Michael Vick-A Black Man's Perspective

Okay, so the Michael Vick thing has me vexed...

Not because the media is making a big deal about his situation.

Not because he is being charged with crimes that pale in comparison to others that have gotten lighter sentences.

But because I think this case was the case I needed to see if we, as Black people, really understand the court system as a whole. I am more convinced than ever that the Black community, as a whole, is throwing out the race card inappropriately in this situation.

A couple of things to consider before saying that Vick was treated unfairly...

1. Michael Vick is accused of committing a crime that directly infuriates one of the largest public interest groups in America, and that is PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.) Now in general, that may seem like a small matter, but they are based in the SAME DAMN STATE as the dogfighting operation (Virginia). You have to be slightly off your rocker to do that. The culture of Virginia is one that will protect animals at almost any cost. (Ask the colleges around the area about how much trouble they get from ALF and PETA regarding research animals.) Bottom line is, you have to know your surroundings when you commit a crime.

2. As I see it, one of the main reasons Black people commit crimes is because they need to survive. Regardless of what anyone says, I truly feel that Blacks that commit crimes more often than not are trying to put food on the table and money in their pockets. But once you make money, there is NO LEGITIMATE REASON in my mind to continue committing crimes of financial gain. There is too much land to invest in, too many stocks to buy, and too much opportunity for people who HAVE money to make MORE money legally. It hurts me to see someone of Vick's stature make it out of the hardships laid before him, only to screw it up over something that was unnecessary. (I don't know his full situation, but hey, it's my blog, and I can be short-sighted if I choose.) John Elway became very wealthy in the NFL...know what he did with his money? Bought up almost ALL of Denver's automotive suppliers. All legal. Atlanta/Virginia would have gladly let Vick invest in something legitimate like that to help build the community around him...

3. Any real criminal knows that once you gain access to the financials of the operation, you don't get your hands dirty anymore. Point Blank.

4. My last point applies to everyone and every case across the country, and Black people need to understand this before we start diving in head first to support dumbasses...
Each and every court case in America is individualized to a large degree in terms of personnel, circumstances, precedents as they relate to the case, etc. Therefore, we have to stop assuming that just because our favorite celebrities catch bad breaks, it must be because they are Black. I AM NOT SAYING THAT RACE IS NOT A FACTOR IN SOME CASES...but it is not the ONLY factor either. When you commit crimes you gamble on several things...
1. The leniency of the judge that will have your trial
2. The selection/voir dire process used to screen the jury
3. How much incriminating evidence they have on you
4. The competency of both the prosecution and defense
5. Previous moral/criminal acts (Ron Mexico anyone?)
And a host of other things that can tilt the scales of justice for or against you. But the bottom line is that when you roll the dice and gamble on your criminal future, you may not always win. Yes, Vick's case may seem blown out of proportion by the media and the court system. Yes he may be facing a harsh penalty. Yes, he may even be made the example for others to see regarding dogfighting. But the bottom line is, what would we have been saying about this case if he had simply decided NOT TO DOGFIGHT! Not a thing, because it wouldn't have been an issue if he had opted to do right. You can circumvent most of the inherent disparities in our court system and our prison systems by simply opting to do right. (There are cases where that doesn't apply, like the Jena 6, but I am hard pressed to see how Vick had no other option than to fight dogs.)

I am hurt by the situation. He was a very exciting athlete to watch, and he actually had yet to really reach his full potential as a player. But I still think that when you leave your future in the hands of an institution that may or may not have your best interests at heart, then you gamble big, and when you lose...you take your lumps and keep it moving. That's why I am not jumping on the bandwagon of people who are trying to say that Vick is being unfairly treated. Had he taken the personal responsibility NOT to get involved in a senseless racket, then we would have no need to fight for his equal treatment.