Hello World, Or, Tiger Woods Still Has Nothing to Say

The comparisons have been all too predictable. With so few "minority" or "mixed-race" exemplars, it was inevitable that Barack Obama would be compared to Tiger Woods (see here, here, or here). To the extent that both men have transcended traditional assumptions about race in American culture, then yes, they are similar. Yet if we needed any reminder that they remain worlds apart, then today's speech by Woods at the Obama inauguration event, "We Are One," should suffice.

As I have noted before, I am troubled by Woods' reluctance to acknowledge that his presence not only in golf but in American culture more broadly is political. Whether he wishes to or not, he embodies both the possibilities and limitations of race in the United States. And, given that he was "announced" by Nike in the famous "Hello World" ads--the ones that told viewers there remained golf courses in the U.S. where Woods could not play--and that his father, Earl, had annointed him the "Chosen One" because he would be able to usher in a new era of racial and social harmony, I think it is fair to be disappointed by Woods' relentless efforts to avoid politics.

All of this leads us to Obama and the inauguration. As ESPN's John Sobel writes:

"Maybe he's ready to change, to exercise his power in more influential ways. Maybe that's why, three years after the death of his father -- a man Tiger says 'would have cried' had he lived long enough to witness Obama's election -- Woods finally has broken his silence.

On Sunday, Woods will have a front-row seat for history. What might prove to be a pivotal moment for our nation also might serve as a turning point for its greatest golfer, which -- it should go without saying -- pales by comparison. Just don't underestimate what this speech means to Woods, who might hear Earl's voice echo in his head as he speaks to millions.

The chosen one. The power to impact nations. For Tiger Woods, that impact might finally be coming to fruition. It will start with the right words at the right time."

That's optimistic stuff. So, how did Tiger do? I, for one, am disappointed.

Woods' speech this afternoon lasted all of two minutes. It was not about politics per se, but rather was a brief affirmation of the military. Here are some excerpts:

"My dad was a Special Forces operator and many nights friends would visit our home. They represented every branch of the service, and every rank. In my Dad, and in those guests, I saw first hand the dedication and commitment of those who serve. They come from every walk of life. From every part of our country. Time and again, across generations, they have defended our safety in the dark of night and far from home.

Each day - and particularly on this historic day - we honor the men and women in uniform who serve our country and protect our freedom. They travel to the dangerous corners of the world, and we must remember that for every person who is in uniform, there are families who wait for them to come home safely.

I am honored that the military is such an important part, not just of my personal life, but of my professional one as well. The golf tournament we do each year here in Washington is a testament to those unsung heroes. I am the son of a man who dedicated his life to his country, family and the military, and I am a better person for it.

Just as they have stood tall for our country - we must always stand by and support the men and women in uniform and their families."

Now, it is highly likely that Woods' speech was vetted by the Obama transition team. Nevertheless, it is striking that Woods notes the "historic" nature of the occasion without speaking of that history. Whether this omission is his or those advising the president-elect, it is remarkable that Woods made no mention of race at all. And, given the euphoria and energy generated by Obama's election, it would have been quite easy to appeal to themes of unity and hope. Indeed, since Obama represents (for many) a possible future in which racial inequities and tensions may be productively addressed, this speech from Woods is a tremendous let-down.

With such an apolitical past, however, we probably shouldn't be too surprised. After all, everyone--Republicans, Democrats, and all in between--seems eager to "support the troops." Thus, Woods is able to participate in a political event while maintaining his apolitical persona. This is not, I would contend, the same thing as the reconciliation strategy demonstrated by Obama. The president-elect attempts to appeal to competing sides of multiple issues--including race--as a means for reducing conflict and increasing cooperation. Woods seeks to appeal to everyone at the same time and on the same terms, thereby appealing really to no one. In other words, despite this "historical" opportunity, he still has nothing to say.