ClydeR
05-12-2010, 12:40 PM
Where to start? Obama's speech at the graduation of Hampton University last Sunday had three major problems.
First, he showed his ignorance about modern technology. Until he learns how to use an Xbox to get information, he shouldn't be talking about it. Admitting you don't know something is a sign of weakness.
And meanwhile, you’re coming of age in a 24/7 media environment that bombards us with all kinds of content and exposes us to all kinds of arguments, some of which don’t always rank that high on the truth meter. And with iPods and iPads; and Xboxes and PlayStations -- none of which I know how to work -- (laughter) -- information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation. So all of this is not only putting pressure on you; it’s putting new pressure on our country and on our democracy.
More... (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-hampton-university-commencement)
Second, just because he doesn't like what people are saying about him doesn't mean it's crazy.
With so many voices clamoring for attention on blogs, and on cable, on talk radio, it can be difficult, at times, to sift through it all; to know what to believe; to figure out who’s telling the truth and who’s not. Let’s face it, even some of the craziest claims can quickly gain traction. I’ve had some experience in that regard.
Fortunately, you will be well positioned to navigate this terrain. Your education has honed your research abilities, sharpened your analytical powers, given you a context for understanding the world.
Third, as I have said repeatedly, the purpose of education is not to open minds. The purpose of education is to fill minds with appropriate information. Minds of graduates should be full, not open.
All of this, I hope, has had the effect of opening your mind; of helping you understand what it’s like to walk in somebody else’s shoes. But now that your minds have been opened, it’s up to you to keep them that way. It will be up to you to open minds that remain closed that you meet along the way. That, after all, is the elemental test of any democracy: whether people with differing points of view can learn from each other, and work with each other, and find a way forward together.
First, he showed his ignorance about modern technology. Until he learns how to use an Xbox to get information, he shouldn't be talking about it. Admitting you don't know something is a sign of weakness.
And meanwhile, you’re coming of age in a 24/7 media environment that bombards us with all kinds of content and exposes us to all kinds of arguments, some of which don’t always rank that high on the truth meter. And with iPods and iPads; and Xboxes and PlayStations -- none of which I know how to work -- (laughter) -- information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation. So all of this is not only putting pressure on you; it’s putting new pressure on our country and on our democracy.
More... (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-hampton-university-commencement)
Second, just because he doesn't like what people are saying about him doesn't mean it's crazy.
With so many voices clamoring for attention on blogs, and on cable, on talk radio, it can be difficult, at times, to sift through it all; to know what to believe; to figure out who’s telling the truth and who’s not. Let’s face it, even some of the craziest claims can quickly gain traction. I’ve had some experience in that regard.
Fortunately, you will be well positioned to navigate this terrain. Your education has honed your research abilities, sharpened your analytical powers, given you a context for understanding the world.
Third, as I have said repeatedly, the purpose of education is not to open minds. The purpose of education is to fill minds with appropriate information. Minds of graduates should be full, not open.
All of this, I hope, has had the effect of opening your mind; of helping you understand what it’s like to walk in somebody else’s shoes. But now that your minds have been opened, it’s up to you to keep them that way. It will be up to you to open minds that remain closed that you meet along the way. That, after all, is the elemental test of any democracy: whether people with differing points of view can learn from each other, and work with each other, and find a way forward together.