"It was inevitable that the federal prosecution of Michael Vick would be twisted into a case about race, that white America doesn't understand that dog fighting is a "cultural" endeavor.
Dog fighting might be explained as cultural, but it can't be excused as cultural. If savage cruelty of any kind is part of anyone's culture, then right-headed, clear-sighted and foresighted people should spend their time, energy and authority trying to change that culture as opposed to explaining it, excusing it, or in any way defending it."
Phil Mushnick
Not wishing to Nifong Vick, I've stayed away from trash-talking him over the dog fighting scandal, even when other pro-footballers chimed in with references to it being part of their culture and all but testifying to his culpability. Were it anyone else caught in so unsavory a hobby there'd be little sturm & drang, but Vick is a celebrity BECAUSE he is noteworthy enough to pay attention to, and this logically makes him fair game. But if there's anything we love it is a contrite bad-boy so fessing up then asking forgiveness would have done wonders for his image, yet we get apologists telling us we just don't get the culture thang, instead.
Culture THIS. Dog fighting is a disgusting pastime, fella's. It features you as a depraved sub-species and should be the LAST thing you'd want to stick up for, let alone participate in. Kudos to Phil Mushnick for being the first mainstream media person to call a spade a spade.
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