Greatest speech ever?

[JKParticipant]

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1061137286

[CarisParticipant]

Damn that was a long speech. Greatest is correct

[LauraParticipant]

And here I thought *I* went too crazy with my tangents…
Great speech though!

[rilooyahParticipant]

Amaaaaazing.

I think he went just far enough without sounding like a d*ck. The fact that the speech is actually proposing that the students make the most of themselves is obviously the best part of it. What memorable speeches do is make you remember them and follow the advice given.

[KristinaParticipant]

Not to be all negative, but I went to high school just a few miles from that one and I know a lot of people who went to that one, and well, yes we are all spoiled and privileged, but the guy who gave that speech is not just an ordinary teacher at that high school. He is the son of David Mccullough, the famous biographer who has won 2 Pulitzer prizes, so of course with being the son of someone like that and *only* becoming a high school teacher – it makes perfect sense that his premise of the speech is ‘you’re not special’. I don’t really think it’s fair for someone like that to give such a speech. I do agree with it and like it a lot, but since everyone around me has been talking about it, just thought I would point that out.

[CarisParticipant]

Maybe he became *only* a hs teacher because he wanted to? Maybe he considers educating teenagers as something important.

I don’t know if you read the whole thing, but you should because it’s a really good one. Also, being someone means different things to different people. You don’t need a Pulitzer to be someone important.

[Meghan826Participant]

I actually went to this hs and I’d agree, many of these kids need a little rude awakening. But I’d say mostly the parents need it more! Most of the graduation speeches are full of “you’re so great and special” and what not.

Not all kids here are obnoxious and rich though, myself included! I grew up on the bad side of town, yes it truly does exist.
Also, I do know many people whose parents are well off but that they also did quite well for themselves on their own.
This speech is still legendary though!

[chiswickianParticipant]

I also went to this high school and actually was there to watch the speech. Agreed with Meghan that it’s the parents who needed to hear that message, though many of the kids could definitely use it too.

And McCullough’s passion is teaching and mentoring, I can’t think of anyone better to give this speech. He’s one of the few teachers that absolutely everyone respects– and it’s not because of his father (David McCullough Sr.’s book was required reading a few years ago and was NOT received especially well)

[Michelle.LeaParticipant]

I dont quite understand your comments Kristina? what do you mean by ‘someone like that’? i’m not picking, but I don’t understand what you’re trying to communicate here.

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