South Korean golfers dominate the LPGA, but that doesn't make them popular
Friday June 30, 2006 | 08:26:04 am 526 words, 3438 views
As the naive schoolboy frolicking through the woods that I am, I was caught unawares that so many of our readers would be wounded by my notion that South Korean golfers dominating the LPGA Tour is a, more or less, boring development.
Since the degree of my feelings for my readers ranges so hot (and, FYI, can be transferred into kelvin using the formula: K = (°F + 459.67) / 1.8), I feel a full apology is in order to those who feel offended by my thoughts. And this apology will be forthcoming - the moment Jeong Jang or Mi Hyun Kim sits on Oprah’s couch and talks about their personal lives.
Of course, I may not agree with the opinion that having eight different South Korean women win on the LPGA Tour this year (including the last four consecutive tournaments) is, in fact, an occurrence that will help the LPGA’s marketing. However, I will fight to death for adults to hold that opinion, regardless how out of tune with reality it is.
Such is the way of athletics, though. The best win, whether you like it or not, regardless of age or nationality. Unless, of course, you’re the NBA, then you can just make up rules as you go against adults.
The recent NBA Draft is a perfect example: Commissioner David Stern outlawed the practice of drafting young men after they got out of high school. So this year, while teams traded draft picks like pogs, the player who should have been the No. 1 pick – Greg Oden, prepared to play a compulsory year at Ohio State.
The NBA’s problem: Players out of high school were trying to go straight to the NBA, and in the majority of cases failing, with those that succeed (Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, etc.) setting an unrealistic example for the young players. Plus, the young players, relying on athleticism rather than tecnique, were helping enhance the noticeable dip in quality of play the NBA has seen the past decade.
The answer: Ban the kids. So what that they’re adults. You can die in a war, drive and smoke cigarettes at 18, but you better not drink or try to play in the NBA.
The NBA gets away with banning certain adults from its league because, like Major League Baseball and the oil industry, they don’t really have to follow the same laws of the land that other companies do. The NBA is more of a fiefdom, really, with Stern being the lead Fief.
Carolyn Bivens has about a billionth of the pull of David Stern, however, so she’ll need to work on a long-term marketing approach with the South Korean sensations to make them more palatable to an American audience.
Because the South Koreans are here to stay, as it should be. And in the years that come, they’ll be winning well more than half the tournaments the LPGA has to offer. Perhaps this continued success will change things. Maybe South Korean American golfer Michelle Wie’s success and popularity will help the transition, as well.
Currently, however, the women from South Korea are not connecting with their American audience. And it’s naive to think otherwise.
–WKW
Comments, Pingbacks:
Comment from: the true sage [Visitor]
I have a slightly different take on the LPGA. I think the LPGA is missing a great marketing opportunity this year. The real story of this season so far is the reemergence of the Hall of Famers --- Inkster, Webb and Pak. As soon as these hall of famers start winning, the LPGA marketing focus should have shifted from the teenaged girls to the hall of famers who have each battled adversities to reestablish themselves. With this as the dominant story, the other bylines such as South Korean wins and teenaged golfers struggling to establish themselves should have added a layer to the LPGA.
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06/30/06 @ 11:31
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
True Sage,
Guess what? No one really cares about Inkster, Webb and Pak. Most people don't know who they are. In fact, truth be told, not many people care about the LPGA. And Wolfrum is right about this: the Koreans are marketing poison.
Guess what? No one really cares about Inkster, Webb and Pak. Most people don't know who they are. In fact, truth be told, not many people care about the LPGA. And Wolfrum is right about this: the Koreans are marketing poison.
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06/30/06 @ 12:25
Comment from: John Z [Visitor] · http://John Z
Judge, You couldn't be more right. I'll bet that not one person in one hundred, regardless of sex and chosen at random could recognize the names or name the field of Pak, Webb or Inkster. Golf has grown in popularity among a fairly large segment of the populace, but the names of the pros are not household names. The Korean names have no relevance to Americans since most can't pronounce them and the Korean girls are almost totally deficient in English. The LPGA members are just about anonymous to the average American. The summer youth sports program in my town, in which I am a volunteer coach, had to abandon the golf program for lack of interest.
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06/30/06 @ 13:34
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
The attitudes of some of my fellow bloggers above proves why America is the most hated society on Earth.
I hate to break the news to you all but Asia has the largest population on the Planet. While our western cultures were still afraid to take baths, Asians were moving light years ahead in all areas of science and medicine.
The last time I checked it was not the American LPGA with only Americans able to join. The women's tours are linked around the world. Remember Annika is not an American.
