Though I don’t always agree with their tactics, I often find myself playing the contrarian and defending Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to those who have absolutely no tolerance for their brand of racial politics. I still believe Jackson and Sharpton have an important role to play at times, in a nation that still stumbles over issues of justice and diversity; however, today I’m feeling really disappointed in Rev. Sharpton.
By now, you’ve probably heard about Golf Channel broadcaster Kelly Tilghman’s on-air faux pas last week. If you haven’t, here’s a recap. The short story is that Tilghman was bantering with analyst Nick Faldo about what young players could do to challenge Tiger Woods. After Faldo suggested they “gang up” on him, Tilghman playfully added that they “lynch him in a back alley.” Tilghman, who is white, immediately recognized her goof and apologized later in the broadcast (and has since apologized to Woods directly).
Of course in this era of Don Imus and Michael Richards, high-profile gaffes like that do not die easily. The media, social activists, and the blogosphere (yep, we’re guilty too) will always keep them alive way past their shelf life.
Don’t get me wrong. I believe episodes like this one should be used as teachable moments. The word “lynch” is loaded with a lot of ugly meaning (why didn’t she say “beat him up” or “shoot him”?). But I believe the more important point here is that Tilghman apologized, and the Golf Channel ultimately suspended her for two weeks. When she goes back on the air, it will take quite awhile for her to live down her unfortunate choice of words. (I think this commentary offers the best insight on the situation.) But, again, she apologized. And more importantly, Tiger Woods forgave her.
So this is where my frustration kicks in. Despite Tilghman’s public contrition, two-week suspension, and Tiger Wood’s acceptance of her apology, Al Sharpton inserts himself into the drama—and gives ammunition to those critics who accuse him of always playing the race card—by demanding that Tilghman be fired. He remarked:
“This cannot just go with, ‘I apologize, me and Tiger are friends.’ We are in an era now where we see hangman’s nooses all over again. I don’t know why that would pop into her head, but it popped out of her mouth and she should be accountable.”
While I believe it’s right for Rev. Sharpton to remind us of the gravity of this situation and the weighty power of our words, I think he also needs to remember his call as a Christian minister and learn to balance his crusading activism with a spirit of grace and forgiveness. If instead of condemning this woman Rev. Sharpton were to say, “What she said was wrong, and we need to understand why, but we should forgive her and pray that we all learn from her mistake,” imagine the impact that could have on a jaded and cynical culture that lives by a code of tit for tat.
I see your point completely and could not agree more. I sure wish that other people would see things the way you do. Al Sharpton needs to keep his nose out of everybody’s business. I really hope that Kelly Tilghman does not get fired as her career is important for women around the world as well as the sport of golf. After all, she is the first female play-by-play commentator for the PGA Tour….Keep up the good words.
This should have been a teachable and learning moment, but instead, because of Sharpton’s reactions it has reinforced the idea of black overreaction and hyper-sensitivity to racial issues. Tilghman made a mistake and apologized (multiple times), she wasn’t forced, and she didn’t wait to see he results of her comments. She knew she said something ignorant and asked for forgiveness, I really don’t know what else to ask of her. Also, Woods was forgiving; this is not an Imus or Ricahards incident where target of racist words were, deeply pained a not appeased by apologies (I also think there comments were more offensive esp. Richards).
We are in a difficult and paradoxical situation in America. We –publicly- want to be politically correct and racially sensitive, but we haven’t allowed individuals to publicly deal with the struggles involved in social racial reconciliation.
Tilghman should be suspended, but then accepted back because that is how your learn lessons, that his how you grow. I think some people cognitively “know” what is right, but they don’t – in the day to day – understand how to act. It is not different than any other sin, one may know that envious is bad, but that doesn’t mean they will not be envious. One becomes more righteous my confessing, repenting and starting on an imperfect journey, of trial and triumph, away from that sin. Likewise, to work through America’s racism we have to expose it, have grace and through that expect that everyone will get better – with work. As Christians this is essential.
Ethnic Minority Christians have a unique place in history. We have the opportunity to exhibit macro and micro displays of profound, divine grace. It is crucial we see this as a blessing not an annoyance.
While I agree with the comments previously posted and Ed G’s , I have to ask two questions. Would anyone, outside of Golf Channel viewers, (all six of ’em!), had known about this incident had Rev. Al not inserted himself into the fray? Secondly, would the Golf Channel have slapped Ms. Tighman on the wrist if Sharpton had not made it public?
