Are you, dear reader, familiar with the term "Fisking?" No particular reason you should be, though it was a thing back in the day. Here's the Wikipedia definition:
The term fisking is blogosphere slang describing a point-by-point criticism that highlights perceived errors, or disputes the analysis in a statement, article, or essay. Eric S. Raymond, in the Jargon File, defined the term as "a point-by-point refutation of a blog entry or (especially) news story. A really stylish fisking is witty, logical, sarcastic and ruthlessly factual; flaming or handwaving is considered poor form.
The term comes from Robert Fisk, an alleged journalist for The Independent, whose relationship with the truth was one of convenience. Hence he was subjected to many such fiskings, and did not come through any of those unscathed. So, let's party like it's 1999.
The reason for this trip down memory lane is that our Shackelford engaged in the closest thing to a fisking I've seen in many a day, the subject being a couple of PGA of America documents making the rounds. I assume these were sent to officials responding to inquiries, but I don't know how wide the distribution list might be.
The first is titled GOVERNANCE STATEMENT ON REMOVAL OF PGA PRESIDENT TED BISHOP, and far too many pixels died in the effort. It drones on at considerable length, and I caution you to have a caffeinated beverage handy should you unwisely decide to venture in. Let's sample a few of the tastier bits, with Shack's reactions appended. And just to make things completely confusing, I'll engage in some fisking of Shack's fisking of.....I'm sorry, where were we?:
The role of the office of President of the PGA of America is to represent the
membership and further the mission of the organization. The statements made by Ted Bishop were not a sentiment that represented the viewpoint of the Association and it was in direct conflict with our very mission of growing the game across all communities.In fact, those remarks made on social media completely contradict the strong actions our organization has recently taken to create more opportunities for girls and women in the game. We have made significant strides in many ways to be more welcoming, inclusive and diverse including the creation of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship scheduled for next summer, the rapid growth of PGA Junior League Golf, and the early success of the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship.
Just last week, the PGA hosted the 3rd annual Sports Diversity & Inclusion Summit, with eight other major sports organizations in attendance. To have led such an important gathering and, within 24 hours, not have acted the way we did through the removal of our President, would have made the PGA look hypocritical and completely out of touch.
On a Friday in the fall when people are going to high school football games, carnivals, Octoberfests and college weekends, here's guessing most of the world's population was not going to couple the Diversity & Inclusion Summit with a Ted Bishop Tweet. I know, big limb there.
I'm actually sympathetic to them in the first two graphs and agree that Bishop's postings were completely beneath the dignity (we're wearing out this word) of the President of the PGA. But the last graph gives away the game, as we thump our chest over diversity summits and the like. So while punishment is warranted, it's the overreaction that has dominated the third through sixth day of the story.
We likely would be facing intense scrutiny far beyond the world of golf had we not moved at a rapid pace.
Well, that is correct in the sense no one increased scrutiny of your financial statements of board make up or membership make-up. I'll even predict that the PGA of America and PGA Tour will continue to be confused my most major media outlets outside of the sport. Another limb!
Hmmmm....so it's more important to be quick than to ensure that the punishment fits the crime? Noted.
Instead, our swift action has been roundly applauded by the LPGA and KPMG, our partners in the upcoming KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. In their public statement, the LPGA noted, “The PGA of America's quick and decisive action sent a strong message - reinforcing a consistent belief that with so many positive gains being made among golf's leading organizations, there is simply no room nor willingness, to take a step backwards.”
In addition, Christine Brennan, a highly regarded sports columnist for USA Today, tweeted the following: “A top male sports official is ousted over sexist remarks. First time I've ever written that sentence.”She also told Golf Channel: “I would now say that golf is now a leader in the fight for women and sports. And we couldn't have said that 48 hours ago. That’s how big of a watershed moment this is.”
Watershed moment? "I have to go now, Duane, because I'm due back on the planet Earth."
OK, I like the Woody reference as much as the next pedophile, but I think Shack might have missed the layup. I would have gone with the fact that it's not until 2015 that the PGA of America will deign to sponsor a women's event. Did that come up at the Diversity and Inclusiveness Summit, Pete?
We have all heard of the term “teachable moment,” and this certainly qualifies as such. But it’s not just a teachable moment for PGA leadership – it is for everyone associated with the PGA of America. The words we say and write, especially with the enormous power of social media, can shape opinions and, in some cases, can define careers. And often in very negative ways. As we learned in this instance, it can cost you your position.
Does anyone really think this was a teachable moment, other than to teach the PGA's volunteer officers to stay off of social media?
Geoff, thank God they couldn't help themselves from using that hackneyed phrase.
There's lots more of that drivel if you're having trouble sleeping or applying for a job as a corporate diversity officer somewhere.
Here's Shack's introduction of the second document:
A separate PR document sent to the various directors, officers and "others" was labeled "Ted Bishop Removed Pushbuttons."
Pushbuttons? Talking points is the term of art, no?
Q. What gives the Board of Directors the authority to take such an action?
A. The Constitution of the PGA of America is very clear with regard to the Board of Director’s authority to take action due to an emergency situation in the best interest of the Association.
Emergency? Were lives in danger?
Well, in their world Geoff, anything that threatens the gravy train is Defcon-5.
Q: How is Ted Bishop’s comment different than other similar comments about women that often go unnoticed and unpunished?
A. Context and responsibility of the role is critical to consider. We cannot comment on the statements that any other organization or individual makes. The role of the office of President of the PGA of America is to represent the membership and further the mission of the organization. The statements made by Ted Bishop were not a sentiment that represented the viewpoint of the Association and it was in direct conflict with the very mission of the PGA of America of growing the game across all communities.
I feel so much better now that the game will grow. Though it would have been fun to blame Ted Bishop for golf's continued lack of diversity and gender imbalance for the next 20 years.
Yeah, this will put an end to gender-related slurs amongst men, as never more shall we hear, "Nice putt, Alice." Although if it was the Foot Golf grow the game initiative that got him fired, I might be more sympathetic.
Q: Was this the last straw? Is this one of many moves Ted made that angered the Board?
A: Ted always been an outspoken President, that has not changed. The Board’s decision was based solely on the insensitive gender based comments Ted made on social media last week.
Well at least we got that part of this cleared up. No double secret probation for Ted. That in itself is shocking.
Yeah, nothing to do with the Ryder Cup or the anchoring ban or the finish of the PGA.....I'm sorry, what was the question? At least they're not acting defensive...
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