And May The Best Cheater Win, by Harry Bruce

802 Words2 Pages

Can cheating be an excuse for the phrase; survival of the fittest, or is it an epidemic moral corruption? Since the advent of modern competitive sport, winning has always been the bottom line. Honesty, honour and fair play have taken the backseat. The purpose of the essay May The Best Cheater Win, by Harry Bruce, is to inform how cheating has become widespread and accepted in America. Sports are an integral part of American culture and indeed an entire industry exists because of these competitive sports. The result of these competitive sports has led to the moral corruption of most athletes, as they would do anything to win. Harry Bruce discusses the distortion of right and wrong that has penetrated all levels of sports, from children's league to regional division. He confidently informs his reader that organized sports not only "offer benefits to youngsters" but "they also offer a massive program of moral corruption". The tone of this essay is largely persuasive but turns sarcastic as it progresses towards the end. His unique use of diction clearly supports the persuasive tone to his readers. The author's use of the word "tongue-lashing", to describe the way a soccer player "may find himself writhing under a coach's tongue- lashing", gives a harsh impression that the players are forced to cheat like slaves were forced to work. Secondly, the use of over exaggerated adjectives such as "astronomical salaries" is overblown to a point where the reader starts to agree with his arguments. The use of his harsh words and exaggerated adjectives gives insightful depth to his arguments, and in return consistently supports his persuasive tone. His syntax supports his tone as well, since he gives out his own biased opinion to prove h... ... middle of paper ... ... to realize that "cheating in victory's cause was therefore" acceptable. All these arguments put together, gives the reader the basic objective of the essay. The author's purpose has certainly been achieved, as his arguments are logical and objective. He builds his arguments through verifiable evidence, that primarily involves reference of other literary works or people, in order to draw out a logical conclusion. His arguments has persuaded me into thinking that cheating has not only been widespread and accepted in America but it has also penetrated into Canada. I am able to support my opinion since I myself have experienced foul play at my regional soccer games. Moreover, the final sentence of the essay where the author mocks Pooley for believing "sports should not be immoral rather it should be fun" creates a balanced persuasive effect with a bit of sarcasm.

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