Part 2/7:
Hopkins begins her speech with a humorous nod to dietary choices, specifically targeting vegans. She jokingly questions the prospect of a vegan becoming president of the Oxford Union, suggesting it would lead to disarray. This opening gambit sets the tone for her argument: that the current social dynamics surrounding political correctness are out of hand.
Her self-identified role as a provocateur comes into play as she recounts her interaction with the Union’s rules on speech. During her address, she emphasized the absurdity of having to sign a document promising not to offend anyone. In her view, the essence of a debate is to challenge prevailing viewpoints, potentially causing offense, and she provocatively encouraged anyone who might be upset to vacate the premises.