64% of Applewood homeowners unable to name own provincial riding; 67% able to rhyme off 25 Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavours
- G Papa Tango
- Jan 28
- 4 min read

In a recent survey conducted in the quaint neighborhood of Applewood, an eye-opening statistic emerged: a staggering 64% of homeowners were unable to name their own provincial riding. This revelation sheds light on a concerning trend of political disengagement and lack of civic awareness within the community.
While Applewood residents seem to have a penchant for indulging in sweet treats, with 67% able to effortlessly rhyme off 25 Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors, the same level of enthusiasm doesn't extend to understanding the political landscape in which they reside. This knowledge gap raises questions about the state of civic education and engagement in the neighborhood.
Understanding one's provincial riding is essential for active participation in the democratic process. It determines who represents the community's interests at the provincial level and plays a crucial role in shaping policies that directly impact residents' lives. Without this fundamental knowledge, homeowners risk being disconnected from important decision-making processes that affect their everyday lives.
The contrast between homeowners' ability to list ice cream flavors and their lack of awareness about their provincial riding underscores broader issues regarding civic education and priorities. While indulging in leisure activities is undoubtedly enjoyable, it's equally important to invest time and effort in understanding the political structures that shape our society.

Efforts to address this knowledge gap should be multifaceted. Local educational initiatives, community outreach programs, and increased civic engagement campaigns can all contribute to raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility among Applewood residents. By equipping homeowners with the tools they need to navigate the political landscape, we can cultivate a more informed and engaged citizenry.
In conclusion, the disparity between Applewood homeowners' ability to name ice cream flavors and their unfamiliarity with their provincial riding highlights the need for greater emphasis on civic education and engagement. Building a more politically aware community requires concerted efforts from both residents and local authorities. Only by bridging this knowledge gap can we ensure that all voices are heard and represented in the democratic process.
FURTHERMOREOVERKILL
G Papa Tango, could you write a (Canadian) civics lessons based on Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavours?
Canadian Civics Lessons with Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Flavors
Lesson 1: Understanding Federalism Through Ice Cream
Objective: To introduce students to the concept of federalism and its application in Canada using Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors as analogies.
Activity:
Begin by explaining the concept of federalism, highlighting that Canada is a federation composed of federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
Divide the class into groups and assign each group a Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavor to represent a different level of government (e.g., Federal Fudge Ripple, Provincial Pistachio, Territorial Tiger Tail).
Ask each group to brainstorm and discuss the characteristics and responsibilities of their assigned level of government, drawing parallels to the traits of their respective ice cream flavors.
Have each group present their findings to the class, emphasizing how their chosen ice cream flavor represents the functions and powers of their assigned level of government.
Facilitate a discussion on how federalism operates in Canada, using the Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors as a metaphorical framework.
Lesson 2: The Importance of Civic Engagement Through Ice Cream Voting
Objective: To demonstrate the significance of civic engagement and participation in the democratic process using a mock ice cream voting activity.
Activity:
Introduce the importance of civic engagement and voting in a democracy, emphasizing that citizens have the power to influence decision-making through their participation.
Provide students with a list of Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors and ask them to vote for their favorite flavor using a mock ballot.
Facilitate a discussion on the voting process, including topics such as voter eligibility, ballot casting, and the importance of informed decision-making.
Tabulate the votes and announce the winning ice cream flavor.
Reflect on the voting results with the class, discussing the significance of participation in the democratic process and the impact of individual choices on collective outcomes.

Lesson 3: Exploring Rights and Responsibilities Through Ice Cream Treaties
Objective: To explore the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens using Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors as symbols of treaty agreements.
Activity:
Introduce the concept of rights and responsibilities in Canadian society, emphasizing the importance of upholding treaty agreements and respecting the rights of others.
Explain that each Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavor represents a different treaty agreement between citizens, symbolizing the rights and responsibilities outlined within.
Divide the class into pairs and assign each pair a Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavor to represent a specific treaty agreement (e.g., Mint Chocolate Chip Treaty, Cookies 'n Cream Accord).
Ask students to brainstorm and discuss the rights and responsibilities associated with their assigned treaty agreement, considering concepts such as mutual respect, cooperation, and compromise.
Have each pair present their findings to the class, explaining how their chosen ice cream flavor represents the principles of their assigned treaty agreement.
Facilitate a class discussion on the importance of upholding treaty agreements and respecting the rights of others in Canadian society, using the Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors as symbolic representations.
By using Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors as analogies, students can engage with complex civics concepts in a fun and accessible way, fostering a deeper understanding of Canadian governance and civic engagement.
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