MCLC: student throws shoe to defend free speech

[Denton, Kirk]

MCLC LIST
From: Vanessa Frangville <vanessa.frangville at vuw.ac.nz>
Subject: student throws shoe to defend free speech
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See the link below for the video.

Kirk

=====================================================

Source: Global Voices (10/8/12):
<http://globalvoicesonline.org/2012/10/08/china-student-throws-shoe-to-defe
nd-free-speech/>

China: Student Throws Shoe to Defend Free Speech

A student from Hainan University threw his shoe at Maoist commentator Sima
Nan <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sima_Nan> on October 7, 2012, to protest
against the absence of rights to free speech in China. Before he threw the
shoe, he said, "even if your talk is not good, you can go back to your
hotel. If I argue against it, certainly I will be locked up in a tiny dark
room."

The student took the action during a Question and Answer session. Below is
a video showing the incident with a brief transcription of the student's
remarks:

"First I would like to welcome Mr. Sima Nan for coming to Hainan
University. I am also a student here. I want to make a few points. First
of all, I have read about Socrates, who once said, I know nothing except
that I am ignorant. Secondly, I need freedom and democracy is a means to
protect freedom. Thirdly, I have to say, your talk against democracy has
invaded my freedom. We are not equally able to exercise our freedom of
speech. The four points that you have mentioned, I cannot go against them
because of political correctness. Even if your talk is not good, you can
go back to your hotel. If I argue against it, certainly I will be locked
up in a tiny dark room. Please don't interrupt me. You should have the
manners not to interrupt me. Here comes my question, can I throw my shoe
at you? As my freedom is harmed in this country, I am here to protect my
freedom."