Tiger Woods actually talking about race
CVK
As we told you in April, former NBA star Charles Barkley just wrote a new book titled Who’s Afraid of a Large Black Man? in which he interviews 13 influential Americans about race and racism. AOL Black Voices has excerpted his chapter on Tiger Woods, and it’s nice to see Tiger actually TALK about race–something he’s pretty much shied away from after the “Cablinasian” controversy. Here are a couple passages:
“I was raised in two different cultures,” he said one Sunday afternoon, sitting with me and Wilbon in Arizona. “I have my father, who is African American, and my mom, who is Asian, specifically Thai. I had to understand and appreciate more than just one way of looking at things because my dad’s view a lot of times was the polar opposite of my mom’s view because they were raised under two totally different cultural heritages. I was probably raised more in the Asian tradition because my father was working and my mom, who was at home more, was the disciplinarian…
“Being black is just looked at differently. And in this country I’m looked at as being black. When I go to Thailand, I’m considered Thai. It’s very interesting. And when I go to Japan, I’m considered Asian. I don’t know why it is, but it just is…
“I became aware of my racial identity on my first day of school, on my first day of kindergarten. A group of sixth graders tied me to a tree, spray-painted the word ‘nigger’ on me, and threw rocks at me. That was my first day of school. And the teacher really didn’t do much of anything.”
Charles wrote:
I have to admit that I admire Tiger for many reasons. In addition to watching him play, I can identify with his racial and cultural backgrounds. To be sure, our experiences in both society and family are completely different (class most likely plays a role here as well). Yet, much of what he says in the excerpt rings true for me. I only wish he would talk more about race, identity, and culture. Being a celebrity allows him to garner the attention of a wider audience and to get others to think about these issues. Hopefully there is much more to come from Tiger regarding these topics. More wins in the majors wouldn’t hurt either.
Posted 25 May 2005 at 11:11 am ¶
April wrote:
Oh dayum, I feel for him. Been there, done that. It sucks.
Posted 25 May 2005 at 12:17 pm ¶
Renu wrote:
I certainly hope he uses his status and the fact that he has the media hanging on his every word to seize the opportunity to talk about mixed race issues more. As he is such a hero and role model to so many of the young adults today, I think his support would be potent in raising mixed-race awareness and expanding the concept that it’s not “just about black and white”
his kindergarten story is both terrible and touching
Posted 26 May 2005 at 1:39 pm ¶
Damie wrote:
Tiger Woods doesn’t want to be a racial spokeperson for any group. He wants to represent everybody, seems fair. I think celebrity representation is overrated.
Posted 26 May 2005 at 7:04 pm ¶
Mixiebaby wrote:
I must say, after reading this I do have more respect for the man. He understands that here in the U.S. he is seen as a black male and has experienced racism. I’m glad that he is open minded of his two races and isn’t one sided either.
Posted 07 Jun 2005 at 5:03 pm ¶
Ke wrote:
There is NO way Tiger Woods is considered Asian in Japan. No way at all. He is either uninformed, naive, a liar, or all three.
First and foremost, Tiger Woods is seen as an American, and, depending on who looks well enough, a black man. I have never heard any of my Japanese friends call him Asian.
Yuck.
Posted 15 Jun 2005 at 6:14 am ¶
Doris Jean wrote:
In response to Ke: my sister teaches ESL in NYC to Japanese students. She has taught Japanese darker than Tiger from Japan. They consider him Asian ( at least the students she polled did when I showed her this aricle and Ke’s comment.) So I guess it depends who you talk to, just like in this country.
Posted 15 Jun 2005 at 12:53 pm ¶
mariela wrote:
tiger woods is asian with black. if he wants to call himself asian than he has the right dont contradict him and dont disrespect him for doing so.
Posted 14 Nov 2005 at 8:23 pm ¶
Golf & Barbies wrote:
He loves golf & Barbie dolls - not sistahs or Asians.
So, maybe that really makes him White inside?
Posted 19 Dec 2005 at 9:11 am ¶
monkeylumps wrote:
Hmm…I’m not into golf but I see TW as a positive role model for ALL youth! Come on…you never hear about this guy being locked up or beating women or disrespecting anyone. Since he made that joke about being “Cablinasian” people won’t leave him alone.
To the person who commented about his loving golf: well, that didn’t hurt his career, did it? People see golf as a “white” sport but if he does what he loves and is damn good, what’s the problem? He’s being paid to play golf while people like you make silly comments. I didn’t know that one had to be a certain color to enjoy a sport. What’s next…is skiing or ballet limited to whites only too? If you know your history, there was a time when people with black ancestry weren’t allowed to participate in most sports. And don’t hate him because he married a white woman. She’s beautiful and seems to love him very much. Calling her a “Barbie Doll” is petty. I’m sure he didn’t marry her because of her blonde hair. I’m pretty sure he sees brown skin when he looks in the mirror and he has been subjected to racism.
Posted 23 Aug 2006 at 9:58 pm ¶