My favorite part of the speech was when Ishmael said something along the lines of "When you hear gun shots and have to get away fast you don't think 'I think I will take this report card. I might need this someday.' " At first I thought that it was just a simple joke but the more I started thinking about the statement it related to a whole lot more. When you are in danger the most important things in your current life become the most mundane things in your new beginning. School may have been extremely important and he probably considered it a need more than a want but once there were soldiers in his city, Ishmael had more direct needs and put his wants aside. Overall this was one of the best speeches I have ever listened to.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Ishmael Beah
After listening to Ishmael Beah speak I started thinking about the book in a little more detail. I was absolutely amazed that someone with such a horrific childhood can be as light of a speaker as Beah was. Throughout the entire speech Ishmael continued to make jokes and keep the audience interested in what he had to say without telling the awful details about what happened in his life. The easiness that Beah spoke with made the reality of the success story even more powerful. Someone who can come out in front of thousands of people who know his background and can talk about all his troubles is an absolute role model to anyone.
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I completely agree with your feelings on the speech. It was by far the best speech I have ever attended and I felt so honored to be a part of it. My favorite part was when he was given his first salad in New York and he told them he didn't eat grass. Like you, I took it as a simple joke when in reality it showed how different our cultures are and how we shouldn't take anything for granted
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