WHAT TIGER WOODS' 1996 INTERVIEW TELL US

This exchange from professional golfer Tiger Woods’ 1996 interaction with professional golfer and TV commentator Curtis Strange frequently resurfaces on the Internet, revealing the persistently negative attitudes that Black people face when making their mark on the world. Whether in sports, academia, or other fields, overt resistance challenges their confidence, abilities and achievements, as content creator @iamquaison points out here. 

Following this interview, a young Woods went on to win the 1997 Masters Tournament, becoming the youngest player to win this tournament and the first Black golfer to win one of the four men's major professional golf tournaments worldwide. This triumph marked the beginning of a legendary career that would establish him as one of the greatest golfers. Years later, the joke was on Strange, now 70, who admitted he was wrong to dismiss 21-year-old Woods. 

However, the display we see here is one that Black people around the world, particularly those living in Global North countries, face all too often. It is a manifestation of centuries of racial capitalism. Assuming a Black person isn’t as talented enough or moral enough may not seem like a big deal. However, this attitude justifies governments to oppress our people for profit. For example, while Black people in the US make up roughly 14 per cent of the total population, they account for 37 per cent of the prison population, according to the Prison Policy Initiative, a US-based non-profit organisation that documents the harm of mass criminalisation.

Video credit: @iamquaison