Speaker’s Corner in London

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles…

In my opinion, Shakespeare took the platform in the character of Hamlet to ask more than the question, ‘to be or not to be’.  He also tried to answer the question.  But really, many are taking up venues all over the globe to answer ‘how to be’.  One of those is called Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park, London.  Every Sunday until the sun sets people gather from all over to

debate, dialogue, listen and learn.   OH, to be heard.  Not only that, but to point another’s thoughts in a new direction.  If only we could profess that inner manifesto and have it catch some ears! 

 

The general point of Speaker’s Corner seems to be just for monologuing, but what I saw off the ladders would say, ‘on the contrary dear watson’.  Strong views on Communism, Islam, Socialism, Philosophy and Christianity all being voiced in the same place at the same time.  On the foreground you’ll find people in discussion with each other or refuting the elevated soapboxer.  I can say that I loved going to Speaker’s Corner to get to know what people think about the important stuff.  Too many hide behind the fluff and never say, ‘enough of that crap, I want to know what others think about what this life is for’.  And although many go to heckle and see if they can develop the best argument (if only this time), others want to fight the fluff and figure out their own thoughts. 

 

For the second time around, ‘why does the freedom of monologue, and overall verbage, draw us in?’  Maybe it’s what we talk about that matters.  So, goodbye fluffy weather, celebrities, bad service at the restaurant, etc.  If you come to Speaker’s Corner without an opinion, go home and return when you have one.  There are no rules for forming arguments, no class division, no formalities that hinder impromptu.  Nothing is being sold here and few things present to attract the eye.  Just outdoor conversation and human interaction.  I think what brings people there also brings people to cafes and pubs. 

“Although many of its regular speakers are non-mainstream, Speakers’ Corner was frequented by Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, George Orwell and William Morris.  Its existence is frequently upheld as a demonstration of free speech, as anyone can turn up unannounced and talk on almost any subject, though they are likely to be heckled by regulars.”(wikipedia)

 

What do we think is so important to say for others to know?   We know that what we talk about is important to us.  That which affects/effects us in daily life matters to us so we talk about it.  But that which can help us when things affect/effect us is much more important.  But really, when it comes down to it, we want to know what makes us tick and what can help us when we just don’t have the answers.

 

What can help us?