The LPGA by not having the same narrow minded view of the Earth as you do have started to embrace Asia (a new tournament in Thailand)as it is the fastest growing golf marketplace in the world. Maybe John little girls in your little spot on the globe do not play golf, but in Asia they are flooding the driving ranges daily. They also practice the Michelle Wie swing for hours upon hours.
I hate to break the news to you all but Asia has the largest population on the Planet. While our western cultures were still afraid to take baths, Asians were moving light years ahead in all areas of science and medicine.
The last time I checked it was not the American LPGA with only Americans able to join. The women's tours are linked around the world. Remember Annika is not an American.
The LPGA by not having the same narrow minded view of the Earth as you do have started to embrace Asia (a new tournament in Thailand)as it is the fastest growing golf marketplace in the world. Maybe John little girls in your little spot on the globe do not play golf, but in Asia they are flooding the driving ranges daily. They also practice the Michelle Wie swing for hours upon hours.
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06/30/06 @ 14:58
Comment from: spirit [Visitor]
So! One-Putt where on the scale are asians now in science and medicine?
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06/30/06 @ 15:56
Comment from: hc2 [Visitor]
The anti-Korean sentiment is the same as the anti-Mexican, anti-French, Anti-British, and on.....
If we had dozens of Australians and Swedes dominating the LPGA nobody would care either. Nothing beats than cheering for a player that comes from your own hometown, high school, college. That is something Americans can relate to. The fact that Koreans struggle with English doesn't help either.
If we had dozens of Australians and Swedes dominating the LPGA nobody would care either. Nothing beats than cheering for a player that comes from your own hometown, high school, college. That is something Americans can relate to. The fact that Koreans struggle with English doesn't help either.
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06/30/06 @ 16:06
Comment from: John D [Visitor]
All the U.S. Government has to do is keep 50 percent of winnings from all foreigners, male & female. Monies won by US citizens will be spent in USA. But, monies won by foreigners, will most likely be spent abroad. So rather than take our resouces, let's keep them here.
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06/30/06 @ 17:50
Comment from: titipas [Visitor]
>Currently, however, the women from >South Korea are not connecting with >their American audience.
They are not in show business so they don't have to. What do you think pro sport is? It is all about skill and winning. Golf is not won by who speaks the best English. You are simply blaming the failure of american golfers to better skilled and hard working Korean golfers. If 50% games are won by small fraction of Koreans, there is something wrong with other golfers. Not the other way around.
They are not in show business so they don't have to. What do you think pro sport is? It is all about skill and winning. Golf is not won by who speaks the best English. You are simply blaming the failure of american golfers to better skilled and hard working Korean golfers. If 50% games are won by small fraction of Koreans, there is something wrong with other golfers. Not the other way around.
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06/30/06 @ 18:25
Comment from: One-Putt [Visitor]
"Comment from: spirit [Visitor]
So! One-Putt where on the scale are asians now in science and medicine?"
I don't know spirit, they just seem to be everywhere. I think about it when I am driving my Lexus built in Japan or talking on my cell made in China. It does occur to me as I watch the golf channel on a plasma made by Panosonic.
When I sprain something or develop a sore muscle I head to the accupuncturist or the Chinese medicine shop. It seems to work better than wasting time waiting for a Doctor to show up.
Take a look around sometime spirit and ask yourself....just what the hell is made in the USA any more? Oh that is right Camrys and Tacomas made by cheap American labor.
Give me a break.
So! One-Putt where on the scale are asians now in science and medicine?"
I don't know spirit, they just seem to be everywhere. I think about it when I am driving my Lexus built in Japan or talking on my cell made in China. It does occur to me as I watch the golf channel on a plasma made by Panosonic.
When I sprain something or develop a sore muscle I head to the accupuncturist or the Chinese medicine shop. It seems to work better than wasting time waiting for a Doctor to show up.
Take a look around sometime spirit and ask yourself....just what the hell is made in the USA any more? Oh that is right Camrys and Tacomas made by cheap American labor.
Give me a break.
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06/30/06 @ 21:55
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
There's a reason why we dominated Asia militarily and economically for many decades; it's because we became far superior technologically. So, please, spare me the drivel about Marco Polo and noodles.
Secondly, it's amazing how people have been brainwashed with PC propaganda. You think America is inordinately hostile toward other cultures? Ha-ha, if only. The truth is that there isn't a civilization that has ever existed that bent over backwards further to accommodate other cultures.
Have you folks ever traveled abroad and analyzed other nations with a discerning eye? Other coutries are infinitely more hostile toward other cultures than we could ever be. In most nations the citizens "look out for number one," look down on other cultures and take it for granted that one should give "his own" preferential treatment.
