Harvard Student Condemns Anti-Americanism in Speech
Julie Hartman ‘22 delivers a powerful, courageous speech in Harvard’s Memorial Chapel condemning anti-Americanism. “We members of this University…have shirked our responsibility as the most privileged cohort on earth. We have remained cringingly silent in the face of corrosive ideas…that [have] corrupted our institutions and severed the bonds that hold our country together… We remain silent…[because] we see personal and professional advantages in doing so… We are using our privilege to undermine the very system that has given us that privilege. America, despite its failings, is the last great stand on earth. We must speak up against [anti-Americanism] now or our civilization will face a somber reckoning.”
Hartman begins with a story in Israel where, in a welcome speech to Harvard students, an Israeli called America the greatest country in the world and not one Harvard student clapped. Their silence was so obvious that the Israelis who were present looked on in disbelief.
“Americans are the freest, most privileged people on earth, yet many of us are ashamed to show even the tiniest trace of national pride. Why? Because we Americans of recent generations have been swaddled in prosperity and security and in consequence have become ungrateful for the blessings we enjoy…”
As for Harvard students, she goes on to say that “We members of this University…have shirked our responsibility as the most privileged cohort on earth. We have remained cringingly silent in the face of corrosive ideas…that [have] corrupted our institutions and severed the bonds that hold our country together… We must not lie…by denying that a large reason that we remain silent is that we see personal and professional advantages in doing so.”
Hartman also offers a dire warning: “We are ashamed to be American. The shame should be on us… We are using our privilege to undermine the very system that has given us that privilege. America, despite its failings, is the last great stand on earth. We must speak up against [anti-Americanism] now or our civilization will face a somber reckoning.”
Related:
Harvard Students are Covid Sheep (Julie Hartman ‘22, WSJ, 2/22/22)
