Michael Vick in Black and White

Many people wonder why African Americans frequently play the race card when it comes to justice in America. Take Falcon quarterback, Michael Vick, until his confession more blacks believed he was innocent. Why? Many blacks are confronted by the stark racial injustice in the judicial system. For example, blacks are convicted and imprisoned at a rate of 4-1 for many of the same crimes committed by whites males. African American males, furthermore, are only six percent of the population; nevertheless, they comprise forty percent of the prison population. No wonder blacks cry foul whenever a prominent African American is incarcerated. They are not just carping about Vick, but the larger picture of racial injustice in America. The demonizing of Vick on the talk radio and television circuit stands in stark contrast to Columbine. Many whites, particularly females, blamed the parents, bullies, and the school for the tragedy...no one dare to place the blame at the feet of cold blooded killers Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris. The same attitude prevailed when the Menendez brothers confessed to slaying their parents. Once again, it was the boy's father, not Lyle Menendez, who was excoriated for their son's heinous behavior. Finally, blacks couldn't ignore the obvious implication when a white male was arrested 23 times before gunning down an unsuspecting Tampa sheriff. He was conducting a drunk driving sting. The notion in this society of white males being the victims while blacks are the perpetrators have tipped the scales of justice into trash can full of doubt and bewilderment. Quarterback, Michael Vick, must be held accountable for breaking the law, but African Americans have every right to complain about a justice system that only wants to judge them by the color of their skin.