VivirLatino

Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past three months, you know that Tiger Woods cheated on his wife. With about 9239 blond women.

Since the news broke, Tiger has stayed pretty quite. He released a statement asking for privacy–and then nothing. Today he gave a press conference–looking tired and bloated–in which he apologized, defended his wife, and asked for forgiveness.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Here’s a part of the transcript–you can read the whole thing here:

Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behavior. As Elin pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come in the form of words. It will come from my behavior over time. We have a lot to discuss. However, what we say to each other will remain between the two of us.

I am also aware of the pain my behavior has caused to those of you in this room. I have let you down. And I have let down my fans. For many of you, especially my friends, my behavior has been a personal disappointment. To those of you who work for me, I have let you down personally and professionally. My behavior has caused considerable worry to my business partners, to everyone involved in my foundation, including my staff, board of directors, sponsors, and most importantly, the young students we reach. Our work is more important than ever. Thirteen years ago, my dad and I envisioned helping young people achieve their dreams through education. This work remains unchanged and will continue to grow. From the Learning Center students in Southern California to the Earl Woods scholars in Washington, D.C., millions of kids have changed their lives and I am dedicated to making sure that continues.

But still, I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you. I have made you question who I am and how I could have done the things I did. I’m embarrassed that I have put you in this position. For all that I have done, I am so sorry. I have a lot to atone for.

What do you think about all of this? While I was watching, I was thinking mostly about Bill Clinton. And how his trysts nearly destroyed this fucking country–but he never had to apologize in such a way. He never was held accountable in such a manner.

But…at the same time, I was also thinking (especially during the part when he talked about privilege) that the only reason he had access to the sort of privilege and power he did (and still does–or will, eventually), was because he was a man. Women got fucked over because his male privilege allowed him to do it.

I feel bad for the dude. As I would feel bad for any human being that is dealing with addiction and problems that come with just being human. But–I’m not sure as if I really agree with Tiger that this is a “private” matter that should be dealt with as such.

Why is misogyny and sexism always carefully guarded as “private?”