After noted lapsed Marxist Claire Fox dropped a bombshell of a post-dinner speech (reviling multiculturalism, the West, the Near East, the youth, academia... and, well, everyone in the room), I had the privilege of closing the evening. Never a good idea to let me get the last word:
"Well, I'm now put in the odd position of speaking on behalf of the angst-ridden, multiculturalist youth of the world. Welcome to our cavernous, fabulous hall. If I may add my own brief thought on multiculturalism: As an Irish Catholic raised in suburban New Jersey whose cultural diet consists almost entirely of Jewish philosophy and hip-hop, and now living an expatriate existence in London of all places... I must say that there is a certain value in standing outside your own comfortable assumptions. Through the greatest self-questioning comes the greatest self-understanding.
Now, as any good social theorist will admit, there is a complicated relationship between theory and practice. Claire has given us today, and has given us throughout her public career, a strong argument for the value of unfettered speech. She not only speaks of it, but exemplifies it in her actions. And, maybe, in theory, free speech -- the unchecked flow of ideas -- is the bedrock of a democratic culture. But... in practice... I would guess, after three hours of food and drink, and based on the looks that you all are giving me right now... in practice, the last thing we need is another excuse for ME to keep talking. So, I ask the Governors, our distinguished guests, and my fellow Goodenough members to join me in thanking Claire for keying our evening." Exeunt.
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