The Ugly Canadian Analysis

Travis R. Drakeford
09/21/2014
EN1420
ITT Technical Institute

Elizabeth Hermans

The Ugly Canadian An article from Amir Attaran called “The Ugly Canadian” is an article have Mr. Attaran fighting for Canadian rights. Attaran studied law and decided to become a Canadian despite learning its disappointing flaws throughout his educational career. Amir Attaran really was aim to convince Canadians that the government is disgracing their image and that they are not living up to the standards that have been set for their selves. He has presented a convincing argument that the Canadian government believes in the “exceptionalism” (Attaran 217) of our country and this has tarnished our country’s progression in becoming
This creates a sense of believability and encourages his audience to trust that his argument is true. Although, he lacks sources in this particular article which diminishes his ethical appeal. He gives a lot of examples of how the Canadian government is ineffectively helping Canada maintain a healthy image, yet shows no evidence of where he find this information at. Attaran does state in his note that “he knows the subjects he’s talking about and he can confirm his information is correct” (Attaran 221). However, this is not a good reference and does not apply to all his examples or support his
As mentioned earlier, he is an American who was drawn to Canada for its “very Pearsonian” diplomacy and despite this country’s faults he “still loves this place” (Attaran 216). Also the author’s respect for Lester Pearson is very inspiring and evokes positive emotions for Canada and the image it portrays. Attaran uses Canadian cases of global trade, corporate, health and human rights laws to persuade his audience; describing the negative direction the Canadian government has adopted to address these affairs. Canada prides itself on their commitment towards their Human Rights but Attaran informs us of Canada’s refusal to sign the “enforced disappearance treaty” (Attaran 219) and of the government’s ignorance to protect its citizens. Here he enforces the idea that Canada’s government sees their country as an “exceptionalist” nation and this evidence leaves the audience feel angry at the government, guilty and even embarrassed by their actions that are disgracing Canada’s brand. Finally, He suggests ways Canada could improve their diplomacy, which would benefit all of Canada economically and socially (Attaran 221). The author explains, “A diplomatic corps that can better understand foreigners and explain Canadian actions to them will better advance Canada’s political and economic interests abroad” (Attaran 220). This strong structure not only increased the author’s ethos but also it