Is a historic speech historic if no one hears it?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the significance of a speech given by Barack Obama at the annual Nelson Mandela Lecture, particularly focusing on its reception and impact in the context of local media coverage. The conversation touches on themes of communication, media representation, and the role of public discourse.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses surprise at the lack of local media coverage of Obama's speech, suggesting that it should have been a significant event for the community.
  • Another participant praises the speech, emphasizing Obama's skill as a speaker and the quality of his message, while also noting a perceived disconnect between his speaking ability and his governance.
  • A later reply highlights that the speech is focused on humanity rather than political governance, suggesting a distinction in its thematic content.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of the speech and its reception, with no consensus on the implications of its lack of media attention or the relationship between speaking and governance.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the influence of local media on public awareness of significant events, but the discussion does not resolve the implications of this influence or the criteria for what makes a speech "historic."

nitsuj
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I live in Canada's capital, media local to me made no mention of Barack Obama's speech at the annual Nelson Mandela Lecture today or more preferably in advance. No mention even the day of...not to get political; but the front page for the last few days has been...you know who :/

Unaware of the speech at the time am on youtube in the evening and clicked the youtube logo...and his speech today comes up. Yay yt for promoting this event...unlike the local "news for views" stuff available through local "traditional" media lol

Anyways the speech is amazing imo, an admirer of Obama I'm perhaps biased, but his wording, method of speaking and message were all on point.

Just wanted to highlight the lecture, so are encouraged to check it out.

Humans ftw!

(ugh, how was this event not some, "kids get grandma, come gather round tv" moment)
 
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nitsuj said:
Anyways the speech is amazing imo, an admirer of Obama I'm perhaps biased, but his wording, method of speaking and message were all on point.
Obama has always been an excellent speaker. It's too bad he couldn't govern as well as he could give speeches.
 
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Now we wait to see if anyone bites...come on phinds you're smarter

This is a speech about humanity, not a concern of governance.
 
Ok, no politics. Thread locked.
 
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