Sacha Baron Cohen (Ali G) Class Day | Harvard Commencement 2004

Transcript

[APPLAUSE] JOHN PAUL FOX: I am John Paul Fox, a class marshal from Mather House. ZACH CORKER: And I'm Zach Corker, also a class marshal from the great Mather House. And we are here to introduce to you the guest speaker of class day 2004. JOHN PAUL FOX: Our beloved president, Larry Summers, defines the core mission of Harvard University as the advan... Read More

Summary

This video is a speech given by the guest speaker, Ali G, at Harvard University's Class Day in 2004. Ali G talks about his experience at Harvard, makes humorous comments about various topics, and encourages the students to use their education and potential to make a positive change in the world.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who is the guest speaker at Harvard's Class Day 2004?

The guest speaker at Harvard's Class Day 2004 is Ali G, a British interviewer known for his ability to ask hard questions and his interviews with various political figures.

Q: What is the mission of Harvard University?

According to President Larry Summers, the mission of Harvard University is to advance new ideas and promote knowledge.

Q: Why did the senior class committee choose Ali G as the guest speaker?

The senior class committee chose Ali G as the guest speaker because they believed he would quench their thirst for knowledge and provide a greater understanding of why they are at Harvard. His intellectual curiosity and pursuit of truth made him a suitable choice.

Q: What does Ali G talk about in his speech?

Ali G talks about various topics in his speech, such as his nervousness speaking to a large audience, his experiences in the UK, his admiration for Harvard, and his observations about the students and their studies.

Q: What advice does Ali G give to the students?

Ali G advises the students to use their education and potential to make a positive change in the world. He emphasizes the importance of tackling global issues, improving lives, and not wasting the opportunities given to them.

Q: How does Ali G address the financial burden on the students?

Ali G acknowledges the high cost of attending Harvard and suggests that most students receive financial support from their parents. He humorously suggests that instead of investing in their children's education, parents could have bought luxury items or spent the money on other things.

Q: What does Ali G say about future employment?

Ali G reassures the students that most of them will end up getting jobs, considering the burden of having a degree. He humorously mentions that some students might become the next Bill Gates, Donald Trump, or even Ronald McDonald. He encourages them to become powerful individuals who can change the world.

Q: What societal and environmental problems does Ali G mention?

Ali G talks about societal problems such as the increase in absentee fathers, early sexual activity, and infidelity. He also mentions environmental problems, including deforestation and the melting of the ice caps.

Q: What does Ali G say about race and diversity at Harvard?

Ali G acknowledges the diverse student body at Harvard and makes humorous comments about different races and nationalities. He emphasizes that despite their differences, they all come from the same place.

Q: How does Ali G conclude his speech?

Ali G concludes his speech by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to speak at Harvard and his hope that the students will take away new friendships, different perspectives, and the inspiration to make a positive impact in the world. He also mentions that he has a dream of unity among different races.

Takeaways

In his speech, Ali G provides humor and entertainment while delivering important messages to the graduating students. He encourages them to use their education and potential to create a better world, addressing societal and environmental issues. He also highlights the significance of diversity and unity among races. Overall, his speech emphasizes the importance of taking action and making a difference.