Wise up, sheeple, before it's too late.
Secondly, it's amazing how people have been brainwashed with PC propaganda. You think America is inordinately hostile toward other cultures? Ha-ha, if only. The truth is that there isn't a civilization that has ever existed that bent over backwards further to accommodate other cultures.
Have you folks ever traveled abroad and analyzed other nations with a discerning eye? Other coutries are infinitely more hostile toward other cultures than we could ever be. In most nations the citizens "look out for number one," look down on other cultures and take it for granted that one should give "his own" preferential treatment.
Wise up, sheeple, before it's too late.
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07/01/06 @ 00:00
Comment from: John D [Visitor]
You are so right Judge....In other counties, they do not print owner's manuals in 14 differetnt languages, you do not have to "Press 1 for the local language" etc, etc.
It is a crying shame what the ACLU and organizations like them have done to this country.
It is a crying shame what the ACLU and organizations like them have done to this country.
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07/01/06 @ 06:23
Comment from: Mike [Visitor]
Boo Hoo, Americans can't win anymore. I guess they will pack up there tent and go home.
Instead of whining about the Koreans, maybe we should learn more about the woman's golf program in Korea and import it to America.
That way, instead of watching Morgan Pressel cry at the drop of a bogey she might actually learn some discipline, mature, and play better than she has.
Instead of whining about the Koreans, maybe we should learn more about the woman's golf program in Korea and import it to America.
That way, instead of watching Morgan Pressel cry at the drop of a bogey she might actually learn some discipline, mature, and play better than she has.
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07/01/06 @ 06:46
Comment from: Lester Hinson [Visitor]
John D wrote: In other counties, they do not print owner's manuals in 14 differetnt languages, you do not have to "Press 1 for the local language" etc, etc.
..................
Sorry to disappoint you, JD, but "other countries" DO print owners' manuals in numerous languages. For instance, in Europe it's normal to get a product manual written in a half dozen or more. Why? Simple: It just makes GOOD BUSINESS SENSE. Why design and print different versions when you can just put them all into one? Folks here don't get too into a jingoistic tizzy over stuff like this, we just skip past the French, German, Polish and so forth to whatever language we want. Likewise in the States, if you're selling products, why would you care what language your customers speak? As long as their money's green. You seem like a strong believer in capitalism, correct?
There are multi-cultural regions all over the world where different people and languages have co-existed for a long long time (not always, peacefully, of course, but that's human nature sadly). How many different languages are spoken in China? What about in Hungarian populated areas of Slovakia, or in Greek-settle areas of Silesia? I'm certainly not saying that anyplace in the world rivals the U.S. as a melting pot, just that there ARE places where minority populations are accomodated. No matter how oppressive it surely seems to you, your having to tolerate the occasional "no fumar" sign is not without precedent in the history of mankind.
..................
Sorry to disappoint you, JD, but "other countries" DO print owners' manuals in numerous languages. For instance, in Europe it's normal to get a product manual written in a half dozen or more. Why? Simple: It just makes GOOD BUSINESS SENSE. Why design and print different versions when you can just put them all into one? Folks here don't get too into a jingoistic tizzy over stuff like this, we just skip past the French, German, Polish and so forth to whatever language we want. Likewise in the States, if you're selling products, why would you care what language your customers speak? As long as their money's green. You seem like a strong believer in capitalism, correct?
There are multi-cultural regions all over the world where different people and languages have co-existed for a long long time (not always, peacefully, of course, but that's human nature sadly). How many different languages are spoken in China? What about in Hungarian populated areas of Slovakia, or in Greek-settle areas of Silesia? I'm certainly not saying that anyplace in the world rivals the U.S. as a melting pot, just that there ARE places where minority populations are accomodated. No matter how oppressive it surely seems to you, your having to tolerate the occasional "no fumar" sign is not without precedent in the history of mankind.
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07/01/06 @ 08:32
Comment from: John Z [Visitor] · http://John Z
Folks, I think we're losing sight of the topic. Speaking only for myself, I am not biased against the Koreans and I don't hate or even dislike them. But it is very difficult for American golf fans to have much affinity toward women golfers who cannot or will not speak the English language and whose names are incongruous to virtually all Americans and Europeans. Sure, Annika is a Swede, but she speaks near-perfect English and she went to college in the states and has a home here. It is only natural that golf fans would gravitate more to her than to Hee Won Han. Prejudice or racism has nothing to do with it.
