Don Cherry’s dismissal is reasonable: Reader
Re: Re: NHL players, politicians weigh in on end of Cherry’s run on ‘Hockey Night in Canada,” Nov. 12
People within and beyond the NHL have mixed emotions about Don Cherry’s comments on Coach’s Corner and his firing.
I, too, have heard and felt these mixed emotions. As a friend of Canadians in Mississauga and Toronto who are among those accused of not buying poppies, I am saddened. As a fan of Don Cherry, I will miss the energy and insight he brings to the game. As someone listening to what people have to say, I’m concerned by discussions that are focused narrowly on the appropriateness of saying, “you people.”
I’ve heard repeatedly the suggestion Cherry was referring to everyone, regardless of their ancestry, not buying poppies. Further, some also suggest the backlash is an eye-roll worthy example of political correctness blowing something out of proportion.
I think three important pieces of context indicate “you people” wasn’t a general call to all non-poppy-wearing Canadians.
First, he started by saying people in Mississauga and downtown Toronto aren’t wearing poppies around Remembrance Day.
Second, he refers to “you people” as those who come to Canada: “You people love, that come here, whatever, you love our way of life …”
Third, Cherry did not offer an apology but did admit in a subsequent interview that given another opportunity he would have said things differently.
When considering this context, his rant strongly resembles an unfair and disrespectful jab at people who immigrate to Canada. Particularly unfair given that the comment was made on national television, by a respected celebrity and was based on anecdotal evidence.
I don’t think the widespread condemnation and support for his dismissal should make people feel threatened by the supposed spectre of “politically correct culture.” Given our nation’s values of respect for multiculturalism and justice, and Sportsnet’s slogan, “United by Sport,” I think the consequences were reasonable.
It is no question many of us and our nation should do more to support veterans and active servicewomen and -men. No one is arguing this.
Moving forward, I think these events highlight a need to improve awareness of how we can better support Canadian Armed Forces personnel and address the generally unhelpful “us vs. them” mentality we often succumb to in the face of complex issues. Robert Smith Interprofessional Education for Quality Improvement Program Brock University