Further explanation
OK, before this gets out of hand, let me go on the record as saying I have nothing against the Philippines or its people.
If you don't know what I'm talking about, let me explain.
On Sunday, I wrote a column about a team in the Philippines having a reported interest in signing former Jazz power forward Karl Malone.
I called Malone to find out if he could possibly be serious about coming out of retirement and, at the age of 44, playing halfway around the world.
His response? No way.
In the column, I explained that I first stumbled across the story in the on-line edition of the Manila Bulletin. I explained that I did not normally read that particular newspaper, "given my general lack of interest over what is happening in the Philippines."
I was not ridiculing the country; I was trying to explain that I don't spend a lot of time worrying about the day-to-day events there because I have other things happening in my life that take precedent.
A few paragraphs later, I wrote, "I decided to make a call to Ruston, La., and see if the Mailman was planning to switch zip codes -- assuming they have zip codes in the Philippines."
Obviously, I was using Malone's nickname to help make a point. The Mailman? Changing zip codes? See what I was thinking?
My question about whether they have zip codes in the Philippines was legitimate. I honestly didn't know. I thought it was a way of poking fun at myself over a lack of knowledge about the country. It was not meant as a sign of disrespect.
By Sunday afternoon, the first of five emails arrived, chastising me for ridiculing the Philippines and, generally, being an ugly American. I replied to each one, explaining the points I was made in the column and assuring everyone I was not being disrespectful to their country.
One gentleman took the time to email back. He thanked me for explaining what I had meant and actually apologized for taking things incorrectly, which I appreciated but wasn't necessary. But he added that "the media has now gotten ahold of this" and I should expect more fallout.
That's when I decided to address this situation in the blog.
As I explained, I did not intend to hurt anyone's feelings. I was only being sarcastic about my own lack of knowledge.
I will never use my forum provided to me by The Salt Lake Tribune to disrespect to any country -- especially one where my uncle served for four years during World War II. To do so would tarnish his service to both countries and his memory.
A final point: Malone said this whole story about a comeback in Manila started when he told a radio interviewer that the Philippines was one of a handful of places he would like to visit.
I think that speaks well of the country and its people, doesn't it?
-- Steve Luhm
If you don't know what I'm talking about, let me explain.
On Sunday, I wrote a column about a team in the Philippines having a reported interest in signing former Jazz power forward Karl Malone.
I called Malone to find out if he could possibly be serious about coming out of retirement and, at the age of 44, playing halfway around the world.
His response? No way.
In the column, I explained that I first stumbled across the story in the on-line edition of the Manila Bulletin. I explained that I did not normally read that particular newspaper, "given my general lack of interest over what is happening in the Philippines."
I was not ridiculing the country; I was trying to explain that I don't spend a lot of time worrying about the day-to-day events there because I have other things happening in my life that take precedent.
A few paragraphs later, I wrote, "I decided to make a call to Ruston, La., and see if the Mailman was planning to switch zip codes -- assuming they have zip codes in the Philippines."
Obviously, I was using Malone's nickname to help make a point. The Mailman? Changing zip codes? See what I was thinking?
My question about whether they have zip codes in the Philippines was legitimate. I honestly didn't know. I thought it was a way of poking fun at myself over a lack of knowledge about the country. It was not meant as a sign of disrespect.
By Sunday afternoon, the first of five emails arrived, chastising me for ridiculing the Philippines and, generally, being an ugly American. I replied to each one, explaining the points I was made in the column and assuring everyone I was not being disrespectful to their country.
One gentleman took the time to email back. He thanked me for explaining what I had meant and actually apologized for taking things incorrectly, which I appreciated but wasn't necessary. But he added that "the media has now gotten ahold of this" and I should expect more fallout.
That's when I decided to address this situation in the blog.
As I explained, I did not intend to hurt anyone's feelings. I was only being sarcastic about my own lack of knowledge.
I will never use my forum provided to me by The Salt Lake Tribune to disrespect to any country -- especially one where my uncle served for four years during World War II. To do so would tarnish his service to both countries and his memory.
A final point: Malone said this whole story about a comeback in Manila started when he told a radio interviewer that the Philippines was one of a handful of places he would like to visit.
I think that speaks well of the country and its people, doesn't it?
-- Steve Luhm
3:33 PM
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3 Comments:
LOL
I'd be worried, Steve.
I'm sure "the media" is going to get you now!
If the Phillipino media doesn't have anything better to do than complain about disrespect from a foreign sports writer.....
FWIW, isn't Malone's wife part Filipino? I wouldn't expect any malintent there either.
Hi Steve,
I'm an avid reader of your column. It's a way to get a better feel of what's happening to the Jazz. I'm here in the Philippines and am a jazz fan.
Sometimes,it happens when the you know hits the fan. But thanks for the assurance that there is no disrespect meant in that column. It could get touchy at time. God bless
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