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07/01/06 @ 10:35
Comment from: Facts [Visitor]
Fact about Korean LPGA players
1. LPGA makes a lot of money from Korea (brodcasting, merchandise etc.).
2. Most Korean players have home in US.
3. All pay tax to US government.
4. They spend all day practicing so they have little time to learn English.
5. They rather practice and win games instead of wasting time on learning English.
1. LPGA makes a lot of money from Korea (brodcasting, merchandise etc.).
2. Most Korean players have home in US.
3. All pay tax to US government.
4. They spend all day practicing so they have little time to learn English.
5. They rather practice and win games instead of wasting time on learning English.
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07/01/06 @ 13:24
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Thanks, John D., it's nice to see at least a couple of people here who are capable of exercising rational thought and common sense.
Lester,
You're in error if you would equate other nations with ours with regard to this. First of all, yes, owners manuals may be printed in other languages in other nations, but that's a business decision made by private entities whose only motivation is increasing the bottom line. And being as this is their motivation, of course they're going to print instructions in other tongues if we allow ourselves to become a polyglot land. They're just trying to adjust to a market that leftist scum have helped create through their nation-destroying policies.
Now, I'm going to explain what makes us uniquely self-destructive with respect to the matter at hand. Other nations are multicultural in nature, however, this is because they were CREATED as an amalgamation of many cultures. They did not take a nation that was relatively unified by virtue of its having one language and a populace that to a great degree was consanguineous and then, unfathomably, decide that it would be just peachy keen to create disunity.
For example and at the risk of being redundant, Belgium is a nation of several languages. But, as I stated, it is the result of the forging of a nation out of a few different cultures, each one having enough adherents to make it a force to be reckoned with. The Belgians never made the foolhardly decision to put nails in their own coffin by inviting foreign elements into their land, pandering to them and allowing the creation of MORE sub-cultures.
Lastly, the children of other nations are not taught to despise their own cultures.
Lester,
You're in error if you would equate other nations with ours with regard to this. First of all, yes, owners manuals may be printed in other languages in other nations, but that's a business decision made by private entities whose only motivation is increasing the bottom line. And being as this is their motivation, of course they're going to print instructions in other tongues if we allow ourselves to become a polyglot land. They're just trying to adjust to a market that leftist scum have helped create through their nation-destroying policies.
Now, I'm going to explain what makes us uniquely self-destructive with respect to the matter at hand. Other nations are multicultural in nature, however, this is because they were CREATED as an amalgamation of many cultures. They did not take a nation that was relatively unified by virtue of its having one language and a populace that to a great degree was consanguineous and then, unfathomably, decide that it would be just peachy keen to create disunity.
For example and at the risk of being redundant, Belgium is a nation of several languages. But, as I stated, it is the result of the forging of a nation out of a few different cultures, each one having enough adherents to make it a force to be reckoned with. The Belgians never made the foolhardly decision to put nails in their own coffin by inviting foreign elements into their land, pandering to them and allowing the creation of MORE sub-cultures.
Lastly, the children of other nations are not taught to despise their own cultures.
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07/01/06 @ 13:27
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Also, folks, I'll say something else about the Korean players. I can assure you that I whine not at all. In fact, since nothing makes me happier then seeing the LPGA wallow in relative obscurity, I welcome their presence. I simply pointed out that Wolfrum is correct about them being marketing poison.
And many here act as if they're painfully naive. Like it or not, sport is entertainment. As such, marketing -- which, folks, means catering to your MARKET (which happens to comprise mainly white English-speakers) -- is of the utmost importance. Hey, why do you think Ali was able to create so much interest in his bouts? Well, as he said, it's because he "talks the jive" better than any other boxer. Sure, Ali had great skill as well, but if he had had the personality of Sonny Liston, we never would have experienced that golden era of heavyweight boxing.
And many here act as if they're painfully naive. Like it or not, sport is entertainment. As such, marketing -- which, folks, means catering to your MARKET (which happens to comprise mainly white English-speakers) -- is of the utmost importance. Hey, why do you think Ali was able to create so much interest in his bouts? Well, as he said, it's because he "talks the jive" better than any other boxer. Sure, Ali had great skill as well, but if he had had the personality of Sonny Liston, we never would have experienced that golden era of heavyweight boxing.
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07/01/06 @ 13:35
Comment from: Lester Hinson [Visitor]
Judge Smails wrote, "... yes, owners manuals may be printed in other languages in other nations, but that's a business decision made by private entities whose only motivation is increasing the bottom line."
And that, Judge Smails, is precisely why I wrote "in Europe it's normal to get a product manual written in a half dozen or more. Why? Simple: It just makes GOOD BUSINESS SENSE." The fact is, if Toshiba prints a manual in German and French and Italian, it's so they can sell that same TV to Germans in Germany, to Frenchmen in France and to Italians in Italy.
