Summary Of My Graduation Speech By Neil Postman

“My Graduation Speech” is the result of Neil Postman’s attempt to “conquer the form” of the graduation speech. I would argue that he succeeds. He does this by placing everyone into two distinct groups: Athenians and Visigoths. He defines Athenians as those who value the pursuit of knowledge, the creation of art, and the betterment of themselves and society, while defining Visigoths as people who are selfish and short-sighted. What makes this speech worthwhile is how honestly inspirational it is; Postman makes being an Athenian out to be a constant, but fulfilling, struggle. He admits no one is born an Athenian, that there is no quick and easy way to transform yourself into one, and that they are generally outnumbered by the Visigoths. But