Which news stories caught the attention of our International Conversation Café participants lately? Hurricanes and their impact, Las Vegas and gun laws, the inauguration of Duke’s new president, and politics.
One issue raised today was in what situations you could safely discuss politics in the U.S. Could an MBA student express a dislike of the U.S. president in most situations? Why or why not when there’s freedom of speech?
Several participants suggested using caution even though you wouldn’t be arrested here simply for saying something critical of the president. They noted that back home, they’d only criticize the government privately with friends. But that even in the U.S., you’d want to consider the impact of talking about politics. And what impact might a new mayor have for Durham? An interesting question. Answers, anyone?
Talk of local events bounced around the table, too. Among the activities:
~ Third Friday Durham ~ Wander around downtown on October 20
~ Concerts at Duke ~ Duke jazz, djembe, and Afro-Cuban ensembles (Oct. 20). The Duke Chorale, symphony orchestra, & wind symphony (Oct. 21). Each show $10 admission; free to Duke students. Tickets online and at the Bryan Center box office.
~ Duke women’s basketball scrimmage (Oct. 22)
~ In Raleigh, the NC State Fair and the International Festival are this weekend
~ Halloween events in Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond
Happy fall. Enjoy the music and other activities!
Rene D. Caputo
Duke University ESL Specialist and Lecturing fellow
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