Are you saying that, at Wal-Mart in the States, the manual on a toaster comes in English AND Espanol because Hillary Clinton mandated that? Sir, what brand of glue do you sniff? Wal-Mart rightly value's Pepe's dollar as much as yours.
And that, Judge Smails, is precisely why I wrote "in Europe it's normal to get a product manual written in a half dozen or more. Why? Simple: It just makes GOOD BUSINESS SENSE." The fact is, if Toshiba prints a manual in German and French and Italian, it's so they can sell that same TV to Germans in Germany, to Frenchmen in France and to Italians in Italy.
Are you saying that, at Wal-Mart in the States, the manual on a toaster comes in English AND Espanol because Hillary Clinton mandated that? Sir, what brand of glue do you sniff? Wal-Mart rightly value's Pepe's dollar as much as yours.
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07/01/06 @ 13:53
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Lester,
Obviously you have trouble with reading comprehension. Read my post again.
Obviously you have trouble with reading comprehension. Read my post again.
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07/01/06 @ 14:03
Comment from: Lester Hinson [Visitor]
Ok, I will.
Hmmmm. Still can't make heads or tails of it. Back to the glue tube, you freak.
Hmmmm. Still can't make heads or tails of it. Back to the glue tube, you freak.
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07/01/06 @ 14:16
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Lester the molester,
You are quite ignorant.
You are quite ignorant.
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07/01/06 @ 17:22
Comment from: fc [Visitor]
Judge Smails, I disagree with you! Unfortunately, majority of people in America will share your view.
I am going to pick just one comment you made: " The truth is that there isn't a civilization that has ever existed that bent over backwards further to accommodate other cultures."
Yes, your statement is true but only in recent history after the civil rights movement in the 60's.
How soon we forget about what happened to the native Indians, African slaves, Japanese Americans, Mexicans.
I remember the early 80's when Japanese cars were taking over the US market share. Instead of working harder to create better cars, it used political means to curve importation.
Very similar to some of the voices I hear in this bulletin.
Fact of the matter is that Korean female golfers are good. If American female golfers complain like the old UAW workers, they too will be out of a job very soon.
I am going to pick just one comment you made: " The truth is that there isn't a civilization that has ever existed that bent over backwards further to accommodate other cultures."
Yes, your statement is true but only in recent history after the civil rights movement in the 60's.
How soon we forget about what happened to the native Indians, African slaves, Japanese Americans, Mexicans.
I remember the early 80's when Japanese cars were taking over the US market share. Instead of working harder to create better cars, it used political means to curve importation.
Very similar to some of the voices I hear in this bulletin.
Fact of the matter is that Korean female golfers are good. If American female golfers complain like the old UAW workers, they too will be out of a job very soon.
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07/01/06 @ 17:57
Comment from: MikeW [Visitor]
Don't worry about Judge, he's just mad that his male-dominated, white European vision of America is slowly being consigned to the trash can of history.
No doubt he'll be able to find some remote enclave in the wilds of Montana should things become too "tolerant" for his liking.
No doubt he'll be able to find some remote enclave in the wilds of Montana should things become too "tolerant" for his liking.
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07/01/06 @ 19:33
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Mike W,
Yes, you're correct about one thing: I will be in some place such as the wilds of Montana should our social and political degradation reach critical mass. You, on the other hand, will be languishing in some zone wherein you'll be monitored, controlled and persecuted or will be desperately trying to subsist off scraps in an atomized land. You shall see.
Fc,
Here's a word to the wise: a nation either zealously defends and perpetuates its culture or it perishes. That is what history teaches, and he who forgets the mistakes of the past is damned to repeat them.
Yes, you're correct about one thing: I will be in some place such as the wilds of Montana should our social and political degradation reach critical mass. You, on the other hand, will be languishing in some zone wherein you'll be monitored, controlled and persecuted or will be desperately trying to subsist off scraps in an atomized land. You shall see.
Fc,
Here's a word to the wise: a nation either zealously defends and perpetuates its culture or it perishes. That is what history teaches, and he who forgets the mistakes of the past is damned to repeat them.
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07/01/06 @ 22:38
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Fc,
By the way, you are obviously a product of the PC government school system. I noticed that you alluded to the internment of Americans of Japanese ancestry during WWII. However, you didn't mention the Americans of Italian ancestry who were interned. Why is that? Ah, rhetorical I am being. You didn't mention it because you didn't know about it.
But why didn't you know? Well, I guess it doesn't serve the leftist agenda to bring to light the fact that white Americans have often suffered the "persecution" that supposedly is only visited on "minorities."
