The Flaws in America's Health Care System in Sicko by Michael Moore

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In “Sicko,” Michael Moore presents the flaws of America’s health care system that has been in continuous debate for many years. Despite the government’s obligation to help people, there are nearly 46 million Americans without any health care coverage, because they either are not able to support such costs or have been rejected by the health insurance companies. Thus, Moore claims that because America’s current health care system is incompetent and morally corrupt, the federal government should provide universal health care for all citizens, since America’s health care companies do not consider the rights of American citizens and make fraudulent decisions to make profit. Throughout his film, he also uses ethos, logos, and pathos to highlight the necessity of America’s private health care system to be replaced with universal health care. Michael Moore uses pathos to arouse emotions and persuade the audience to agree with his perspective on America’s health care system. Throughout his film, he includes interviews of those who have lost their loves ones due to their problems with their insurance company in the United States. The most unforgettable and affective interview was the one with Dawnelle Keys. When her two-year-old daughter, Mychelle, developed a fever of over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, her healthcare company, Kaiser, claimed to support Mychelle only at its in-network hospital. Thus, after hours of delay, she got transported to Kaiser’s hospital, but unfortunately got into cardiac arrest and pronounced dead upon arrival. Thinking back to this incident, a great pain wails upon Dawnelle in her interview, and streams of tears roll down her cheeks. This heartbreaking scene makes the audience feel attached to and have great sympathy ... ... middle of paper ... ...ealth care. However, if capitalism is to remain in America, universal health care system may never happen since there will be innovation and competition between the private companies. Also, universal health care system may result in high taxes and long wait lines. Yet, Moore’s usage of rhetorical techniques appeals the positive aspects, such as extended health care and reduced medical costs, more than its negative aspects to the viewers. In fact, he uses emotionally affecting interviews to make them feel genuine sympathy towards the victims of America’s irrational health care system. At the same time, he presents logos that unveil the reality of greedy health care companies and uses ethos to backup his claims. As a result, Moore’s effective use of pathos, logos, and ethos eventually evokes urgency for universal health care within the audience by the end of the film.

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