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I don’t usually write about charged contemporary issues because, well, I’m a romance author, not a blogger for CNN. But I’ve been thinking a lot about Michael Vick lately. Ultimate Sportsfan told me a week or so ago that he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles’ football team. Later I saw a press conference where some guy—maybe the owner of the team—said that he thought everyone deserved a second chance.
Well, how can I argue with that? I mean, what kind of person would I be if I didn’t want to give anyone a second chance? But then I think, what about those dead dogs? They didn’t get a second chance…
And it’s not like Michael Vick can only make millions of dollars playing football. He could go get a real job that pays 40K a year or something. That would still be giving him a second chance.
Of course, as a writer, I love second chance stories. Many of my heroes and heroines are in desperate need of a second chance. In my next book (which won’t even be out until June 2010, so I probably shouldn’t talk about it but I am anyway) the hero Julien escapes from Revolutionary France with nothing but the clothes on his back. He is looking for a second chance in England. What if the English had sent him back? He’d be headless, and I’d be writing a paranormal romance! Of course, Julien is a good guy. He didn’t do anything to deserve being attacked by angry peasants, but I’m sure the peasants didn’t see it that way.
So what about you? Do you like second chance stories?
Filed in: Jaunty Post
Sep 2nd
2009
6:19 am
Laura Said:
Depends on why they’re needing a second chance. Someone who is responsible for innocent death of dogs – no.
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Sep 2nd
2009
6:53 am
Linda A Said:
Well, I guess if you want to get analytical about it, all romances are Second Chance stories, aren’t they? Someone, either hero or heroine, is in a crisis due to someone’s past mistake/failing/happening, whatever. According to how you look at it. I do believe in redemption; I just think it’s rare in real life. And old Vick isn’t very convincing, is he? And like you say, those poor dogs are dead, aren’t they? Hard to be generous.
But about Julien losing his head and your story becoming a paranormal…now I see great promise for you writing about a hero like that in your future. That would be cool.
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Sep 2nd
2009
8:14 am
Rainy Said:
You gave us a toughie, Shana. And since this is something that is a struggle to come to grips with, I won’t mince words. One answer is that after somebody has attoned for their mistake or crime, they do deserve a second chance. And Christians can look at Saul, redeemed into Paul, as a prime example of a second chance. (Atonement is at the heart, however, of a second chance.)
But crimes that strike us right to the soul like murders,torture, especially of innocents, or the Bernie Maydoff types do not bring out any sense of compassion for most of us. Especially so when when we know a second chance means these people may get a second or third chance to commit the crime again and we believe there can be no redemption.
Michael Vicks did his time for his crime so in that respect he should be allowed a second chance. However, it is unfortunate that it sends a mixed message. Second chances often seem to be spooned out to those who are able to make millions for others, like athletes, celebrities, etc.
And I am glad you posed this question, Shana, because as you said our characters are in desperate need for a second chance and it is author’s dilemna to see if and how it is given. Never an easy decision.
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Sep 2nd
2009
8:16 am
kristan higgins Said:
I love heroes who have screwed up and try to find redemption, like all lovers of romance. But they’ve screwed up by being immature or even a little emotionally stupid…but never cruel and violent. Never.
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Sep 2nd
2009
8:58 am
jenifer Said:
I certainly couldn’t read a romance that had someone like Michael Vick as the hero, but in real life, I can’t think of a better alternative to giving him a second chance. Life in prison would probably be going too far (and we need to decrease prison populations anyway since they’re overcrowded), so if he’s out, he should be able to live a reasonably normal life (assuming he stays out of future trouble).
I’m not sure I understand the argument that he should just get a regular job instead of playing football. Yeah, football pays a lot more, but he’s qualified for that job, and, again, looking at real life. I’d really prefer that my car salesman, dentist’s receptionist, the guy helping me choose wine for dinner, and the tow truck driver when my car breaks down not have been convicted of dog fighting. I have to deal with on a personal basis. Michael Vick I can ignore and choose not to be a fan of.
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Sep 2nd
2009
9:14 am
Chuck Emerson Said:
Well, gosh, as a writer Shane, how many “chances” did you have before your first novel was accepted for representation, never mind bought by a publisher?
I’d like to reconfigure the question: a “second chance” at doing good or a “second opportunity to not do another wrong” .
The former might better be written as “an additional opportunity.”
As for Vic, his being hired, while favored by his remaining fans (many of whom don’t give a damn about dead dogs), again speaks loudly to the average Jane and Joe that they can’t do much “wrong) w/o spending time in jail but a pro athlete can get away with “murder.”
The dogs were injured.
The guy that stole the $80 from the 7-11
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Sep 2nd
2009
10:35 am
Mary M Said:
I’m concerned that it sends a message that the death of all those vulnerable, beautiful dogs is irrelevant. My understanding is that he’s expressed no remorse for his actions. I like second chance stories if the hero or the heroine has redemptive qualities but I don’t see anything redemptive about someone who practices animal cruelty.
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Sep 2nd
2009
11:08 am
Caroline Storer Said:
Over here in the UK I’ve never heard of Michael Vick (sorry!). But I googled him and saw that he had served a prison sentence for being part of dog fighting ring. Second chances – yes – we’ve all made mistakes – but cruelty to animals – especially dogs -no way. They are defenseless animals. Did the dogs get a second chance? I very much doubt it! Take care. Caroline x
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Sep 2nd
2009
2:42 pm
catslady Said:
I refuse to watch any Eagles games. There are just some crimes that don’t deserve another chance much less be rewarded. He willfully tortured many dogs. But of course it’s because football is so much more important than…anything. At least OJ finally got his comeuppance no thanks to our legal system!
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Sep 2nd
2009
4:25 pm
ChariDee Said:
I, too, agree with second chances. That said, I have always been a fan of the Eagles, and I don’t like sports. I will NEVER watch them agian, nor will I allow my son to watch any of their games.
Had that been me, my husband, or any other average person, our job would be gone when we got out and another one just as good would be hard to find. I think by letting him rejoin the League they are sending the absolute worse message to our children – if you play sports and are any good you get a free pass. It’s wrong and it sickens me to the core.
I had some one tell me that he served his time and donated money to charities. Well, bully for him. He donated the equivalent of my electric bill to charity and served hardly any time. His crime was awful and horrible and he is being rewarded? It’s just sad.
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