In a message dated 8/2/2009 3:05:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Laurie writes:
The words chosen by countless bloggers and editors are shameful attempts to manipulate the debate, and this technique would never be tolerated unless the victims themselves were seen as inconsequential.
Reply: You bring up an excellent point. That is, that the technique would not be tolerated were it not for the victims being viewed as inconsequential.
Who, after all cares about Pitbulls?
Vick expressed regret for letting people down.
Corporate sponsors will find other athletes to endorse. No harm to them, other than possible, momentary embarrassment.
The Atlantic Falcons have already found another Quarterback.
The real victims of Vick's sick aberrations were, of course the dogs, untold numbers of whom died or were deliberately killed and others who were saved, but at tremendous costs -- especially to other dogs.
But, there are other victims, as well.
And no, the editors and sportswriters don't like to talk of these things.
In picking up the banner to defend someone, it is important to not only sanitize the bad deeds (as noted) but seek excuse for them, as well.
Such as:
"He had a rough childhood or grew up in a tough neighborhood." "He watched a movie or video that made him do strange things." He had a few drinks." "He ate a Twinkie."
In Vick's case, its the "rough childhood, tough neighborhood" that seems to serve as the main excuse. (We're not sure if he ate Twinkies or not.)
But, the bottom line is that it is perhaps the kids from tough neighborhoods, who, (almost as much as the dogs that Vick and cohorts tortured and killed) are also, real victims here.
What Vick's defenders seem to be really saying is that, "You can take the kid out of the tough neighborhood, but you can't take the tough neighborhood out of the kid."
Or, "Once a victim, always a victim."
In other words, if growing up in a ditch, so to speak, there is no real hope one can ever really rise out of it and lift him or herself up -- even if later finding fame and fortune.
But, as said yesterday, it is Vick himself who chose to throw himself back in the ditch.
And even after almost two years in jail and loss of millions of dollars in corporate sponsorships, Vick still cannot seemingly admit to the barbarity, violence and wrongness of his actions against other living beings.
What does that say to the countless young boys (particularly those from impoverished backgrounds) who might look up to Vick as a sports star or one to emulate?
He may put on a slick suit, read words off a Teleprompter or even don a football uniform again.
But, he is still Michael Vick from the impoverished, "dog fighting" ghetto (where he grew up) who has apparently, never really left it.
The kids, thus have nothing genuine and inspirational to look up to. They become "victims" almost as much as the dogs.
The message of perpetual despair is, "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave." -- PCA
******
Who, after all cares about Pitbulls?
Vick expressed regret for letting people down.
Corporate sponsors will find other athletes to endorse. No harm to them, other than possible, momentary embarrassment.
The Atlantic Falcons have already found another Quarterback.
The real victims of Vick's sick aberrations were, of course the dogs, untold numbers of whom died or were deliberately killed and others who were saved, but at tremendous costs -- especially to other dogs.
But, there are other victims, as well.
And no, the editors and sportswriters don't like to talk of these things.
In picking up the banner to defend someone, it is important to not only sanitize the bad deeds (as noted) but seek excuse for them, as well.
Such as:
"He had a rough childhood or grew up in a tough neighborhood." "He watched a movie or video that made him do strange things." He had a few drinks." "He ate a Twinkie."
In Vick's case, its the "rough childhood, tough neighborhood" that seems to serve as the main excuse. (We're not sure if he ate Twinkies or not.)
But, the bottom line is that it is perhaps the kids from tough neighborhoods, who, (almost as much as the dogs that Vick and cohorts tortured and killed) are also, real victims here.
What Vick's defenders seem to be really saying is that, "You can take the kid out of the tough neighborhood, but you can't take the tough neighborhood out of the kid."
Or, "Once a victim, always a victim."
In other words, if growing up in a ditch, so to speak, there is no real hope one can ever really rise out of it and lift him or herself up -- even if later finding fame and fortune.
But, as said yesterday, it is Vick himself who chose to throw himself back in the ditch.
And even after almost two years in jail and loss of millions of dollars in corporate sponsorships, Vick still cannot seemingly admit to the barbarity, violence and wrongness of his actions against other living beings.
What does that say to the countless young boys (particularly those from impoverished backgrounds) who might look up to Vick as a sports star or one to emulate?
He may put on a slick suit, read words off a Teleprompter or even don a football uniform again.
But, he is still Michael Vick from the impoverished, "dog fighting" ghetto (where he grew up) who has apparently, never really left it.
The kids, thus have nothing genuine and inspirational to look up to. They become "victims" almost as much as the dogs.
The message of perpetual despair is, "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave." -- PCA
******
1 comment:
Wonderful entry, as always--but for now I am locked onto the gorgeous photo of a dog I think I know. Is that Dina, from about ayear ago?
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