Godsta

COMMENTARY: Trickle down -From Michael Vicks, Marbury, to our Children

It's been a few weeks since the NFL player Michael Vick's dog-fighting incident, more than enough time for several camps to respond. The two I found most interesting was Stephon Marbury's of the New York Knicks and members of the community who mimicked his response. Here is Marbury's quote: “I think it's tough. I think, you know, we don't say anything about people who shoot deer or shoot other animals. You know, from what I hear, dog-fighting is a sport. It's just behind closed doors. I think it's tough that we build Michael Vick up and then we break him down. I think he's one of the superb athletes and he's a good human being. I just think that he fell into a bad situation."

Notice he never mentioned torture, or electrocuting, lynching, or the drowning of animals. Common sense should tell most that it's the sadistic execution more than the fighting itself, which is in question here. Vick's athletic and monetary value to the NFL could have possibly gotten him off for the dog-fighting. When one group feels the need to justify the actions of it's own by leaving out pertinent facts it's inexcusable. Progress like ignorance can be bliss, we could begin to sound and act just like those who've historically practiced the same policy of ignorance towards us as a people for generations.

As a community we must tailor our response of support not for those who get paid millions of dollars to act and talk in an unconscionable manner. Our support has to be focused on the messages that trickles down to our children. As an adult, Michael Vick's, actions and Marbury's and certain member's in the community response has confused me. What of our children where's the concern for them, the issues with gangs, drugs, and violence come from, among other things, a lack of morale supervision and courage to deal in truth. Just as for generations, we've watched our parents and leaders respond to issues, i.e., the Civil Rights Movement, our children are watching us.

Brotherman