Drummers vs Golfers (In a PC Insensivity BAttle) Who Would Win?

[JohnBckWLD]

Opening salvo?…

Dateline: Lytham St Annes, England. August 2003:

…GoldenPalace.com interrupted the Women’s British Open as streaker Ron Simon ran onto the course displaying the site’s web address on his naked torso.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030803/NYSU022 )

As Swede favorite Annika Sorenstam and chief rival Korean Se Ri Pak attacked the 15th hole, the self-proclaimed “World’s Best Drummer” tore off his Velcro clothes and leaped onto the course wearing nothing but hot rod boxer shorts, the ad tattoo on his chest and back, and a huge smile on his face.

The crowd seemed taken aback at Simon’s sudden appearance, then quickly became angry at the interruption. It was apparent that many of the spectators were insulted at this irreverent attitude to the proud institution of golf. They hissed and booed as Simon was escorted off the course by security, and Sorenstam’s caddie Terry McNamara even went so far as to give him a swift kick in the rear. The incident did not adversely affect Sorenstam, who went on to win the coveted tournament.

Still wearing nothing but boxer shorts and the tattoo, Simon was interviewed briefly after his release from the Blackpool Police station. He was incarcerated “for his own protection” after the streak, presumably from the hands of enraged golf fans. The drummer was surprisingly upbeat after his short stint in the joint…

Fast-Forward Months…

Dateline: Lawton, Oklahoma. Percussive Arts Society Press Release Dated May 5, 2004:

On April 19, 2004 ESPN ran an advertisement in USA Today promoting ESPN’s Junior Golf Academy at the Walt Disney World Resort. The heading of the advertisement stated, “Your kids could learn how to play drums (but then they would know how to play drums).” The PAS Executive Committee quickly decided that this advertisement was an inappropriate message and derogatory to school music education programs. I wrote ESPN and the Golf Academy sponsors explaining PAS’ position. My letter was posted on the PAS web page and many of you contacted ESPN directly and posted supportive comments on the PAS site.

On Tuesday May 4th I spoke on the phone with Chris LaPlaca, Senior Vice-President of Consumer Communications of ESPN. Chris told me that the ad would not be run again and he apologized. Ironically Chris is a drummer himself and completely understood PAS’ position.

Because PAS had an opinion and our members responded, we were able to make a change in how our art form and music education was being represented. By speaking out, the Percussive Arts Society stated our values of music education and percussion. We made these companies aware that we exist and that our “society” is vital to our art form. And most importantly, we helped to pave the way for future percussion students to have better opportunities tomorrow than we have today. This includes building a stronger awareness of the value of music in schools, including “drum lessons.”

Thank you for your support. I would also like to thank ESPN’s Chris LaPlaca for his quick response and understanding. By working together, we can make a difference.

Mark Ford
PAS President

Peace in our time? Jocks & Musicians in accord.
Maybe there is something to the PC and hyper insensitivity thing…

ESPN Response:

To Mark Ford, President, Percussive Arts Society

Thank you for your feedback concerning the ESPN Golf School ad that ran recently in USA Today. The ad was not intended to offend anyone or any community of people. While the impact this ad had on your community was purely unintentional, we understand the Percussive Arts Society’s perspective, and will run a different ad for the duration of the campaign.

We at ESPN believe music and sports have real, transcendent power to teach children many of the same positive lessons. Further, music, especially percussion, is an important creative element in much of what we do at ESPN. We share your belief in the value of music; frankly we can’t imagine life (or sports) without it.

We appreciate your bringing your concerns to our attention.
Sincerely,

Chris LaPlaca
Senior Vice President, Consumer Communications
ESPN, Inc.