I'm speaking at a conference and can't blog again till Tuesday.
Please follow the West Virginia story for me. Put any updates in the comment section. I'm afraid that since this woman was not being used for dog fighting there may not be as much moral outrage as we saw in the Vick case.
Posted by anthony at September 12, 2007 10:56 PM | TrackBackI was absolutely horrified and disgusted to read something as horrific such as this. No one deserves this treatment! It is sad to believe that people would do something this cruel to an innocent person. I hope that this story receives national coverage, and I pray that someone with money will investigate and discuss this matter closely. I am praying for the victim and her family.
Posted by: Tammy at September 12, 2007 11:23 PM"I'm afraid that since this woman was not being used for dog fighting there may not be as much moral outrage as we saw in the Vick case."
The only way I can think of to react to this with text is: "Oh snap!" or "zing."
As our media is only catering to what the American public wants to see, I am often ashamed to be an American (or human, for that matter).
Posted by: Brad at September 13, 2007 10:20 AMHere are two reasons celebrities garner more attention and outrage.
1. As you note, they are celebrities(i.e. well known) and frequently people have preconceived expectations of behavior from them.
2. Celebrities are perceived to frequently receive special treatment and CAN usually afford the best defense to get out of legal consequences(anybody remember OJ, for an extreme example?).
I don't know of ANYONE who is not outraged at the vicious rape and torture of this young woman. BUT is there any significant doubt as to whether the scum that committed the crime will be brought to justice? Will their prosecution have ANY broader impact beyond the needed removal of several dangerous people from society?
As sickening as this case is, we are familiar with it and expect our legal system to handle the situation. At what are we supposed to aim our outrage? WHO is defending the actions of these sick individuals. I haven't heard any apologists equating this behavior with normal socially accepted behaviors as I did in the Vick case. I remember hearing the Pres. of the Atlanta NAACP as well as at least one NFL player equate fighting and brutalizing dogs, with hunting, ignoring the torture involved. I don't think anyone will be equating this case with some guy on the prowl for a one night stand.
"As sickening as this case is, we are familiar with it and expect our legal system to handle the situation. At what are we supposed to aim our outrage? WHO is defending the actions of these sick individuals. I haven't heard any apologists equating this behavior with normal socially accepted behaviors as I did in the Vick case. I remember hearing the Pres. of the Atlanta NAACP as well as at least one NFL player equate fighting and brutalizing dogs, with hunting, ignoring the torture involved. I don't think anyone will be equating this case with some guy on the prowl for a one night stand."
Exactly right.