I've noticed in the last broadcast(with Tom Abbott), and now here, the use of "S.H." instead of pronouncing(more like mis-pronouncing) Sung Hyun. I discussed this with Bret Lasky(when he was with the LPGA) and he agreed it could be taken as a show of dis-respect when announcers routinely mis-pronounce certain Asian names. Unlike some I believe it is more a sign of pure laziness rather than blatant bias, I mean how hard is it to go to Google and say "Pronouce Hyun please"!
I've noticed in the last broadcast(with Tom Abbott), and now here, the use of "S.H." instead of pronouncing(more like mis-pronouncing) Sung Hyun. I discussed this with Bret Lasky(when he was with the LPGA) and he agreed it could be taken as a show of dis-respect when announcers routinely mis-pronounce certain Asian names. Unlike some I believe it is more a sign of pure laziness rather than blatant bias, I mean how hard is it to go to Google and say "Pronouce Hyun please"!
Heck, there's no need to go to Google. They had a segment during the tournament broadcast where the players introduce themselves, and Sung Hyun clearly stated her name. It's not that difficult.
I don't know how you maintain a golf course up there without busting the budget. They had heavy rain in January and then it froze solid, killing the grass. They brought in over 200,000 sq. feet of sod for the fairways and greens. Article:
I've noticed in the last broadcast(with Tom Abbott), and now here, the use of "S.H." instead of pronouncing(more like mis-pronouncing) Sung Hyun. I discussed this with Bret Lasky(when he was with the LPGA) and he agreed it could be taken as a show of dis-respect when announcers routinely mis-pronounce certain Asian names. Unlike some I believe it is more a sign of pure laziness rather than blatant bias, I mean how hard is it to go to Google and say "Pronouce Hyun please"!
It absolutely is disrespect! More of a personal than racist bias though probably. They do take pains after all not to ever say "In Gee Choooon". Lydia's mom's surname is Hyun. If Lydia were Lydia Hyun, you'd never hear a single "Lydia Hyooon" ever. They are absolutely blackballing SHP, and in such a passive aggressive manner. Tom Abbott, it's plain to see he now realizes his error but doesn't want to a) acknowledge he's been saying it wrong for the past two years b) contradict the other announcers.
I find it amusing (and pitiful) that the American golf establishment is so salty about their current situation (i.e. American LPGA players collectively getting worse every year). They really are acting like a bunch of pathetic losers. She is one of the very top players and now she's #1. How long can Abbott keep up this "SH Park" nonsense? I am eager to find out.
Every sport now is international, and the media for every sport handles foreign names with ease. Not the American golf media though, because they somehow got a bunch of amateurs to do a professional job. They get really rankled by the Sung Hyuns of the world, anyone who's not a smiling glad-handing stereotype, because they don't know how to present anyone who is otherwise. They must feel that such players make their jobs impossible.
I'm a marginal tennis fan but I really appreciate the tennis tv media. They love the game itself and are able to present matches with energy and enthusiasm regardless of who's on the court. Maybe golf is just a very difficult sport to televise. I'm sure it is. Still think the Americans stink at it though.
I've noticed in the last broadcast(with Tom Abbott), and now here, the use of "S.H." instead of pronouncing(more like mis-pronouncing) Sung Hyun. I discussed this with Bret Lasky(when he was with the LPGA) and he agreed it could be taken as a show of dis-respect when announcers routinely mis-pronounce certain Asian names. Unlike some I believe it is more a sign of pure laziness rather than blatant bias, I mean how hard is it to go to Google and say "Pronouce Hyun please"!
It absolutely is disrespect! More of a personal than racist bias though probably. They do take pains after all not to ever say "In Gee Choooon". Lydia's mom's surname is Hyun. If Lydia were Lydia Hyun, you'd never hear a single "Lydia Hyooon" ever. They are absolutely blackballing SHP, and in such a passive aggressive manner. Tom Abbott, it's plain to see he now realizes his error but doesn't want to a) acknowledge he's been saying it wrong for the past two years b) contradict the other announcers.
I find it amusing (and pitiful) that the American golf establishment is so salty about their current situation (i.e. American LPGA players collectively getting worse every year). They really are acting like a bunch of pathetic losers. She is one of the very top players and now she's #1. How long can Abbott keep up this "SH Park" nonsense? I am eager to find out.
Every sport now is international, and the media for every sport handles foreign names with ease. Not the American golf media though, because they somehow got a bunch of amateurs to do a professional job. They get really rankled by the Sung Hyuns of the world, anyone who's not a smiling glad-handing stereotype, because they don't know how to present anyone who is otherwise. They must feel that such players make their jobs impossible.
I'm a marginal tennis fan but I really appreciate the tennis tv media. They love the game itself and are able to present matches with energy and enthusiasm regardless of who's on the court. Maybe golf is just a very difficult sport to televise. I'm sure it is. Still think the Americans stink at it though.
Not to mention 8-time winner Mi Hyun Kim; some pronounced it Hyooooon, but most got that one right.
Look, if you can spend the time to get those 6 syllable Thai names right, you can learn how to pronounce the name of the #1 women's golfer in the world!