Skip the Michael Vick Protests - For Now
By now you've heard that the Philadelphia Eagles signed convicted dog-fighter Michael Vick, prompting a frisson of protester energy to pulse through the Internet. Most common were vows to protest at every Eagles game, as if that would actually change anything.
Yahoo sports blogger MJD at Shutdown Corner did an interesting post, basically telling protesters just that: You can't make Eagles fans turn against the team, and it's the wrong place to put your energy anyway. His extremely relevant point is that protesting games doesn't draw any attention to the evils of dogfighting, which is the goal, right?
Sure, use Michael Vick to get the issue in front of people, but don't make the NFL your battleground. Because when it comes to football vs. anything else, even hideous animal abuse, fans will pick football every time. You can find it wrong or disgusting, but it's simple fact. At least as long as the team is having a winning season.*
I already weighed in with my two cents that it could be good to have Vick in a public role, if he uses his position to discourage kids from getting involved in dogfighting in the first place. We asked for your feedback in a poll in that post, and you are evenly divided into thirds about whether Vick could use his powers for good:
- 33% said he was evil beyond redemption
- 33% said let him work with the Humane Society but not the NFL
- and the final 33% said, he'd done his time, let him have his life back
In this video from Human Society of the United States, Vick seems uncomfortable, but like he's making a decent effort. Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle is being incredibly patient, letting Vick find his way back into society and the media spotlight, reiterating his support for Vick's rehabilitation and unique potential to get the message out against dogfighting.
It remains to be seen how well Vick will live up to that potential. For that matter, no one knows how he'll do in the NFL. But to MJD's point, now that Vick's return to the NFL is a done deal, if people really want to do something to stop dogfighting, they need to be smart about their actions.
So please, skip the protests. Put your energy into raising awareness about the issue, and give Vick a chance to live up to his very public pledge to help do the same. There will be plenty of time and opportunity to rally an angry mob if he fails to hold up his end of the bargain.
*Here's a hint from a football fan's wife: it's all love and roses now, but if the Eagles have a bad season, those Philadelphia fans will be much more likely to get behind your "Hate Michael Vick" Campaign. For reference, please see Tony Romo/the Jessica Simpson Jinx.
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