A 1996 Commencement Speech- Salman Rushdie
About the Author
After publishing The Satanic
Verses on February 14, 1989, former Iranian Spiritual Leader Ayatollah
Ruhallahkhoment demanded the death penalty for Salman Rushdie. He advises pupils to
confront even good and follow their own better natures rather than bowing their
heads and becoming the servants of the government.
Literal Comprehension:
Salman Rushdie, a well-known
author of Indian descent, delivered a commencement address to the students of
Bard College in New York in 1996, and it is known as "A 1996 Commencement
Speech." At that time, Bard College awarded him an honorary degree.
Rushdie recalls his 1968 graduation from Cambridge University while speaking. A
few nights before his graduation, unidentified individuals dumped buckets of
gravy onions in his bed. Salman was blamed and condemned for this
transgression. He was turned away once more when he tried to wear brown shoes
to the graduation ceremony and requested to wear black ones. He had to go back
for black shoes right before the ceremony. He had to get on his knees during
the ceremony to ask the vice chancellor for his degree in Latin. He complied
with all orders from above. While delivering this speech, he expressed regret,
saying that he shouldn't have paid up, changed his shoes, or knelt. He
committed a crime by compromising and accepting injustice and dominance.
Rushdie claimed that his three years of arduous effort and his parents'
financial support had allowed him to earn a B.A. degree that was not offered by
the university. Learners have a right to education, regardless of who is in
their support.
Rushdie noted that the Iranian president had announced his death but had been saved by Bard College. Rushdie claimed that any superior authority or force has committed several crimes and acts of cruelty, including god. The world and humans were not created by God; rather, God was created by humanity. God exists because of people's faith in him and his mercy. Rushdie urged students to follow their own will or personal nature since he was radical. We should try to act from our better selves rather than our terrible selves.
Interpretation:
One of the most prominent academics in the world may be supporting the plea for freedom of expression in this lecture. It emphasizes that each person should follow their own nature, which may be higher. One should never submit to another person's dominance or take their orders. Salman Rushdie later expressed regret for accepting the request for dead rules. It can involve doubting God's existence and authority. Because of our religion, God Himself has committed several crimes, even though He did not create us. Freedom and justice must be obtained via seizing rather than mercy, begging, or bowing down. Additionally, it inspires everyone to resist injustice and hegemony from any unjust authority. Defiance (protest) and revolt are unavoidable; obedience and tolerance cannot lead to freedom.
Critical Thinking
One such discourse, which also serves as a speech, fully acknowledges actions taken by with human nature. The public's eyes have been opened, enabling them to rationally analyze everything. It's wrong to give up any kind of dominance. This outlook on individual liberties and rights is acceptable. However, certain objectionable arguments can are certain objectionable arguments that can be made. Can we consistently defy all systems? Can disobedience ever be used as a tool for freedom? Do all traditions have no value? What can we say about Mahatma Gandhi's protesting restraint and nonviolence? Other than Greek Gods, are there any other gods? But it is impossible to completely ignore the messages of resistance against injustices.
Assimilation:
As I was reading this lecture, I was startled and transported back 20 years to when I was in school. I endured a scathing critique from my math teacher while I was in class 9. Any of the lads in our class had scrawled crudely worded obscene words on the classroom wall. I felt accused when the teacher entered the room because other males in the class were intelligent. At the time, I was innocent, therefore I had nothing to defend. I feel bad about it now. I wish I had made a defense against it at the appropriate time. I should have told the teacher immediately that I wasn't involved in that project.