Vick-tim of Hypocrisy
Here's a great new essay from Byron Hurt. He gives a very comprehensive treatment of the Mike Vick case. And like many of us, he begins a man of two minds, but in my estimation, concludes thoughtfully and even-handedly.
a new essay from
Vick-tim of Hypocrisy?
By Byron Hurt
August 22, 2007
I can't sleep, so I am watching CNN coverage of the Michael Vick case. I find myself going back and forth on this in a way that makes me feel very uncomfortable. On the one hand, as a former college quarterback who happens to be black, I identify with Vick, a black NFL quarterback with superior athletic skills. On the other hand, I feel no sympathy for Vick when I hear new evidence that reveals the level of his involvement in dogfighting and the way he has reportedly killed dogs, execution style. On Monday, Vick will admit guilt to the charge of interstate commerce for the purpose of dogfighting, but not guilty of dogfighting or gambling on dogfighting. Whatever crime he has committed, I believe he should get what he deserves for being involved in something so detestable.
I also wonder, with his superstar status as an NFL quarterback, why he would do something so foolhardy.
What is most woeful to me, though, is how race and class is unquestionably playing a factor in how people internalize, then talk about the Vick case. Race and class allow normally smart people to not think straight. For example, I heard one black Atlanta Falcon’s fan say on national television, "I don't condone dogfighting, but I think they should just let Mike Vick go so he can play football."
Say what?
Vick-tim of Hypocrisy?
By Byron Hurt
August 22, 2007
I can't sleep, so I am watching CNN coverage of the Michael Vick case. I find myself going back and forth on this in a way that makes me feel very uncomfortable. On the one hand, as a former college quarterback who happens to be black, I identify with Vick, a black NFL quarterback with superior athletic skills. On the other hand, I feel no sympathy for Vick when I hear new evidence that reveals the level of his involvement in dogfighting and the way he has reportedly killed dogs, execution style. On Monday, Vick will admit guilt to the charge of interstate commerce for the purpose of dogfighting, but not guilty of dogfighting or gambling on dogfighting. Whatever crime he has committed, I believe he should get what he deserves for being involved in something so detestable.
I also wonder, with his superstar status as an NFL quarterback, why he would do something so foolhardy.
What is most woeful to me, though, is how race and class is unquestionably playing a factor in how people internalize, then talk about the Vick case. Race and class allow normally smart people to not think straight. For example, I heard one black Atlanta Falcon’s fan say on national television, "I don't condone dogfighting, but I think they should just let Mike Vick go so he can play football."
Say what?
