Current Event (5 October 2006)

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2006/09/28/1911610.html The Many Faces of Belinda & Tie By Michelle Mandel This article is about former Toronto Maple Leaf Tie Domi and his affair with politician Belinda Stronach, which led to his divorce with ex-wife Leanne Domi. The author is a female, which greatly affects her opinion on Tie Domi’s adultery. Her religion, race & political party are unknown, although these facts don’t even really apply to the article, Mandel concentrates more on the ethics of the issue. As a woman, she is obviously immensely upset with Domi and Stronach, and sides with Leanne. As the media would say, Michelle Mandel is on “Team Leanne!” This article contains a great deal of propaganda, but Mandel doesn’t even subtly try to sway the reader- she flat out says her opinion. Mandel is extremely blunt in her comments, but she is very persuasive. Such as this sentence, in response to Stronach’s complaint that her life is so public: “Poor thing. How could the Magna heiress possibly expect that carrying on an affair with a married, well-known Toronto Maple Leaf may turn into a public soap opera?” She is publicly criticizing Belinda, and shows her detest for the rich politician in her writing. Mandel is also super sarcastic, which can influence a person’s opinion. An amusing example in this sentence: “Hmm, photogenic politician with a penchant for romantic scandal links up with a popular fire hydrant of a hockey hero, who just happens to be married with three young children -- why would anyone care?” Mandel’s writing is funny and interesting to read, and I personally have a hard time disagreeing with her. Propaganda is additionally evident as Mandel uses “name-calling.” She attacks Belinda by saying the head representative for the Liberal women’s caucus should never steal another woman’s husband and be OK with it- plus feel it won’t hurt her feminist influence. Mandel is really mad at Belinda for being a horrible representative of women. She also is critical of Tie, the cheating husband. She says that if anyone has a double standard its Domi. She also makes fun of him and says that he didn’t like a sweet picture of him and his now ex-wife, Leanne, in the press a year ago because it would have ruined his ‘tough-guy’ image. Mandel’s writing is incredibly emotional, and she appeals to women and men alike for their hatred of unfaithful partners. This document is public, written for people to read. She writes using a few facts, many opinions to try to change the reader’s point-of-view. Mandel is very close to the event, as the scandal and divorce appeared in the media just last week. Her information is very relevant and up-to-date, and she is exceptionally well-researched. Mandel includes quotes from her interview with Leanne Domi from 2 years ago to try to convince the reader that Tie was a cheater and liar even back then. Mandel does use words to convey bias, and may be oversimplifying the issue, but her writing is especially good. Before I read this article, I had always been a fan of Tie Domi as a hockey player when he was on the Leafs. I always thought of him as a nice family man, with his 3 cute kids, and pretty, supportive wife. But I didn’t know Leanne’s side of the story. When he got involved with Belinda I was disheartened in my support of Tie. SinceI have heard Leanne’s opinion by reading this article, I now agree with Michelle Mandel. I have joined “Team Leanne!” Sorry, Tie, now that you are retired from the Leafs, unfaithful to your wife and dating Belinda Stronach, the selfish rich girl, I am no longer a fan of your team. ~~Elizabeth*