Was reading a news article on the German student/researcher Martin Jahnke who threw a shoe at Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao when he gave a speech at Cambridge during his 3 day trip to Britain.
Following some internet search for more articles, I came across a European forum which actually ran a poll "Martin Jahnke, European hero or villain?" in which the majority polled called him a villian.
There was a discussion on the same thread on which I added my 5 cents worth :
I think that the issue to note is the consequence of throwing the shoe - instead of damaging the Chinese premier, the act ended up scoring sympathy for Wen from neutral observers and provides moral high-ground for pro-china factions.
If he had succeeded in baiting Wen in question and answer to inappropriate remarks or behavior, then Martin Jahnke would be truly be a hero to those aligned to his causes. But it seems that he lacks in not just oratorical skills, but good sense as well.
As things stand, the rash act of lobbing a shoe at an honored guest of the distinguished school dishonored not just the individual himself, but the reputation of the school is also tarred.
He can only be a hero to those at his same level or below.
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"As things stand, the rash act of lobbing a shoe at an honored guest of the distinguished school dishonored not just the individual himself, but the reputation of the school is also tarred."
I think that by inviting a dictator as an honored guest the Cambridge university had already tarred its reputation as much as possible before Jahnke even entered the room.
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