Présentation

Voici un exemple de présentation orale à partir du document B.

I have chosen the photograph of Churchill's statue, defaced in 2020, because I think it reflects the various aspects of the problems of diversity and inclusion.

Churchill and imperialism

Prime Minister Winston Churchill embodies one vision of the UK: that of a strong nation, linked to the idea of the British Empire which developed until the 20th century before becoming the Commonwealth.

Somehow, this is reflected in London itself, where this photo was taken. London is acknowledged as a multicultural city, where more than 150 languages are spoken. Many communities coexist there.

The Black Lives Matter movement

But diversity doesn't always mean inclusion.

This is why some movements like “Black Lives Matter” exist. This movement was founded in 2013 in the US, after a series of outrageous murders of Black people by American police officers. It aims at taking action in order to condemn such acts and achieve greater inclusion within society. The murder of George Floyd in 2020 shows that this fight is unfortunately not over yet.

Even though it is an American movement, some of its activists can also be found in the UK. In spite of London's multiculturalism, the photo illustrates the denunciation of racism in the UK too. We are becoming more and more “woke” to the systemic racism that exists in both of these countries.

The need for inclusion

So, all in all, this document emphasises the need for minorities to feel integrated, included.

Indeed, the photo shows that to feel included, minorities must find icons with whom they can identify within society. The time has come to have emblematic figures who embody values which everyone can acknowledge.

Statues are more than just references to historic figures – they assert values. That's why there's a new need to redefine values in which everyone can feel included, which questions whether statues of former figures of authority like Churchill, people who were basically racist but also embody a part of common history, should still be celebrated and acknowledged in the public sphere.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this document shows the necessity for society to change so that everyone can fit in; or else, protests may arise, and violence as well.

Entretien

Voici quelques questions que l'examinateur pourrait vous poser.

▶ Do you think defacing statues can be an efficient means of protest?

Well, of course it is mostly symbolic. But it is graphic, and it strikes people's minds. It conveys the message that “this is no longer acceptable”. But it may be criticised as well: some of the icons that have been defaced, have also played a major part in literature or politics…

▶ To what extent do you think we can find the roots of the BLM movement in the history of the US?

This dates back to slavery, and its abolition in 1865. Segregation still prevailed due to the Jim Crow laws in the late 19th century, until the civil rights movement led by Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King. But with the many videos showing American cops shooting Black people or choking them to death, the movement has become increasing popular and supported by minorities and the white majority alike.