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Review Of Oh Hockey, Medicare And Canadian Dreams By Stephen J. Troope

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Stephen J. Troope speaks to many everyday Canadians in his writing “Oh Hockey, Medicare and Canadian Dreams.” He explains how current Canadian defining features such as hockey and medical programs fail to best characterize the country and its future directions. Troope clearly advocates for a culture change of many Canadians to celebrate other features of Canada rather than the mundane stereotypes that inadequately symbolize true values. Troope explores many of the future possibilities that lies ahead for Canada. Through an underlying moral cause, Troope fails to form a very effective critique through his lack of credibility, misuse of ethical appeals, and a confusing inadequate ending.
The work begins warning of a “stormy future”, suggesting defining features of hockey and Medicare are poor representations of Canadians. Proceeding to suggest we need to grow up and rely less on the United States and United Kingdom, describing Canadians as “gentler versions of Americans”. Troope then goes on to praise the country for …show more content…

However, on many occasions he misuses ethical appeals such as when he talks about the country’s beloved national sport: “a hockey that has re-found its connection to people more than dollars…that doesn’t sacrifice well-being of players in an attempt to mimic ultimate fighting”. By trying to promote a less barbaric version of hockey, Troope attempts to find common ground through shared values of health and decency. However, in doing so makes vast generalizations and overstatements about important parts of Canadian sports culture. This failed emotional fallacy attempts to manipulate many readers using slanted language characterizing hockey as sacrificing well-being. Further, comparing hockey to ultimate fighting falsely links the two through an unfair analogy because the sports are very different

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