Lastly, even during the times of American slavery (note: I specified "American slavery" because slavery was practiced elsewhere and still is to this day) we were more accepting of other cultures than most other nations. Of course, though, that's something else the government schools won't teach.
By the way, you are obviously a product of the PC government school system. I noticed that you alluded to the internment of Americans of Japanese ancestry during WWII. However, you didn't mention the Americans of Italian ancestry who were interned. Why is that? Ah, rhetorical I am being. You didn't mention it because you didn't know about it.
But why didn't you know? Well, I guess it doesn't serve the leftist agenda to bring to light the fact that white Americans have often suffered the "persecution" that supposedly is only visited on "minorities."
Lastly, even during the times of American slavery (note: I specified "American slavery" because slavery was practiced elsewhere and still is to this day) we were more accepting of other cultures than most other nations. Of course, though, that's something else the government schools won't teach.
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07/01/06 @ 23:12
Comment from: fc [Visitor]
Judge,
What is wrong with working hard to be a better golfer?
What is wrong with working hard to build better cars such as Toyotas?
What is wrong with studying hard to be a good engineers?
Are you defending a culture of mediocracy and complacency?
Defending a 2nd rate outcome simply because it was done by a US national does not help America at all.
Lastly, to defend what was done to African and Japanese Americans by pointing finger to other places that had slavery and Italians imprisonments is simply immoral.
What is wrong with working hard to be a better golfer?
What is wrong with working hard to build better cars such as Toyotas?
What is wrong with studying hard to be a good engineers?
Are you defending a culture of mediocracy and complacency?
Defending a 2nd rate outcome simply because it was done by a US national does not help America at all.
Lastly, to defend what was done to African and Japanese Americans by pointing finger to other places that had slavery and Italians imprisonments is simply immoral.
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07/02/06 @ 00:48
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Fc,
I'm going to be as patient with you as one can be, even though you don't seem to have taken the time to comprehend what I wrote.
The subject of this article was how the ascendancy of Korean players has affected the marketability of the LPGA. No one impugned their work ethic or the idea of having a work ethic. But the fact is that they are not an appealing product. And it doesn't matter if you like that fact or not, it's a fact. Get it?
Lastly, what's immoral is to analyze a person's words so sloppily that you mischaracterize him. I never defended any such thing; what I did was place things in perspective and point out the folly of casting our country -- which is Heaven on Earth relative to other nations -- as some kind of uniquely evil land. There are fewer national sins in our past than in that of any other country.
And that's a fact, Jack.
I'm going to be as patient with you as one can be, even though you don't seem to have taken the time to comprehend what I wrote.
The subject of this article was how the ascendancy of Korean players has affected the marketability of the LPGA. No one impugned their work ethic or the idea of having a work ethic. But the fact is that they are not an appealing product. And it doesn't matter if you like that fact or not, it's a fact. Get it?
Lastly, what's immoral is to analyze a person's words so sloppily that you mischaracterize him. I never defended any such thing; what I did was place things in perspective and point out the folly of casting our country -- which is Heaven on Earth relative to other nations -- as some kind of uniquely evil land. There are fewer national sins in our past than in that of any other country.
And that's a fact, Jack.
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07/02/06 @ 03:00
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
fc, The subject of this blog is the market appeal of the Korean women golfers, not their abilities, work ethic, or the quality of Toyota cars. (Which, incidentally, are Japanese-made and increasingly US-made in Georgetown, KY and elsewhere.) The best example of marketing of a female golfer for the US public is, of course, that of Michelle Wie. What is it that made her so marketable, besides her obvious ability? She is tall,athletic, and she acts a lot like a typical American teenage girl. US golf fans can relate to her. Ask yourselves this: How popular would Bubbles be if she refused to speak any English in an interview, if she were five feet tall and weighed a hundred pounds, and went by her Korean name of Mi Sung-Wi?
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07/02/06 @ 09:28
Comment from: Wee Wee [Visitor]
Michelle Wie's marketability comes from a lot of factors. But the first of all, she is beautiful to watch her. Among all LPGA players regardless of race, she tops it and has the talent to back it up. If Michelle Wie only speaks English, she wouldn't be marketable this big either. As people say, there is no one like Michelle Wie, the total package.
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07/02/06 @ 11:09
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Wee Wee, I think I get the gist of your post, but I'm not sure. This is not meant to hurt your feelings, but you really could use a few lessons in English composition. If English is not your native or first language, kindly ignore this post.
