formally reprimanding Tilghman–are especially disturbing given golf’s unfortunate past association and complicity with racially exclusive country clubs and the sport’s past history as a site of racial discrimination.
Tilghman’s unfortunate comments appear as America currently looks towards the realistic and inspiring possibility of electing its first ever African-American president, a possibility that would have been inconceivable to the families of lynching victims just 50 years ago. This website strongly condemns Tilghman’s comments as well as The Golf Channel’s precedent-setting inaction–in the hopes that America will continue its commendable move forward towards zero tolerance of bigotry and racism, and away from the unfortunate and tragic legacy of past cruel misdeeds invoked by Tilghman’s comments.
10 responses so far ↓
1 Kelly Tilghman -- Some Video Clip Perspective | East Windup Chronicle // Jan 10, 2008 at 12:00 pm
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2 James // Jan 10, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I tend to agree with what you’re saying here. I don’t think it will happen but surely she should get in some trouble.
The coverage stateside has been pretty light. It’s getting a lot of mentions, but followed by Tiger’s comments and then that’s about it.
I don’t think she meant that Tiger should be lynched, but the implication is too big to just be blown off. If they fired her it doesn’t mean she’s racist…it just means she was careless.
3 jackson // Jan 10, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I agree with you there. It’s not the intention at issue–Ms. Tilghman probably feels awful and contrite and this isn’t the kind of thing you think about when you’re a journalist–but the symbolism and implications of her statement are so grave that she almost leaves no choice in the matter.
As a Jewish person, there’s obviously some historical events that you just don’t make mention of in a mocking tone (unless you’re Mel Brooks), I think this is a similar case.
I think the need becomes more obvious in light of golf’s past history and the exclusion of minorities. from many prominent clubs and courses. Given that golf was one of the last major sports to integrate racially, one would think that those around pro golf would make an extra effort to show their willingness to join the 2000’s.
It’s not like Tilgnman meant to harm woods but come on, how can you say something like that?
4 DM // Jan 10, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Exactly! Who says that?! I can tell you who says that…the kind of person who makes that kind of joke with her buddies. I can’t believe people aren’t up in arms about this! Nobody thinks she “meant” it literally. No one is that stupid. But to say this is a Freudian Slip? I don’t think so.
5 Gus Lonzo // Jan 10, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I suspect that this woman is less of a rascist and more of a bimbo, and I’m pretty much convinced of it now that I’ve contrasted her clip with the other ones posted by A.S. Here she is discussing Tiger Woods, and suddenly she sees an opening for her to interject some of that “tough talk” that she and her loud mouthed sports announcing collegues like to bandy about in the locker room after the big show; the very same slush that’s endemic to the sports media and appeals to youth culture and the arrestedly developed, and so instead of letting Faldo stammer on in his polite british accent, she opens up her mouth and farts in his face, figuratively speaking. And you can be sure that just prior to blurting out that remark, the thought crossed her mind of how “cool” and “tough” she’d sound, how “unvictorian” she’d come across to all of those dudes out there watching. The very thought that followed the one in her provincial brain that connected “lynching” and “alleyway” with scathing wit, though at the same time failing to connect “Tiger Woods” and “black man”. Yep, Kelly Tilghman. Just one of the guys. Can spar with the best of ‘em. Call me Tilg.
Still, I’d fire her. At that level, those gaffes shouldn’t be tolerated.
6 Shinsano // Jan 10, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I’m in full agreement with the last two commenters. I don’t think anyone thinks Tilg intentionally said what she did, but the fact is she said it. And if you want to deconstruct a little — it had to come from somewhere. I think Gus is right on. I think it’s something she might say in certain circumstances. Obviously not on TV.
Fact is, she said it and she ought to pay a heavier penalty than a two weeks suspension….which, I’m assuming is with pay since they didn’t specify.
7 Ted // Jan 11, 2008 at 5:43 am
All of this talk of the subconscious does not seem, to me, to strengthen the case for her firing. It takes the argument into territory that is fundamentally unchartable. Should we start firing people who have ever thought about sleeping with their mothers, or killing their fathers?
My point, I guess, is that subconsciouses don’t exist in a vaccum. Pop culture buries itself deep inside of all of us, and we all have crazy-weird faults that could bubble up at the worst times, and a turn towards Vonnegut would have us all firing each other until the earth blows up. That is what being a human being is–always unpredictable and compelled by inexplicable forces.
In the end, I’m glad that I’m not left with the existential burden of deciding this woman’s punishment/fate, and frankly there are far worse people down your street and my street spewing real hate into their children’s ears nightly.
8 Uhh... // Jan 11, 2008 at 3:16 pm
That’s fine and all, but she’s friends with Tiger, and Tiger has all but stated that he doesn’t give a shit.
It was a poor attempt at having a sense of humor, now you know why those stiffs aren’t stand up comedians. The media, like you, are blowing this deal way way way out of proportion. Understandable given golf’s old white male power structure, but this incident simply isn’t all it’s made up to be.
9 Shinsano // Jan 11, 2008 at 4:43 pm
You’re right, it isn’t all it’s made up to be because no one in the American media (including the blogworld) gives a rats ass. Take a look around and see how many people are being critical of this. Most share the same opinion as you, “Ah, Tiger says it’s ok, so it’s fine.”
Tiger also said what Fuzz said was ok. Then it turned out he didn’t feel that way. Tiger has been a golf prodigy since he was four. Who knows what the f-he relates to?
10 Jackson // Jan 12, 2008 at 4:37 am
You don’t joke about lynching an African-American person in an alley if you’re white. It’s something you just don’t do. I don’t care if it’s subconscious, partly conscious, or unconscious. She should be fired.
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