Michael Vick and the Dogfighting Ring - Essay Example

Instead, the context is one of our cultural origins, which are generally European. Therefore, the context is one in which we place a high emotional value on dogs, and are almost as horrified when they are forced to fight as would be to see fellow humans forced to do so. The context here means that we are more horrified than we would be if the victim was a different animal. My personal feelings follow these lines, but also question how much attention Vick is getting because of his celebrity status.

Aside from the context of our cultural view of dogs, there also is a context of high society—where the wealthy, famous, or celebrated individuals in society receive more scrutiny and more punishment for heinous acts than anyone of lesser status may receive. Dogfighting is not a rare practice, yet we do not hear frequent outrage about it when it comes to other people being convicted. Vick, on the other hand, has become notorious due to the context of both what type of animal was involved and what realm of society he works and lives in.

I find this to be overly judgmental, as we assign different levels of animosity toward members of society based on how well known they are, how much money they make, and thus we fail to forgive as often when it is not a person who is unknown and unremarkable.