Okay, so I was driving home today and listening to my favorite sports radio station when I heard them talking about Michael Vick and how he was punished for animal cruelty for a relatively long period of time in jail, whilst Ben Rothlisberger somehow managed to avoid losing more than 4 games for a violent crime against a woman because of no criminal charges being pressed.
So, the portion of the arguement sort of ticked me off (but I didn't have the luxury of time to call in and give them my opinion on) was that they couldn't understand the anger that people feel towards Michael Vick; they feel he comes from a Southern "culture" where dogfighting is acceptable, so it's not "really his fault". He's done his time - let him come back and do his job now.
This girl doesn't think it's quite that cut and dry.
First of all - dogfighting isn't a culture - it's a criminal offense. And he didn't just fight the dogs, he treated them in unthinkable and inhumane ways. Is that a culture? A criminal culture perhaps. There is a "culture" for those who buy snuff films - but that's illegal as well. Black Market Human Trafficking has a "culture" - again, illegal. How's about the prostitution "culture"...? I'd say that a "culture" in which people are involved that warrants arrest - isn't a culture at all. It's crime.
Second of all, while I appreciate and respect the fact that he went to jail - I don't necessarily agree that he should be entitled to get his job back. Listen, if you or I were in jail for a felony for any period of time, I'd bet you we could not get our jobs back. Depending on the felony - you may not be able to get a job in the same field you were in previously. So, why should an athlete who agrees to live by a certain code of conduct that is set forth by the NFL -- be allowed to have his job back after committing a criminal act? Isn't there a culpability to being a role model -maybe not by choice but by mere affiliation of the NFL - that should take precedence over the arguement of "he did his time". Isn't being a professional athlete a luxury - one that isn't always afforded to every person who considers himself a competitor? I'm not suggesting that one has to be out of sports entirely; but maybe one should be out of the role of star player. I'm sure there are lots of jobs open in other leagues, or in other capacities.
He only did his time, because he got caught......what if he hadn't?
Would he still be electrocuting and torturing animals today?
More than likely. It's his "culture"...right?
So what is the message that's being sent out to younger minds who listen to sports radio, or who are avid followers of football where crimes of violence seem to be happening more and more?
The message that this girl seems to be getting is that the torture and death of animals is acceptable (though scientifically proven to be first signs in psychotic & sociopathic behaviour), and that the molestation and or sexual abuse towards women is perfectly acceptable, so long as charges aren't pressed. Because you know, without charges - it must not have taken place, right?
Please.... spare me the good ol' boy network BS.
Because this girl just isn't buying into it.
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