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07/02/06 @ 12:02
Comment from: David [Visitor]
To those who say America and Britain are racist societies: on a Saturday night in the city centre, at least where I live, it is literally a game of 'spot the white man.' Proper English and American people are not black, Oriental, or anything other than white. That's where we our racism comes from; we are simply sick of the situation in which we find ourselves.
I would very likely get shot in Pakistan for simply walking down the street. Why? Because I'm white, and I show too much skin.
Non-whites are more racist than white people.
We let them in, and they didn't appreciate it nearly enough - now, they're taking over but have the arrogance to treat us like s**t in their own countries.
I would very likely get shot in Pakistan for simply walking down the street. Why? Because I'm white, and I show too much skin.
Non-whites are more racist than white people.
We let them in, and they didn't appreciate it nearly enough - now, they're taking over but have the arrogance to treat us like s**t in their own countries.
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07/02/06 @ 12:18
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Alex,
Welcome back. I was having quite a time wading through the tripe of all the new Alan Cup contestants. It lessens my burden greatly to have one of the official judges back on site.
As for this vaunted competition, Fc is showing tremendous promise. I thought that his unabashed and seamless introduction of completely irrelevant topics into a discussion -- while behaving as if these elements are quite obviously germane -- makes him one of the rising stars.
Welcome back. I was having quite a time wading through the tripe of all the new Alan Cup contestants. It lessens my burden greatly to have one of the official judges back on site.
As for this vaunted competition, Fc is showing tremendous promise. I thought that his unabashed and seamless introduction of completely irrelevant topics into a discussion -- while behaving as if these elements are quite obviously germane -- makes him one of the rising stars.
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07/02/06 @ 12:28
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
David, bravo, bravo. That's what I'm trying to tell all of these naive white westerners. In most other cultures there is NO SUCH THING as political correctness. On the contrary, such people are raised with the idea that what we call prejudice is just normal, expectable, obligatory ethnic or racial patriotism.
Of course, all of these white idiots will call people such as us "racists" and Neanderthals and laugh at us until it's too late and they're second-class citizens in their own countries.
Of course, all of these white idiots will call people such as us "racists" and Neanderthals and laugh at us until it's too late and they're second-class citizens in their own countries.
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07/02/06 @ 12:37
Comment from: fc [Visitor]
To all those who have commented on my post.
Topic: How marketable are these Korean golfers and I will stay on this topic.
Michelle Wie will earn more this year than Pak Seri and Annika S. combined even though she has never won a single tournament. Does this seem fair to you? Well, that's the way it is.
This being the case, biggest concern for marketability should not be you or I. It should be the players themselves as it is directly linked to their pocket books.
Won't it be great if Britney Spears can play golf like Annika?
Anna Kournikova come to mind. She made a bundle of money for looking good with little talent.
Great athletes with good marketable package are rewarded plenty despite their winning records. I don't think we should be worried about their welfare.
Hey, golf is golf. Give them some respect for practicing hard, coming to a foreign country, and being competitive as they are. Stop picking on these young girls.
Topic: How marketable are these Korean golfers and I will stay on this topic.
Michelle Wie will earn more this year than Pak Seri and Annika S. combined even though she has never won a single tournament. Does this seem fair to you? Well, that's the way it is.
This being the case, biggest concern for marketability should not be you or I. It should be the players themselves as it is directly linked to their pocket books.
Won't it be great if Britney Spears can play golf like Annika?
Anna Kournikova come to mind. She made a bundle of money for looking good with little talent.
Great athletes with good marketable package are rewarded plenty despite their winning records. I don't think we should be worried about their welfare.
Hey, golf is golf. Give them some respect for practicing hard, coming to a foreign country, and being competitive as they are. Stop picking on these young girls.
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07/02/06 @ 17:18
Comment from: Blazer [Visitor]
Anyone here ever double hit the ball on a chip? You know it as soon as you do it and feel like hiding. Seems Korean Jeong Jang is the only golfer in the world that doesn't realize when she does it.
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07/02/06 @ 20:33
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Judge Smails, You right about fc, he's a real comer. His most recent post was as inane as anything lately, even from the immortal Alan himself. He seems to have that certain intangible ability to make a non sequitur of anything and everything. I don't know if it's heredity, environment, a combination of both or too much Acapulco gold, but he seems to be the complete package. Definitely a serious challenger for the Cup.
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07/02/06 @ 23:15
Comment from: spirit [Visitor]
Hey one-put! you wrote, " While our western cultures were still afraid to take baths, Asians were moving light years ahead in all areas of science and medicine", and I just mearly ask about science and medicine as it stands today. Now you change the subject to "I think about it when I am driving my Lexus built in Japan or talking on my cell made in China. It does occur to me as I watch the golf channel on a plasma made by Panosonic.
