A 1996 Commencement Speech

Salman Rushdie, India (1947)
Unit: Education
Subject: Flax-Golden Tales

Literal Comprehension:

In A 1996 Commencement Speech, Salman Rushdie talks about human rights and encourages people not to give in to lies and conspiracies. He shares an incident where American students protested against Jean Kirkpatrick’s speech by boycotting it and staging a sit-in. Rushdie recalls his own graduation from Cambridge University in 1968. He was accused of throwing dirty gravy on a wall and was denied his degree. To receive it, he had to bow before the Vice-Chancellor, even though he had done nothing wrong. Looking back, he regrets his silence and submission to injustice. He believes that injustice forces people to beg for what is rightfully theirs. Rushdie advises students never to accept injustice or surrender to cruelty and lies. He appreciates Bard College for supporting him in difficult times. He also says that if gods limit freedom and rights, they should be questioned. According to him, people should always follow their best nature.

Interpretation:

Rushdie highlights the importance of justice, freedom, and personal rights. He advises students to stand against injustice and never compromise their dignity. He even suggests challenging gods if they impose unfair limits on people’s freedom and thoughts. He believes that self-respect comes from holding onto good values and standing up for what is right.

Critical Thinking:

While the speech is inspiring and meaningful, some ideas can be questioned. Is it really possible to challenge gods? Is it right to criticize the university that granted us our degree? These are thoughts worth considering.

Assimilation:

This speech deeply moved me. It reminded me of times when I had to accept injustice to get what was rightfully mine. Like Rushdie, I now regret those moments of silence. His words have inspired me never to accept unfair treatment and to always stand up for justice.