So where do you stand when it comes to the great Tiger Divide?
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, there are numerous news items addressing Tiger Woods’ most recent indiscretion – spitting on the green in Sunday’s PGA tournament. Many golfers – and onlookers – took offense at the act, sizing it up as yet one more example of behavior by a man with little respect for others.
Can you imagine spitting in disgust during a competition? Naturally, it was captured on film (check out the link just below), and let’s just say – it’s gross. Moreover, spitting is often a sign of disdain. Many expect better from a man who is already under public scrutiny, and reportedly hoping to improve his image.
Looking at the incident, what do you think?
- Is this a non-event?
- Just a man expressing feelings of frustration?
- Something more – even if subconsciously?
Disrespect vs Disregard
Let’s be clear. I’m no Tiger Woods fan, ever since the news hit about his abundance of mistresses. One dalliance? Two? Even a half dozen? Not cool, but we know it happens.
The epic proportions of Woods’ infidelities, however, boggles the mind.
Whatever you make of this latest news item, it begs the question of respect. And, it encourages us to examine the difference between disrespect and disregard. While the terms are sometimes used synonymously, consider the following.
Disrespect:
discourtesy, rudeness, contempt
Disregard:
lack of regard or attention; neglect, slight
So what?
Disrespect carries with it a nuance of intention and superiority. Was Woods disrespectful? Is he simply a man who disregards what he chooses? Does intention matter if the net effect is the same – in this case, a breech in etiquette, a broken rule, and on foreign soil at that?
Do apologies count in a case like this? Do we even believe an apology?
Respect for institutions
Spit is spit. And respect – for people and institutions – matters. Well, it matters to some of us when it comes to the institution of marriage, for example. Or good sportsmanship.
Or do we make too much of a simple momentary act, putting our heroes – tarnished or otherwise – under the all too harsh glare of the media spotlight?
Personally, I like to think that those of us who are “regular people” continue to lead our lives attempting to be respectful, tolerant, and not disregarding those around us. Yes, we have our bad days and lose our tempers, we exhibit our frustrations, and then we apologize.
And mean it.
Image: Reuters; The Independent (UK)
© D A Wolf
I don’t think he’s sorry for what he did to his family; I think he’s sorry he got caught. As for the spitting, it looked like just a frustrated guy doing something offhand to express his emotions. But, he’s not a “regular guy,” as you say, and he is held to a higher standard, especially now. It’s the life he’s chosen. And he should know better, or at least have publicists drilling it into his head at every possible moment.
PS: How long till that spit shows up on eBay? Somebody would buy it, and that’s probably the most disgusting thing of all!
Eeeewwwww… :0
Spitting, as well as grabbing your crotch, burping and other bodily functions shared with all, is such a guy thing. Jack, my son, has helped me (or should I say forced me?) to realize boys will be boys. But Jack is a boy. Tiger isn’t. He should know better. It peeves me to no end how disrespectful spitting is on say a sidewalk that I’m running on, and others, too. At least have the courtesy (regard) to spit into the bushes. Often guys don’t give a second thought about letting loose, but the next time the urge to do these things… think again.
Given Tiger’s behavior of late, you’d think he’d do a little better. “Arrogant and petulant” were the words used by one pundit. Not exactly what we expect of those seeking to reshape their image.
I remember watching Jack Nicklaus say in an interview a few years back that he quit smoking altogether when he saw footage of himself setting down a cigarette so he could putt. He thought it looked so disgusting that he never smoked again.
He was the Tiger Woods of his time. And yet he saw his own faults. Saw his own failings. Recognized that what he looked like on cameras – to fans and to kids – mattered. And he went about the difficult business of changing. There is real humility in that. And whether Tiger Woods can summon the willpower to exhibit respect or regard, without the humility that should accompany both, it’s all just a show.
@Gale – The Jack Nicklaus example is an excellent one.
@NAS – It is indeed sad.
I agree. No matter if you are in the spotlight of fame, and caught on camera or among the more simple folk living in your own existence, rude is rude. There is no excuse for bad behavior and less so for not recognizing and apologizing. I believe that peoples behavior in general is losing courtesy and respect. Sad really.
No civilized man spits, it is disgusting and belongs on the scrapheap of history along with its companions, spittoons and chewing tobacco. Also, when one learns to play golf, it is equal parts skill and golf etiquette that are taught; clearly Tiger has extraordinary skill at golf but is stalled at a self-obsessed teenage boy level of life and golf etiquette and he has a lot to learn.
Yep. Disgusting.
Yep. Rude is rude.
Yep. Grown up men learn not to do this. Especially in sports that are supposed to be gentlemanly.
No comment because I couldn’t see the video. You Tube removed it for violating its terms of service. There are a long list of offenses which violate said terms of service, but presumably “shocking and disgusting” applies here.
You Tube has done my thinking for me.
Huh. Yes, indeed. Gone from youtube, including the link on the article I referenced. I did watch it. I thought possibly the incident was exaggerated. It wasn’t, in my opinion.
Spitting is disgusting in any context. I don’t follow golf or Tiger Woods or the uproar about his spitting so I’m sort of out of it. Except to say it’s disgusting and Tiger is becoming more and more synonymous with disgusting.
I was much happier when I could believe Tiger was a really nice guy, a good role model, an exemplary athlete. I hate getting let down. Someday I’ll find a celebrity that I like and that one will turn out to be true to my perception.
I’m with you on that one, Carol.
Yet another example of behavior of a person that I simply cannot respect. It’s too bad when some “has it all” only to throw it all away – for nothing.
I’m a little perplexed as to why the spitting is under such strong scrutiny. I don’t agree with his act, but making spitting sports news seems extreme. He will be under the microscope for years to come.
Perhaps the spitting was seen as a cultural insult, therefore it is not tolerated.
No civilized man spits?
I am happy to announce that I am uncivilized and shamelessly so. I try not to spit in front of people, but sometimes it happens. I tend not to get overwrought with things athletes or celebrities do.
For that matter I don't care what most people do as long as it doesn't hurt others. I think that there is an uptight culture when it comes to golf and that people take it to an extreme.
People also love to hate those who are successful. I am ambivalent about Tiger. I appreciated his skill and ability but I never watched or didn't watch because of him.
It is sad to see someone who went from being revered to being essentially rejected. You can’t argue that, in his prime, Tiger Woods made everyone take notice of an otherwise dull sport. Countless kids took up the life skill in hopes of becoming the next legend. He revitalized the game and was fun to watch. That was then. This is now…he has fallen hard. Physically, mentally, emotionally and is a shell of his former self. I don’t condone his actions, but part of me feels very sorry for him. He had it all…and lost it all. Spitting on the green is perhaps a perfect analogy for his life.