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World famous intellectual Noam Chomsky coming to Belfast
Monday, 17 August 2009
Noam Chomsky, described by The New York Times as 'the most important intellectual alive', he is one of the world's most most-cited sources in academic journals
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World famous intellectual Noam Chomsky is to visit Belfast later this year to deliver a lecture on human rights, Amnesty international has announced.
The American author, linguist and political activist will give the organisation's annual lecture at the Queen's festival at the end of October.
The talk will touch on areas examined in the liberal philosopher's forthcoming book 'Hopes And Prospects' - which focuses on social struggles in Latin America and the rise of grassroots campaigning for President Obama in the US.
Ahead of his visit, Mr Chomsky said: "The UK has seen recently what other states have experienced countless times before - that their political and economic leaders can't be trusted to do what's right.
"Activism is growing all over the world and ordinary people are realising that they can be agents for change. For years, Amnesty has been mobilising people to stand up for justice and I'm delighted to be giving their lecture in Belfast."
Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International Northern Ireland Director, said it was fantastic to have someone of Mr Chomsky's standing to deliver their lecture.
"We hope his rallying call will get more Northern Ireland people involved in human rights campaigning on issues from Afghanistan to Burma, and from China to the United States," he said.
"That's what Amnesty does and that's how we can help people to take a stand on issues we feel strongly about."
Graeme Farrow, director of the Ulster Bank sponsored festival, said: "The Festival is proud of its relationship with Amnesty International and this headline event will only serve to strengthen those bonds.
"We discuss a shortlist of speakers with Amnesty each year and I think that Noam Chomsky has been at the top of it since we started working together. This Amnesty Lecture will be particularly popular with Festival supporters.
"Indeed, it may turn out to be the fastest-selling speaker event in the Festival's history, such is the interest which Noam Chomsky attracts wherever he goes in the world."
The Amnesty International Annual Lecture will take place at 7:30pm on Friday 30 October in the Whitla Hall as part of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen's. Tickets are now available from the online box office at www.belfastfestival.com
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for those who are interested check out his own book, "Chomsky on anarchism." He was also impressed and written extensively on anarchism in the spanish revolution.
Posted by Sean Matthews | 18.08.09, 10:11 GMT
Some of his challenging ideas fortunately do not fit comfortably with the extravagant Amnesty approach. How very enlightened the organises are.
Posted by Malachy McAnespie | 17.08.09, 22:36 GMT
Thanks for this. Didn't see this in the newspaper today. Can't believe he is coming! Booking tickets now! Excited...
Posted by Rubber Toe | 17.08.09, 21:10 GMT
sean, what a shame, what's the shame, why would the media have an interest in paying any attention to radical anarchist politics, where would they start in unravelling the nonsense and apologia for the status quo that 'they' have been subjecting us to for almost ever. Here is a man, and only a man, who never expected or requested the 'media' to carry a message to the rest of us, the media are paid by their advertisers to create an apetite to consume garbage, day and daily, we buy garbage, read garbage, and throw it away....you, as a 'radical anarchist' ( i assume), have a responsibility as a human being to expose the truth behind the media machine, Chomsky's responsibility is to do the same and to hand us the tools to keep knocking through the wall.........last time i remember Belfast still had plenty of walls, physical and social !
Posted by michael | 17.08.09, 17:59 GMT
Brilliant mind and truly someone who gives a balanced and independent view unlike the twaddle we read in a lot of the media regarding US and UK foreign policy. He's getting older now so it may be that it will be rare to see him in public again.
Posted by lisa | 17.08.09, 16:26 GMT
Sean Matthews. I don't think you can call Chomsky an anarchist. When asked "Are governments inherently bad?" his reply is no. He is critical of government policies, not government itself.
Posted by Desmond | 17.08.09, 16:26 GMT
Tickets booked and paid for. Chomsky in Belfast, excellent.
Posted by Will Hawkes | 17.08.09, 16:00 GMT
It is a shame that most of his radical anarchist politics is neglected by the mainstream media.
Posted by Sean Matthews | 17.08.09, 14:28 GMT
MS - I agree. Legend. Up there with Einstein in my opinion.
Posted by Ted | 17.08.09, 10:56 GMT
Chomsky is a legend. I have read several of his books he is a man who takes no prisoners when it comes to human rights and self empowerment.
It is great news the Queens festival can attract this kind of talent.
Posted by MS | 17.08.09, 10:39 GMT
This man is a genius. Cannot wait to see him. If you've never heard of him I recommend reading some of his books on US foreign policy. Incredible. Someone who just speaks the truth about the world we live in today and does so in great detail. Very rare these days. Will be a huge privilege to see him in the flesh.
Posted by Bryan Gunnar | 17.08.09, 08:44 GMT