The History Hour
Great speeches from around the world
Feb 15, 2025
Don Watson, a renowned speechwriter for Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating, discusses the powerful Redfern Address, which confronted Australia’s colonial past. Eva Perón, the iconic former First Lady of Argentina, is remembered for her impactful speeches that championed social welfare and women's rights. Mary Fisher reflects on her groundbreaking speech at the 1992 Republican Party convention that changed perceptions of the AIDS crisis, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding. Together, these voices highlight the transformative power of oratory in addressing societal issues.
51:20
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Quick takeaways
- Paul Keating's 1992 Redfern speech marked a crucial acknowledgment of the injustices faced by Indigenous Australians, prompting important discussions on historical responsibility.
- Mary Fisher's impactful address at the 1992 Republican National Convention transformed public perception of HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the need for compassion and sound policy in healthcare.
Deep dives
Paul Keating's Redfern Speech and Indigenous Recognition
In 1992, Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating delivered a groundbreaking speech in Redfern, acknowledging the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. This speech marked a pivotal moment as Keating took moral responsibility for the dispossession and discrimination inflicted by white settlers, a significant departure from previous political discourse. The address resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing empathy by urging non-Indigenous Australians to envision the impact of these injustices as if they were their own. While it was celebrated as a crucial step toward reconciliation, it sparked contentious debates about the responsibility of contemporary Australians for the actions of their predecessors.
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