The Open Championship at St. Andrews featured another dreary performance by Tiger Woods at a major and more debate on what the future holds for golf’s erstwhile phenom.
Criticism has ranged from his game to his societal responsibility. The latter topic has always bothered me. The question is simple: Does a high profile African-American athlete like Woods have an obligation to make a stand on issues of race and prejudice? Moreover, is that obligation intensified as Woods attempts to repair his tattered public image.
The issue reminded me of a spirited radio debate from a few years ago. The combatants on Sportsradio WEEI were Glenn Ordway and Sean McAdam. The pair went toe-to-toe on the issue of women being denied membership to Augusta National Golf Club, home of the prestigious Masters tournament.
The debate was sparked by former National Council of Women’s Organization chair Martha Burk and her attacks on then-Augusta chairman Hootie Johnson. Another aspect of the debate centered on whether Woods should publicly condemn Augusta’s practices.
While McAdam did not feel it was incumbent upon Woods to boycott the Masters, he did say, “If Tiger said he was not coming, I think Hootie would process a couple of women’s applications.”
Ordway disagreed, saying that the Masters would be unaffected by Woods’ absence. He asked, “What would allowing one or two women in really do to change things anyway?”
McAdam responded that most change usually starts with one or two people. He vehemently argued, “All discriminatory and exclusionary practices are inherently wrong.”
Callers chimed in on this fascinating fray. One listener said that Burk was “just an idiot looking for her fifteen minutes of fame.” To that, a passionate McAdam sarcastically replied, “Sure, just like that other idiot Rosa Parks.” Parks, an African-American woman, sparked the civil rights movement in 1955 by refusing to sit in the back of a city bus in racially segregated Montgomery, AL.
Ordway repeatedly tried to tie McAdam’s disgust to Woods, but McAdam would have none of it. “I am saying that excluding women is discriminatory and unjust,” McAdam reiterated. “I am not holding up Tiger Woods.”
Ever the skillful antagonist, Ordway said that if Augusta is forced to include women as members, the Manhattan Debutantes, an all-female organization, should be forced to include men.
McAdam snapped, “That is the same tired argument. It’s like when people ask, ‘Why is there no National Organization for Men?’” Ordway again tried to play both sides of the fence. “They should not dictate membership based on gender,’ he offered. “But they have a right to discriminate.”
McAdam boldly stated that public and media pressure can make a difference at Augusta. Almost two decades ago, intense negative publicity forced the club to abolish its ban on African-American members.
The compassion of McAdam and the indifference of Ordway were on vivid display as the debate began to wane. “Discrimination in any form is wrong,” McAdam argued. “I agree,” said Ordway. “It is discriminatory.” To that, McAdam replied, “So we just shrug and look away?”
McAdam’s lament holds true today. Augusta’s sexist practices should be abolished, private club or not. It is wrong to exclude women as members just as it was wrong to exclude African-Americans.
The fact that women are currently allowed to play on the course is irrelevant. Many slaves were allowed to enter the plantation owner’s home, but they were still slaves. And one more thing, this is not Tiger Woods’ issue. It belongs to all of us.
Syndicated columnist John Molori writes for numerous publications and websites. Email John at MoloriMedia@aol.com.
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