Sadly, a few days ago we all heard about what happened in Orlando. When I first heard the news I wondered: 'What's going on?' 'Why is the world so screwed up' (1)? A few days later, a host from a popular talk show in the US answered my question. Here are his words:
Very interesting thoughts and very wise words. Now that you have watched the video, try listening to it again while reading the script at the same time. Here is the transcription of his words:
"Like
you, I am sickened (2) to the news that early yesterday a terrorist killed 49
people and wounded 53 more in Orlando, in the most deadly shooting in American
history. Naturally, we each ask ourselves 'what can we possibly say in the face
of this horror?'"
But then suddenly you realise you know what to say because
it´s been said too many times before. You´ve got a pretty good idea of what
most people are gonna say. You know what a president whoever it is will
probably say. You know what both sides of the political Iowa say. You know what
gun manufacturers will say. Even me with a silly show like this. You have some
idea of what I will say. Because even I’ve talked about this when it’s happened
before.
It’s as if there’s a national script that we have learnt and I think by
accepting the script, we tacitly accept that the script will end the same way
every time, with nothing changing except
for the loved ones and the families of the victims for whom nothing will ever
be the same. It's easy, it’s almost tempting to be paralyzed by such a monstrously
hateful act. To despair (3) and that’s the way the world is now. I don’t know what to do but I do know that
despair is a victory for hate. Hate wants us to be too weak to change anything.
Now, these people in Orlando were apparently targeted (4) because of who they loved
and there have been outpourings (5) of love throughout the country and around the
world. Love in response to hate.
Love does not despair. Love makes us strong.
Love gives us the courage to act. Love gives us hope that change is possible.
Love allows us to change the script. So love your country, love your family,
love the families and the victims and the people of Orlando, but let´s remember
that 'love' is a verb and to love means to do something"
Stephen Colbert.
Finally, here is a glossary of words or expressions that you may find more difficult to understand:
- Screw up (slang): if something is 'screwed up' is spoilt or ruined (in a very bad state or condition)
- Sickened (adj): if someone feels 'sickened', he feels disgusted, very sad and annoyed about something.
- Despair(n): lose of hope
- Targeted (v): if someone or something is 'targeted' he or she is identified as a target (objective, goal)
- Outpouring (n): expression of grief or sympathy
That´s all for now. I hope you have enjoyed the speech as much as I did. Have a great day!
