Consider the beautiful bell curve, a graphic representation that tells much about the world. Most of us are weighted closest to the center of the curve in most matters—athletic ability, intelligence, attractiveness and so on. When it comes to issues relating the treatment of animals, most people likely fall into the middle of the bell of the curve, which could represent indifference to the issue, while others reside in both margins—ranging from extreme indifference to extreme passion (as one possible construction of the range of views).

The bell curve visual is important for a couple reasons. First, it shows a representation of the law of averages. Sooner or later the rolls of the die will average into the middle. The bell curve is not perfect, but for many scenarios it is telling of reality. Most of us are of average intelligence, for example.

The second reason the bell curve is important: News coverage often comes not from the mundane middle of the bell curve but from what is happening in the extremities. Dog bites man—average. Man bites dog—now this is news, and an unlikely roll of the dice. 

Such was the case this week with NFL player Michael Vick. Vick allegedly bit not only dogs but the public at large. Michael Vick was indicted this week for running an illegal dog fighting operation. Vick’s response, when asked if he will be exonerated, was, “no comment.” And with friends like these, Vick and crew are certainly guilty—of raising the bar for inept media and public relations that ensure most of the public will perceive Vick as being quilty the alleged crimes. Essentially these two say that it’s okay to molest little boys and girls in one’s own castle and that others should mind their own business if they happen to be concerned. Don’t take it from me: The audience meter in the Youtube video shows how well this approach went over.

Vick’s former coach and athletic department, in contrast, were smart for not commenting, apparently as a matter of policy. The difference here is that this policy, compared with Vick’s friends, is more beneficial as a media relations strategy and, by extension, more helpful to Vick.

Knowing that news resides in the margins of life means responses to allegations should ensure that those in the middle of bell curve are not moved enough to side with those in the extremes.

 Michael Vick, to his detriment, woefully failed in this regard.

 Photograph: This is my dog. You may befriend her on Myspace.