On this Masters Championship weekend, one hears reference to "tradition" repeatedly. Tradition is a cultural belief, custom, practice or event that carries special significance and is handed down through the generations. One might associate the word with positive or even sacred connotations but that is certainly not always the case; in fact, throughout the course of human history, it might be argued that good and bad traditions have occurred with equal frequency.
For example, some early cultures engaged in human sacrifice, a practice that is certainly unacceptable in modern human society. Then there were the traditional dictates of early (and not-so-early) religious organizations that subjected heretics to torture and executions; no doubt, the Klan has its traditions. Even today, certain traditions risk the health and lives of participants, instill mysticism in the innocent and promote extravagance in a world doomed by excess consumption.
I suppose the Masters might be classified as a positive tradition; then again, Augusta National Golf Club did not admit a black member until 1990 and did not include a black player (Lee Elder) in the Masters Championship until 1975. Yes, indeed, it is "A Tradition Like No Other."
