You would have to live on Mars to miss the media frenzy around the Tiger Woods debacle. For weeks now it’s as though nothing else is happening on the Planet. Every day, almost every hour, somewhere in the world, magazines, television, radio shows, blogs and tweets have featured negative news about the golfer in a non-stop image bash.
It’s to be expected when golf’s version of Mother Theresa, a perfect person with a perfect image, disappoints us. We Americans love to build people up and put them on a pedestal. Our second favorite thing to do is knock them off that pedestal.
Since our third favorite thing is to build them back up again. This is Tiger’s savior. We will forgive him eventually, build him up again and return to a new way to worship him.
It is difficult to be perfect. Many try, few are able to. Ghandi and Mother Theresa come to mind as examples of success. But they are from a differnet time. Today’s version of the American Dream has changed from when Boomers were Tiger’s age. In today’s world the path to the American Dream looks like this:
- Create a Sex Tape – have someone leak it to the internet and/or the press
- Do the TV Program rounds – Take a tour of all media outlets to protect your good name while showing snippets of the video (as allowed)
- Get a “Reality” show – Sign with an agency and get yourself a “reality” show where you debase yourself for the pleasure of the public
- Paparazzi Chase – Be chased by the paparazzi taking your pictures and asking ‘is it true that…’ questions
- Get drunk at a club – Do this specifically for the sensational value
- Complain – Why is this happening to me? I just want to live my life in peace, etc.
- Ligitimacy – Now that you’re famous, clean up your act, and get a ligitimate job as an actor, singer, rap artist, or dancer
Tiger didn’t take this route. He is the Athlete of the Decade. Yes he deserves this title no doubt about it. However, all of us, including Mr. Woods bought into his “Perfect” image. Sorry folks, no one is perfect. It’s impossible to maintain. We’re all just human beings trying to live our lives and be happy.
In today’s social media world it simply isn’t possible to do anything and get away with it. Everyone has a cell phone, tiny video camera, and YouTube account. They await any single mis-step and rather than help, they use it for their own celebrity. From YouTube views, to selling it for $$$, most of the younger generation would rather their 15 minutes of fame than to help anyone. Wait, they will help you *after* their 15 minutes of fame.
Tiger’s mistresses are cleaning up using this new model of the American Dream. They broadcast in the news that one of them has a Maxim layout. What they fail to mention is that she is NOT being paid. This is a testament to the fact that they would even do it for free if there is exposure in it. Apparently negative exposure is better than no exposure.
What I find difficult to understand is the lack of shame these women have. Infidelity is nothing new, but Boomers and Traditionalist women were ashamed of this type of behavior. This younger generation revels in it. They can’t wait to share how disgusting they are. Our new Miss California proved that by debasing herself and video taping it.
Don’t get me wrong, I do not condone Tiger’s actions. What he did is ‘off the hook’ as Gen X, Y and Millenials would say. As a wife myself I find it heartbreaking for both him and his wife. But I think he has been hounded enough. He did not kill anyone, he had multiple sexual indiscresions. Awful yes, is a crucifixion necessary no. Enough already. Let’s move on to other topics.