EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
|
| ||||
|
Advertise
With Us
Click here to request more information.
OC Family reaches:
- Active & educated parents
- Growing families
- And more...
Editor's Blog
|
||||
 I began to write a very lengthy response to her column when I realized I had quite a bit to say about this issue and I may as well make it a blog on its own. I will be revisiting the Mom Debate next week. I encourage you to read Tina’s column, but in summary, she addresses that she is conflicted about the whole Tiger issue and why is it our business? She also touches on the very significant reach Tiger has in this region with the Tiger Woods Learning Center and that perhaps his influence on children is what makes the difference here. Here’s my response: I'm inclined to agree, Tina. The conflict I've had with Tiger and this issue all along is not so much about the infidelity (not my business), but the carefully orchestrated duplicity that was carried out for years. For me, it was most disheartening to know that this athlete of exemplary character I’ve come to feel I know all these years was a complete farce. And not just a “he was unfairly put on a pedestal by the media” illusion (which I take issue with), but that he actively fabricated this pristine image and we never once questioned it. First of all, I DO NOT think athletes, actors or public figures should be held to a higher standard of perfection than anyone else. They should be allowed to be human without having to face public disgrace any time their actions fall short of our very capricious and subjective “standards.” I think we’ve seen repeatedly that few can withstand this kind of scrutiny. I also don’t believe that just because a person happens to excel in athletics or performing arts, they should be expected to be role models for our children. That really is a LOT to put on any person’s shoulders. So if someone is not an exemplary role model, they should be denied success in their chosen professional field because it comes with public exposure? I’m sorry, no. However, my issue with Tiger is, from my perception, that he was the one orchestrating the illusion. He cultivated his immaculate image for YEARS. In all the time he was single, how often did we see him linked with romantically with anyone? Rarely. He could have given any rock star a run for his or her money and I doubt few would have questioned it. Hey, he's young, rich and at the top of his game, knock yourself out, Tiger! But instead, he seemed to nurture an image that was above reproach. He had is perfect public family image and his dark double life. And again, for me, it's not so much about the philandering (which is between he and his wife and the individuals he hurt in the process), but the elaborate orchestration of lies that cause me to say, "Wow, this is not the person I've believed in and respected all these years." This is why I’m conflicted. It wasn’t that he has personal issues and can’t stand up to impossibly high standards. (Really, who could?) It’s that he was seemingly complicit in setting those impossibly high standards to begin with. Tiger does have a very real connection with the kids at the Tiger Woods Learning Center and I don’t doubt that many of them revere him and are now, like me, feeling confused. Who is this person we thought we knew? One of my most profound experiences growing up was my parents’ divorce. I learned a great deal about both of them during that time, particularly that they were human and far from perfect. Once I truly understood that, it was the most significant single leap I ever experienced in my maturity. Those who may have held Tiger to a higher standard (including Tiger himself) will process that he is not now, nor was he ever, perfect. Hopefully, it’s all part of our significant maturing process. PREVIOUS BLOGS: 2-15-10: Calling all working moms and Shining Students 2-1-10: It's a new day 2-5-10: 'It Takes a Village' redux Follow me on twitter! @susebelk |
||||
RSS SubscribeSEARCH THE SITE
