Absolutely a repost, from LL in 2007.
Oxford University (UK) applauding Colonel Gaddafi.
Well, it's a learning place :-|

Original LL posting here -
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d0c_1179421342

In 2010-2011, Oxford was ranked at equal 6th in the World, way Behind #1 Harvard.

Source:
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2010-2011/top-200.html

Don't read too much into the audience reaction - crowd dynamics at work.

They mainly react on tone, pace and pause. Not really listening to anything unless it is jammed down their throat. They are probably applauding here just because the crowd dynamic moves them to.

I once spoke at a (small) political meeting and got huge applause at the end, even though I had just told them they were a bunch of w*nkers. They are not really taking-in what you say, but all the other stuff (pitch, passion, presentation, timing, pauses).

I think (hope) that effect only happens at live events, when folks don't have time to digest what they just heard.

Maybe that's why the man has stayed in power so long - speeches and crowd dynamics.

He was good at it.
Was.