Viola Desmond's Argument Analysis

“In 2018, we will bring real change to a new generation of women who will carry with them constant reminders that they are not only Canada’s future, but a celebrated part of our history.” (Morneau, 2016). Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have announced that a Canadian woman will be honoured and represented on our Banknotes. A list of women has been released and the public was asked to vote on which woman they believe should be represented on the banknote. In the article “Best Choice for Bank Note? Viola Desmond” (2016, 14 March) published in The Toronto Star, Tim Harper argues that Viola Desmond is the best Canadian candidate for the Banknote. His argument that Desmond would be the best candidate is quite effective
and gives a very valid reason as to why she should be put on the Banknote. But, I unfortunately do not agree with his argument. Although Viola Desmond is a good candidate and being a woman of colour has suffered from injustices, there are many other women who have done a great deal for this country and whom are just as deserving. The woman chosen to be put on a bank note should be one that fought for both men and women equally as a whole and not just for one specific group. Although it is recognized that there is lack of representation of minorities, in an utilitarian approach, Marie Therese Casgrain did the greater good for the greatest number of people. Casgrain fought for both men and woman’s social, economic, and political injustices and would be a great candidate for the Banknotes.