"Functionally, it can be (conceivably) as dehumanizing."

And as an excuse it can be used to deflect on one's own behaviour. I think this one comes down to who is to be believed. The more level headed Jordan who played in and loves Italy and who's daughter still lives there and who didn't even really react to the violent assault - or the famously volatile Italian. There were plenty of people around the incident (or incidents as it was the second incident that's caused the furore) so if Jordan said what is claimed I'm sure there would be witnesses. I imagine it is the player looking for an excuse for what could be severe discipline. I didn't see the match but saw the aftermatch talking and the TV panel seemed to think that even taking the Jordan incident out of the equation Gattuso's behaviour during play was unacceptable.