Tiger, Tiger, Burning Blight

Yet another media circus occurred today. Tiger Woods held a press conference to apologize for his much televised marital failures and transgressions. In this instance the circus atmosphere was delivered by both Tiger Woods and the media, who collectively presented themselves as clowns and buffoons. Tiger was the lesser clown here where he merely came across as a stiff and puppet-ish character. His performance simply reflected someone who really isn’t a polished or comfortable public speaker; at least not when discussing topics outside his own turf. He apologized, asked for forgiveness and vowed to strive to do better. Tiger also implored the media to refrain from intruding into the lives of his wife, children and mother.

Now for the real clowns of the show. The media exhibited their well developed skills of trying to get the audience’s attention by any and every act that might be offered up to the lowest and basest interests that typifies the public’s insatiable appetite for repugnant behavior. I understand that there is a large proportion of the population that seems addicted to seeing other people’s failures and disgraces. But the media doesn’t just prostitute themselves when feeding this appetite, they cultivate it and enable it. You cannot completely blame them for acting this way, since they are paid and paid well to provide the muck to the masses.

And it is in the media’s efforts to squeeze every ounce of vile, vulgar, sordid and squalid measure of their audiences’ attentiveness out of such stories that demeans and disserves the public. To sensationalize these events beyond providing the simple story and facts is unworthy of a society that advocates individualism and striving to making your own way. These principles do not rely upon us degrading others and finding satisfaction in our judging their inferiority. Even if you think it is necessary and important to know about their problems and troubles, it is not necessary to fixate upon and foam at the mouth over every miniscule detail or salacious factoid that can be dug up in a never-ending quest for some way to keep an easily generated new item alive in the media, in order to titillate and arouse the schadenfreude in us all.

What is the point or value in asking people or “experts” if they think that Tiger is sincere in his apology? Is their opinion really of any value? If they agree that he is being real and honest, does that mean he is? If they are convinced that he is acting or lying just for his own benefit, do you think they have some special ability to know what may or may not be in his mind or heart? His apology is meant for you, not for the public-collective. You, and you alone, have to decide to accept or reject his apology based on the merit you see, feel and find in his effort. And you have to use your values in that judgment, including your belief in forgiveness and compassion for others; and from my perspective you have to be confident that you would want everyone else to treat you according to your principles is the same way.

As for the media, I hope that more people will reject the rubbish and putrid fare that they proffer as the best that they can bring to the public conversation. If this is the best that they can do then we should all be looking for quality and top-notch media providers; because you should not be settling for the dregs when the you can easily have the cream. Their success and power is completely granted to them by you. They only succeed if you are willing to pay them. And you do pay them. If you think that you don’t then consider who is if not you?

As for Tiger, he lost my respect and I won’t support him. But I will let him try and earn back my respect.