Originally posted by mark
Any one got any ideas where i could find information about the context or how it was recieved at the time or anything about this damned speech ?
books, links, whatever i just want to find *anything* about it; ive given up on google.
TIA
I've got the excel adv. eng. here, there's not a lot in it,
so i'll type it up for you.
page 289 - 290
mary mcaleese (that sounds like ... oops 'aleese'
)
"the defence of freedom"
the strength of this speech is that it swiftly moves from general considerations to focus specifically on the situation in northern ireland with regard to the free expression of ideas and beliefs. as president of ireland, mcaleese considers carefully and impartially the position of both protestants and catholics and makes interesting comparisons with racial problems in america. this shows her awareness of her audience of harvard university in that country. she also shows the inconsistencies between what is disallowed in speech in the workplace and the absolute freedoms demanded on the streets.
the speech is an excellent example of a careful analysis of a concept, grounded in historical references and practical suggestions, avoiding complaint and attribution to blame, and encouraging thought, discussion and action to improve and progress human relations in a difficult environment.