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搜狐新聞報道，作為留學生，在畢業典禮上受校長邀請，當著全校師生做畢業演講，這本應是一件十分榮耀的事情，我們所有的中國留學生都應該為他們驕傲。
然而近日，馬里蘭大學的畢業典禮上，中國留學生Yang Shuping的畢業演講卻讓台下的中國同學們感到無比尷尬。
她的演講全程圍繞兩個要點：
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中國的空氣骯髒不堪，而美國「fresh and sweet」的空氣竟然好到令她無比驚訝。
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中國沒有democracy, 只有在美國她才體會到什麼是democracy和自由，在美國她可以想說啥說啥，想做啥做啥。
然而，這些不都是美國人天天在街邊小報上看到的中國嗎？
但她，卻在全校師生面前為這些小報背書，把美國人對中國的成見再一次放大。
沒錯，中國的確有空氣污染，美國的空氣就真的很好嗎？那請問紐約每天空氣中瀰漫的尿騷味也能美好到讓你深深吸上一口氣？
美國的確是很講究democracy，講究到一條地鐵線路就能商討個一百多年……
在這位學生口中，美國就是大同社會，一切都可以用商議民主來自動運轉，而中國就像美國人天天看到的洗腦文一樣，處處骯髒，社會制度就跟朝鮮一樣，而她，就是逃到美國的脫北者。
作為留學生，我們應該深知，自己在美國，學習是任務之一，而另一個很重要的任務就是文化交流。
何為文化交流？就是破除一切對中國的刻板印象，難道我們還想聽到美國人問我們「為什麼不留辮子」？「中國人是不是還吃不起肉？」「你在中國沒見過汽車吧？」
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我們的留學前輩們通過一代又一代的努力，終於讓美國人對中國有了一定的了解，讓他們知道原來中國是個現代化的國家。我們因為他們的努力，現在在美國學習、生活才有了基本的尊嚴。
我們不願意看到自己的尊嚴被再一次踩在腳下！
以下是Yang Shuping在馬里蘭大學畢業典禮演講的全文：
回復「演講」可以觀看演講的視頻
Good afternoon faculty students parents and friends.
I am truly honored and grateful to speak at the commencement for the University of Maryland, Class of 2017.
People often ask me: Why did you come to the University of Maryland?
I always answer: Fresh air.
Five years ago, as I step off the plane from China, and left the terminal at Dallas Airport. I was ready to put on one of my five face masks, but when I took my first breath of American air. I put my mask away.
The air was so sweet and fresh, and oddly luxurious.
I was surprised by this. I grew up in a city in China, where I had to wear a face mask every time I went outside, otherwise, I might get sick.
However, the moment I inhaled and exhaled outside the airport.
I felt free.
No more fog on my glasses, no more difficult breathing, no more suppression.
Every breath was a delight. As I stand here today, I cannot help, but recall that feeling of freedom.
At the University of Maryland, I assume feel another kind of fresh air for which I will be forever grateful — the fresh air of free speech.
Before I came to United States, I learned in history class about the Declaration of Independence, but these words had no meaning to me— Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.
I was merely memorizing the words to get good grades.
These words sounded so strange, so abstract and so foreign to me, until I came to University of Maryland.
I have leaned the right to freely express oneself is sacred in American.
Each day in Maryland, I was encouraged to express my opinions on controversial issues.
I could challenge a statement made by my instructor. I could even rate my professors online.
But nothing prepared me for the culture shock I experienced when I watched a university production of the play— Twilight: Los Angeles.
Twilight is a play by Anna Deavere Smith about the 1992 Los Angeles Riots
The riots followed acquittal of four Los Angeles police officers in the videotaped arrest and beating of Rodney King.
For six days, the city was in chaos as citizens took to the streets.
In Twilight, the student actors were openly talking about racism, sexism and politics.
I was shocked, I never saw such topic could be discussed openly.
The play was my first taste of political storytelling, one that makes the audience think critically.
I have always had a burning desire to tell these kinds of stories, but I was convinced that only authorities on the narrative, only authorities could define the truth.
However, the opportunity to immerse myself in the diverse community at the University of Maryland exposed me to various, many different perspectives on truth.
I soon realized that here I have the opportunity to speak freely.
My voice matters.
Your voice matters.
Our voices matter.
Civil engagement is not a task just for politicians. I have witnessed this when I saw my fellow students marching in Washington DC, voting in the presidential election and raising money for support various causes.
I have seen that everyone has a right to participate and advocate for change.
I used to believe that one individual participation could not make a difference, but here we are, United Terps.
Together, we can push our society to be more just open and peaceful.
Class of 2017, we are graduating from a university that embraces a liberal arts education that nurtures us to think critically, and also to care and feel for humanity.
We are equipped with the knowledge of various disciplines and we are ready to face to the challenges of our society.
Some of us may go to graduate school, some us may step into professions and some of us may begin a journey of exploration.
But no matter what we do, remember, democracy and free speech should not be taken for granted.
Democracy and freedom are the fresh air that is worth fighting for.
Freedom is oxygen. Freedom is passion. Freedom is love.
And as a French philosopher Jean Paul Sartre once said: freedom is a choice, our future is dependent on the choices we make today and tomorrow.
We are all playwrights of the next chapters of our lives. Together, we right the human history.
My friends, enjoy the fresh air and never let it go.
Thank you.
