Making Tiger Woods Apologize For Teasing Justin Thomas Is Ridiculous

After Tiger Woods, the world’s best golfer, apparently beat Justin Thomas, Justin Thomas’ friend and fellow pro golfer, Thomas gave Thomas an object which elicited laughter as they walked down the fairway together.

Inside joke, right? It was. The camera’s ever-observing eye caught a glimpse of it, and Wood’s private attempt to bust his friend’s chops became a national scandal.

Media Narrative Woods insulted all women by giving Thomas a tampon. This implies that Thomas was being insulted. “hit like a girl.” Really? Woods was teasing Thomas about Thomas’ drive.

It was funny at first, but it wasn’t right.

These jokes can be laughed off, but it further reinforces a misogynistic narrative which women are fighting against today.https://twitter.com/cbrennansports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@cbrennansports This sums up my problem with this exchange: a href=”https://t.co/CQj4V8bwsj”>https://t.co/CQj4V8bwsj

— Patricia Duffy Fiske (@PatriciaDuffyGC) February 17, 2023

Do we really need any more proof that Tiger Woods has a misogynistic face?

— Teri Hart (@TeriHart) February 17, 2023

This is more than a harmless joke between friends. This is a joke due to period stigma.

This reinforces the notion that periods are a sign that you are weak, should be hidden and that they are shameful.https://t.co/eA6ssx7URR”>https://t.co/eA6ssx7URR

— Dr Rosie Baruah (@rosieICM) February 17, 2023

Woods quickly explained that he didn’t intend to offend anyone by roasting Thomas after he made headlines for his joke. Woods sincerely apologized to any person who was offended by his attempts at humor.

Tiger’s apology was not heard in today’s hypersensitive world where offense is taken lightly. Critics were relentless: Tiger is a 47-year old grown man. He’s the father to a daughter. He should have known better. He was thinking of something.

Now, I think he was thinking: “I’ll bet I can get Justin to laugh if I hand him a tampon after I outdrive his ass!”

That’s what guys do — particularly on a golf course or a basketball court or during competitive endeavors. They giggle over things that don’t really matter. This article is being read by a few men who are thinking, “Yeah, that’s what I do.”

Some find it funny, others don’t. The world continues to change.

Golfers — professional, and amateur — have lighthearted moments on the course where they poke fun at each other over a sliced drive or a missed easy putt or a ball (or six) in the water!

It’s not only about golf or sports. It is not uncommon to find lighthearted humor in work or social situations, particularly with friends. Sometimes humor may go over the top or strain a relationship — and it is certainly wise to exercise discernment, because not everyone has the same sensibilities.

Do we really want to make jokes about storytellers and stop people from laughing at silly things?

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