The modern-day Visigoth is characterized in Postman's graduation speech as self- centered power-seeking and money-driven. Athenians on the other hand, are identified as individuals on "the quest for knowledge. " Postman throughout the speech does not tell the reader what type of person to be but gives the reader the option to choose.
We would like to think ourselves as Athenians; reasoning, experimenting, questioning however there are powerful people in the world that represent the opposite. Postman even goes on to claim that he has known physicians, lawyers and engineers who are Visigoths of "unmistakable question. " With all of the issues troubling our world, it is hard to believe that the majority of people are Athenians.
It may be that we possess both Athenian and Visigoth qualities; or it may be that we see examples of both Athenian and Visigo
...th intentions. Visigoths typically want to gain power and success through easy money, this was best reflected in the baseball players involved in the bossiness scandal. In 2013, overall major league baseball players were accused of using performance-enhancing drugs specifically growth hormones. In July, thirteen players received lengthy suspensions of over 50 games in most cases.
This shows the Visigoth-like intentions of these baseball players that instead of improving upon their games traditionally, they have to use an illegal advantage for what? More money? More fame? More records? Steroids, performance-enhancing drugs (PEED) and human growth hormones (HIGH) have plagued the sport of baseball in the 21st century. Players such as Sammy Ass, Mark Mcguire and Barry Bonds have set new benchmarks in the record book, making previous records look simple.
But the question is
how much of their success is attributed to the use of steroids? All three of those names used steroids at least one throughout their career. Even though this real life situation is such a small worldwide problem, it perfectly shows the Visigoth intentions of these players taking these performing-enhancing drugs. Although, there are a handful who decided to take this route of performing- enhancing drugs there was also many players who earned every bit of success throughout their careers naturally.
I believe we live in a world today where we see examples of Athenian "quest for knowledge" and examples of the Visigoth thirst for money. Even though Postman gives us the choice of being who we want to be, the Athenian way would benefit the world and each other greatly. Postman states, "Of course it is much harder to be an Athenian for you must first learn how to be one" I agree with this quote that it is more difficult to be Athenian but that we are al capable of it.
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