When I sprain something or develop a sore muscle I head to the accupuncturist or the Chinese medicine shop. It seems to work better than wasting time waiting for a Doctor to show up.
Take a look around sometime spirit and ask yourself....just what the hell is made in the USA any more? Oh that is right Camrys and Tacomas made by cheap American labor.
Today we orbit around this planet and leave haberdashing to those countries you mentioned.
When I sprain something or develop a sore muscle I head to the accupuncturist or the Chinese medicine shop. It seems to work better than wasting time waiting for a Doctor to show up.
Take a look around sometime spirit and ask yourself....just what the hell is made in the USA any more? Oh that is right Camrys and Tacomas made by cheap American labor.
Today we orbit around this planet and leave haberdashing to those countries you mentioned.
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07/03/06 @ 14:12
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
The only benefit you'll derive from acupuncture or most Chinese medicine is the placebo effect. But, hey, the mind is very powerful.
Those Chinese are great at murdering political prisoners and selling their organs, though.
Those Chinese are great at murdering political prisoners and selling their organs, though.
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07/03/06 @ 14:31
Comment from: spirit [Visitor]
Hey one-put! this is my answer to your question......
["just what the hell is made in the USA any more?"]
Today America orbit around this planet and leave haberdashing to those countries you mentioned!!.
And by the way!good luck driving your...
"Lexus built in Japan".
Do remember to keep you eyes on the roads and your mind on your driving while....
"talking on your cell made in China"
and remember to watch this weeks 103rd edition of the Cialis Western Open [should be a good game]on your
"plasma made by Panosonic"
Hopefully!! you won't ....
sprain something or develop a sore muscle.... that you will need the services of a
"accupuncturist or the Chinese medicine shop"
["just what the hell is made in the USA any more?"]
Today America orbit around this planet and leave haberdashing to those countries you mentioned!!.
And by the way!good luck driving your...
"Lexus built in Japan".
Do remember to keep you eyes on the roads and your mind on your driving while....
"talking on your cell made in China"
and remember to watch this weeks 103rd edition of the Cialis Western Open [should be a good game]on your
"plasma made by Panosonic"
Hopefully!! you won't ....
sprain something or develop a sore muscle.... that you will need the services of a
"accupuncturist or the Chinese medicine shop"
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07/03/06 @ 14:42
Comment from: Alex [Visitor] · http://Alex
Judge Smails, This is an update and an Alan Cup alert. On one of the other threads, an upstart with the handle "toto" has surfaced. Although he/she/it only has posted once so far as I know, all the necessary illogic is there for contention for the cup. toto should be listed as a "dark horse" in the ratings since little is known of credentials or staying power.
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07/03/06 @ 17:38
Comment from: Judge Smails [Visitor]
Thank you, Alex. I missed "toto," but I trust your judgement. Well, I guess he's not in Kansas anymore.
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07/03/06 @ 22:37
Comment from: Joe [Visitor]
Your comment about Korean female golfers not connecting to American public is accurate but I think your perspective is wrong. To blame Korean girls for this disconnect is wrong. I cannot think of a single sporting event shown in America that is foreign dominated. Americans do not want to see foreigners win in large numbers especially if the events are held in the US under US sponsorships. Watching Olympic few years ago highlighted this problem. NBC only showed events where US had good chances of winning in it's entirity. Others where US does not participate or have very little chance of winning, they will only report on results or show short highlights.
One has to give credit toward US for giving so many foreigners an opportunity to come to America to participate in sports but invitation does not transform to appreciation.
One has to give credit toward US for giving so many foreigners an opportunity to come to America to participate in sports but invitation does not transform to appreciation.
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07/07/07 @ 14:05
Comment from: Happy [Visitor]
I cannot believe the LPGA forcing its players to learn the pathetic English language. This just goes to show how insecure the white female golfers are. They see the South Korean women kicking their asses in tournaments and now they are trying to institute this stupid English language rule. I guess this is the only way the white golfers have a chance at winning future tournaments.
I certainly hope that the stupid American LPGA comes to its senses and rescinds this messed up rule.
There enough said.
I certainly hope that the stupid American LPGA comes to its senses and rescinds this messed up rule.
There enough said.
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09/01/08 @ 23:14 Leave a comment:
William K. Wolfrum
a WorldGolf.com Blog
WorldGolf.com's William K. Wolfrum blogs about everything in the world of golf and travel, including Michelle Wie, Lorena Ochoa, Tiger Woods and other PGA and LPGA headlines. Plus, he offers the humorous and obscure in news, politics and pop culture.
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