On the 15th of November of this year at the Vector Arena in Auckland, an Australian company called Markson Sparks will be putting on an event called Day of the Champions. The star speaker for the event which runs from 9am to 10pm is Mike Tyson, the former boxing heavyweight champion of the world.
I am considering going to this event, not necessarily to listen to Mike Tyson although he maybe interesting to listen to, I am interested to listen to the other speakers, in particular Willie Jolley who it seems talks about making comebacks, which is something that piqued my curiosity.
A few days ago, the news came through that Mike Tyson's visa application to come to New Zealand, bear in mind that he will be here less than 24 hours, has been declined. Many people had their opinions to this issue, including the prime minister John Key who supported the Immigration Minister Kate Wilkinson's decision to ban the former boxer.
So, should he be allowed here? Today I am going to say yes, for the following reasons:
1. I think that Mike Tyson has a good story to be told and why should us New Zealanders lose out on that? He has succeeded in the boxing ring, then lost all of his money and then made a comeback. Most people who have succeeded in life have made mistakes and comeback.
2. Many people could be inspired by his story of how he turned his life around so let him come. If one person hears something from 'Iron Mike' that helps him or her for the rest of their life then the visit is worthwhile.
3. Mike Tyson will be here for less than 24 hours, so what kind of trouble can he get himself in? Virtually nothing. I know that the law says no visas for people who have had a 5 year sentence or more but it also says that if there are special circumstances then it should be allowed. Allow it.
4. He was allowed to go to England so why not here?
5. There is speculation that another organisation will sponsor Tyson's visa. The reason they say they will do that is because they see Mike Tyson as a role model and they think that he can be a good influence for young people in the less affluent areas of our biggest city.
6. Mike Tyson was sentenced to six years in jail for rape. He served that time and came out a better man. (ear biting aside) Whatever happened to paying your debt to society and then giving someone a second chance? He made a mistake and paid for it. Give the guy a second chance.
7. I think New Zealand needs to hear stories like his. We have our heroes in New Zealand (not that I am saying that Tyson is a hero) but generally they are wearing black rugby jerseys and they win games. That's fine and we should look up to them for inspiration but it is nice to hear about other people and their own struggles in different parts of the world. Mike Tyson grew up in an area in which someone from Palmerston North, New Zealand will never be able to understand, so it is good to get an understanding of another culture, so to speak.
8. There are other very good speakers coming to New Zealand on the same ticket. If Mike Tyson eventually doesn't come then are we going to miss out on listening to the other speakers?
9. If this event doesn't go ahead, does that mean that other events like it won't come to New Zealand? Are other people going to see New Zealand as a difficult market to bring their product to?
10. It looks like a really cool event. I have been intrigued about going to these kind of events in the past so this is a good opportunity to go along and see if I want to spend more money on going to see people like Anthony Robbins. So, let Mike Tyson come here for me.
Currently I am thinking of going to this event. I don't mind if Mike Tyson doesn't come because I will get a lot out of the event anyway, but it would be nice to hear him speak and have opportunity to say that I was there.
No comments:
Post a Comment