Tiger Woods Fulfill and American Dream
One of the paradoxical characteristics of the American Dream is that it’s meaning
is unique to each person in pursuit of it. For new arrivals to the United States, the
American Dream often can best be described in opposition to the circumstances they
chose to leave in order to come to this country, a huge personal choice with lasting
consequences. But what does the American Dream become for second-generation (or
later) Americans?
Eldrick “Tiger” Woods was born December 30, 1975 and grew up in Cypress,
California, outside of Los Angeles. His father, Earl, came from a culturally eclectic
background, with Chinese, Native American and African American ancestry, and had
served in the United States Army. His mother, Kultida, is Thai, Chinese and Caucasian.
Tiger was nicknamed after a Vietnamese friend of his father’s whom he had called
“Tiger”.
A prodigy, Woods piled up impressive accomplishments at a young age. “When
Tiger was 6 months old, he would sit in our garage, watching me hit balls into a net,”
recalls Earl. “ He had been assimilating his golf swing. When he got out of the high chair,
he had a golf swing.” He putted with Bob Hope at the age of two while appearing on the
Mike Douglas Show, and was featured in Golf Magazine for the first time at the age of 5.
Woods’ version of the American Dream is easily recognizable to other
Americans. Along with self-made riches, Woods has achieved an eminence in his chosen
field with unparalleled speed. In 1996, he became the youngest golfer to win the Masters’
championship, and in doing so became the first major golf championship winner of
African or Asian heritage. In 2000, at age 24, he became the youngest golfer to complete
the career Grand Slam, only the fifth ever to accomplish the feat over a career. Tiger is
the career victory leader among active players on the Professional Golf Association
(PGA) Tour, and has won more prize money than any other player in the tour’s history.
Advertisers see Woods as the embodiment of the American Dream, and reward
him handsomely for lending his image and endorsement to their product. Woods makes
millions each year from product endorsements, including Nike, Buick, Wheaties, and
perhaps most indicative of Woods’ successful pursuit of the American Dream, American
Express. After all, the very name “American Express” specifically invokes something
uniquely American and successful, and that brand chooses Woods as its personification.
Woods has used his fame, wealth and success to help others as well. The mission
of the Tiger Woods Foundation, started in 1996, is, "We empower young people to reach
their highest potential by initiating and supporting community-based programs that
promote the health, education and welfare of all of America's children." Toward that
purpose, the Foundation donated almost $1 million in 2001 alone.
Those who know him are quick to praise Woods not just as a player, but as a
person. “One thing people forget is that Tiger is a dedicated player. When you are the
most talented and the strongest and the most dedicated, it doesn’t surprise me what he’s
done,” remarks fellow professional golfer Lee Trevino. Wally Goodwin, Woods’ coach
while he played on the Stanford University golf team, “In many years of coaching, he is
the most focused in terms of the important aspects of his life and his goals. He is a giver,
not a getter, and a product of two amazing parents.”