How often do acts of racism, subtle or overt, innocent or intended, occur everyday that we don’t know about? And how many times, as the article clearly states, have we heard these types of remarks from public figures and yet it still goes on? Somebody is not learning the lesson — so perhpas it is important to make sure that it is made public and that it gets dealt with, because if we let it slide once, what happens the next time?
Let’s face it — we lieve in a racist culture — it is all around us. Most of us would like it to go away, pretend that it doesn’t exist, that we are better than that. But it is real for a lot of people. I live 10 minutes away from John White, the Black man in Miller Place, Long Island, NY who was recently found guilty of shooting a drunken white teen who came to his house late at night with 4 other boys to beat up his son. Of course, he was wrong for shooting the boy — but the issue never becomes, what audacity of these young white men to threaten a grown man on his own property with racial ephitets while staring down the barrel of a gun! And I was at the racially divided courthouse for the closing arguments — I tried to talk to a white pastor who was praying with one of the young men — I said “how God must be saddened by this division!” And he walked away!
My point is as innocent as the remarks may seem sometimes, we can’t just let it slide — because that may just be fuel for the next racist. I agree though that we must exercise forgiveness and use it as a teachable moment. I just hope we start learning the lessons — it doesn’t appear that we are.
Grace & Peace,
ED C
Everyone’s on point with their comments on Sharpton. This is the usual “black rhetoric with Sharpton. I wonder how many tournaments has Al sat down and watched including those with Tiger? That’s a time consuming task. For that matter I ponder the thought what number of blacks that would sit down and watch a couple days of Golf on tv, when Tiger does compete?
I listen to sports radio, and I don’t if Al was watching the program as much as he caught wind of it.
I think that Ms. Tiglhman should be disciplined. I don’t claim to hold any personal insight.
I’m sorry that (but not surprised) she said what she said. I constantly remind people that there’s always an insinuation, behind peoples humor. This is supposedly a personal friend of 12 years?
It is sad because I can relate to Tiger in some ways. He’s from my home state area, and I do see his striving in reconciliation as a part of his culture and upbringing. And he’s sensitive to the African American culture.
And ED C:
That was a horrible account in the NY area. And I’m sorry but its sound more like that pastor should have been evangelizing these guys.
Blackwasp
Your closing comments are excellent.
I watch Tiger golf at times because he’s an African American from Orange County. Not many of us out there. So’s Tony Gonzales of the KC Chiefs. Oh, that I could get the gospel to my O.C. homeboys!
Precisely, Ed C. Ms. Tilghman should be suspended, but that needs to be the end of it. I’ve often cynically wondered how Sharpton can seem to have carte blanche in saying what he says about race, but then any white person, celebrity or no, says the wrong thing about race and has to endure an Inquisition-like dragging of their personal character through the mud. (Granted, in Don Imus’ case, the mud-slinging was deserved!)
At issue here is the question of is Sharpton doing more harm than good with his brand of racially-charged politics. I believe the answer to that is yes. As long as he continues to play the race card about what’s being said (or not said) in public, the very real problems of the black community will not be addressed. In other words, he needs to stop holding press conferences at every slight, perceived or real, and work for the good of his community.
Further, while Sharpton continues to talk in public, he’s really fiddling while Rome burns. He’s standing in the way of real progress in racial reconciliation, which has to hurt the heart of God. I believe that God in this case is wanting the wounds of the past to be healed, and Sharpton’s words on this latest public incident are counterproductive to that. Don’t be sorry for your view, joyfulfreedom; this only shows just how misplaced Sharpton’s priorities are, when compared to God’s desire for real reconciliation.
Gracious, good thoughts, Ed.
I read the Myrtle Beach times column, which was insightful. I honestly hope, however, that this columnist is wrong and this incident doesn’t follow Tilghman throughout her whole career, such that 10 years from now she will be discussed as the person who gave a compliment using the dreaded “l” word. That would say more about us and the media than it does about her.
Excuse me, I should have said, Myrtlebeachonline.
I agree 100%. Great post.
Hey Allie — I really think you hit on something there that we should consider further — “Sharpton is standing in the way or real racial reconciliation” — his brand of racial politics may do more harm than good, and doesn’t lead to the healing that we so despaerately need. But can that healing and forgiveness come if there is no real acknowledgment of the wrongs committed?
Grace & Peace,
Ed C
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