Obama's Timeless Message on Political Discourse
Readers of the Guardian have been revisiting a particularly poignant moment from Barack Obama's presidency - his 2016 commencement address at Rutgers University in New Jersey. The former US president delivered a powerful message that continues to resonate in today's political climate, particularly his assertion that "ignorance is not a virtue" in politics or life.
The Cool Debate Continues
The discussion was sparked by ongoing correspondence about what truly constitutes being 'cool'. One reader from Heywood, Lancashire, highlighted Obama's memorable words from May 2016, when he told graduating students: "It is not cool to not know what you are talking about. Not knowing what you're talking about is not keeping it real, telling it like it is, or challenging political correctness."
Obama's straightforward dismissal of anti-intellectualism struck a chord, with the former president concluding that such behaviour "is just not knowing what you're talking about." This perspective has gained renewed relevance in contemporary political discussions where factual accuracy sometimes takes a backseat to rhetorical flair.
Alternative Views on Coolness
Other readers offered their own nominations for ultimate coolness. From Weymouth, Dorset, Susan Baillie suggested singer-songwriter Nick Lowe as the epitome of cool, noting he even released an album titled "Jesus of Cool."
Meanwhile, David Hodgetts from Morpeth, Northumberland, reminded readers that Huey Lewis and the News declared back in 1986 that "it's hip to be square" - perhaps an early antidote to performative knowledge.
The correspondence also included historical corrections, with Martin Pilgrim from Hoath, Kent, pointing out that neither England nor Britain existed as political entities during Caesar's invasions of 55BCE and Claudius's of 43CE, noting the Romans actually invaded the ancient iron age Celtic Kingdom of Cantium, now known as Kent.
Another reader expressed sympathy for residents of Epstein Road in Thamesmead, London, highlighting how street names can sometimes become embarrassing over time.
The Guardian continues to welcome reader perspectives on these and other matters, maintaining the tradition of public discourse that values informed opinion over empty rhetoric.
