Comments and discussion

When you analyze Arnold Schwarzenegger’s interview “Call me Arnold”, you could also discuss interesting or controversial statements and ideas.

For example, Schwarzenegger links the idea of winning with controlling emotions and ignoring other people’s problems: “I could not be interfered by other people’s problems. (…) It’s the only way you can be if you want to achieve something.” (p.20, ll. 44-46). It could be interesting to debate how important other people are when you want to achieve something. You could argue that others can support you achieve your dreams; on the other hand, they could overwhelm you with their own issues, and you could lose focus. You may also discuss whether success is so important that it justifies ignoring other people's problems, or whether helping others should sometimes take priority even if it means sacrificing your own chances of success.  

Schwarzenegger’s views on America in this interview are only positive. In his interview, he speaks about America as the perfect country which has the best taxes and best products. (p. 19, ll. 93-94). Schwarzenegger also argues that America is a land of opportunity, where anyone can make it through hard work: “It is the countr...