Is the Michael Vick situation a black-white issue?

Question

From my observation over the time Michael Vick has been indicted, I have seen he has had a ton of support from the African-American people. I haven't seen a ton of support from the white people. I am not a racist person but what I see is the African-American race is siding with one of their own. Please, give me your opinion on this.

I am not saying he is in jail for being black. What I am saying is where the support from people is coming from.

Thank you countryboy. Whenever an African-American person (usually in his or her's teens), says n*****, it is a "real cool" thing to say. I am not saying every single African-American person says that but many teens do. But if any white person says that, it is a racial slur. The word is awful, but it should be awful for both sides.

Sorry about that Sam Cash. I always thought that black people liked the term African-American. My bad. Sorry.

I am going to let you all vote on this one for best answer. There are many different views on this and I want to see which one comes up as the #1 answer. Thanks to all who answered!

Answer 1

For most people it is a right or wrong thing.

There is a select portion of the African-American community that considers dogfighting a "cultural" phenomenon.

Others feel Vick was being abused in the media, and was being made an unfair example. The black community rallied behind him, letting him have his day in court.

Some don't view it as much of a crime. What if it was a cockfighting-ring?

Some people are just fans, white or black...

Answer 2

Micheal Vick was rarely in the White Community. He was always in Vick's own community(regardless of race), they know him and want to help him through this. No one is saying he doesn't deserve to go to jail, but they do want to be there for him before, during and after he comes out. It is what a community does. It helps those who have fallen. Those people who want the worst for him are no better than his action that the situation is all about. There will always be a very large, very vocal group of people who will say he deserves nothing from anyone and should die for his sins, but then there are those who have seen him rise to heights and now have fallen and want to help him back up. Simply that. It is just Vick's community that wants to help him. They should not be looked weirdly because they want to help one of their own who has fallen.

EDIT: Country, The MEDIA made the OJ thing a racial thing. I'm African-American and every black person i knew thought OJ did it and still do. A great many of the African-American community thought that the REAL case was those with money versus those without. People were glad the race DIDN'T play a part in that case. That in the end, MONEY won out and that would change the system...But of course it didn't...Rich people get over everyday and poor people fill the jails everywhere. That's not a race issue, but a equality of justice issue.

Answer 3

You're probably right in your statement. Look at what took place with OJ and still is taking place. Everytime a black person is involve with the law, it becomes a racist issue. You do the crime, you do the time, doesn't matter black, white, brown red, the law is for everyone, When issues come up, the whole picture has to change. Case and point, when the word N----- is used by anyone other than a black person it's racist, If it's such a problem stop using the word or stop the idea it's racist.. If he hadn't done what was found, or if people that knew what was going on reported the problem, Michael Vick might not have been having the problems he has now. he would be playing football.

Answer 4

That's just the good ole drive by media for you. If it isn't bad enough that Vick is under suspicion for this sick act, they have to turn it up a notch and stick race in there. I swear when things are bad the media finds some way of making it all worse. Also, the media always needs two sides...I mean it makes for a better story doesn't it? Most people (at least the ones I have encountered) have already decided that Vick is guilty, so, I am sure that the media recognises this and finds that it is an opportune time to illuminate his supporters; therefore, creating even more controversy. Race will always be controversial... it is a touchy subject and I do blame the media for always bringing it to the forefront..After all gossip and drama are what sell and that's all they care about.

Answer 5

His support comes from his "people". Black and White. I don't think its a racial thing at all. I'm black and I dispise what he did. Black or white, he should be punished for his deeds. The difference between Michael Vick and others who are in jail for the same thing is we don't hear about it. I was born and raised in the south. People (of all colors) fought dogs, chickens and everything else. AND until just recently (last 10 years or so) people didn't go to jail for it. Now, people go to jail...black, white, asian, etc. You just don't hear about non celebrities when they go to jail for dog fighting. Vick is no different than anyone else. He is a man that did wrong and is now going to do some serious time for his actions. People need to stop making this a racial issue. Did he get more time because he was black? HECK NO. He got more time cause he lied about smoking weed while he was out on probation!!! Stupid man...white, black, asian, etc. Stupid, stupid stupid...it comes in all colors!

Answer 6

Not to be racist, but African-Americans tend to flock toward their own race more than Whites do. You see this for a number of issues including OJ Simpson. The White race is an assimilation of many different cultures, so they don't share the same background/bond as any other race would, which could explain why.

Answer 7

People are trying to make it that way, but the answer is no. The Michael Vick situation is a Michael Vick-broke the law issue. He is now paying the consequences for his actions.

While I also observe that many people defend Vick because they are black, I also believe that there are just as many black people (if not more) who are as appalled by his actions as anyone else.

Answer 8

I think its racially driven and the media hasnt helped. He has more support from African Americans than caucasians by far. The fact is he broke the law, he lied to the feds twice, got busted for it, smoked week while awaiting sentencing (against what he was told) and is getting punished for it.

African Americans supported him until he admitted his guilt finally and still many do support him. Many of the opposers were from PETA and where caucasian.

To me its not a race issue, he broke the law and is paying the price now.

Answer 9

There actually is a valid reason for that.
Among African-American males, dog-fighting is more commonplace and socially accepted. Dogs tend to be retained more for protection of property and personal protection, than as pets. As a result, Breeds that are large and can fight well are valued and respected. So, it is only to be predicted that they do not see anything wrong with what he did.
On the other hand, dog-fighting is not considered to be a socially acceptable behavior among most white communities. Dogs tend to be more commonly kept as companions and pets, often given the status of family member. Even when used for the protection of property, more value is placed on the ability to alert, than the ability to attack. Therefore, you have less support from this type of community.

A difference in moral values.

Answer 10

I don't know if this is true. I would hope that it is a moral issue. I believe that no matter what color or race, people know right from wrong. Do not underestimate what compassionate people of all race, color, or religion believe. My experience in this matter, with co-workers being Afro-American, they are appalled and disheartened. This is not racial, its about morals.