Wirey
Fartist
Picture I took in speakers corner in 1956
Has any one here been to speakers corner Hyde Park?
It is the original of the Soap Box speakers corners.
And is the largest and freest in the world
Any thing goes any one can turn up with their soap box or pair of steps and start speaking.
Any subject Proselytizing anti government anti law anti religion . anti Gay any thing at all. Though what you say must be legal
How do they get away with it?
It is an ancient right that no one has seen any reason to suppress.
How is it policed?
It is not . There are always a couple of policemen in sight who would break up a fight but they are not interested in what is said unless it is plainly illegal and some one complains Their biggest task is to deal with pick pockets.
Many famous speakers have been regular speakers there including . Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, George Orwell, and William Morris. Donald Soper (19261998)
You will find virtually any cause has found expression there.
Is Debating allowed?
The whole thing is self moderating Heckling is rampant and much enjoyed, though it is a brave man who tries it. The better speakers have heard it all before and most are expert at turning the tables. The ridicule of the crowd soon sees off the inexperienced heckler.
Likewise a poor or unpopular speaker can sometimes be seen scurrying away in the wake of taunts from an unsympathetic crowd.
What are the most popular subjects?
Certainly religion and politics but a good speaker on any subject soon draws an audience.
Is there any thing a Forum can learn from all this?
Speakers corner is the most popular public forum in the world, so there must be some thing to learn.
What are the main characterises that has given it such appeal over the years?
It is mostly Proselytizing in nature.
It is extremely diverse.
It is open to Heckling (mild abuse)
Speakers can answer back.
Virtually anything legal goes.
People walk away from poor or unpopular speakers or topics.
It has and still does attract people who have become great international speakers, and thinkers
Conclusion.
The whole Ethos of speakers corner is the antithesis of what we allow as normal in this forum. So it might not sit comfortably with in it but I am sure a Forum based on it, would be extremely popular . May be directly linked to this one where those who wish to proselytize or be more argumentative and abusive, could migrate. As well as being a Forum in its own right.
What do others Think?
There were cameras in 1956? Wow!
