I agree in general. At our graduation ceremonies the worst speakers are, without exception, the valedictorians.
The ring-in speakers are usually OK - people brought in for their specific virtues.
At my sister's graduation I was one of the few audience members to emit an audibly non-golf-clap cheer when she wandered up to receive her award, perhaps because I felt so bored and stifled by the interminable proceedings (the ceremony went for some three and a half hours).
Heading down to the pub after one's last exam or thesis submission is a much more authentic celebration.
Oh, the valedictorian (or whichever student it was) was terrible. All of the disingenuous pap of the older speakers, but without the life experience to add even a hint of a reason to listen.
I felt like, Yes, person who is the same age as the rest of them, you tell them to go out and do what you haven't done yet. I'm sure your valuable advice will guide them well during times of trouble.
I wouldn't know what I'd say at such an event, even if I did deign to join it. But my initial thoughts are about how education is more about socializing people for power structure, and how I'd use the ceremony itself -- which is a modified religious ceremony dating back to the Middle Ages, right down to the priest's robes -- to symbolize that the roots of educational institutions have always been, and still are, with a top-down system of authority with it's roots literally in medievalism.
Then I'd probably say something like, "Fuck the system! Power to the people!" and start to pee on things. Then I'd get escorted from the building. ;)
Yeah, it's a compliment. The specific train of thought started with wondering what the speech would be about if it was truthful, and I figured an honest congratulations would mention adding $900,000 to one's lifetime earnings. I figured you'd come up with something else good after that. :)
And yes, the medieval thing was quite thickly present. Anytime people get all dressed up in funny costumes, watch out.
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The ring-in speakers are usually OK - people brought in for their specific virtues.
At my sister's graduation I was one of the few audience members to emit an audibly non-golf-clap cheer when she wandered up to receive her award, perhaps because I felt so bored and stifled by the interminable proceedings (the ceremony went for some three and a half hours).
Heading down to the pub after one's last exam or thesis submission is a much more authentic celebration.
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I felt like, Yes, person who is the same age as the rest of them, you tell them to go out and do what you haven't done yet. I'm sure your valuable advice will guide them well during times of trouble.
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I wouldn't know what I'd say at such an event, even if I did deign to join it. But my initial thoughts are about how education is more about socializing people for power structure, and how I'd use the ceremony itself -- which is a modified religious ceremony dating back to the Middle Ages, right down to the priest's robes -- to symbolize that the roots of educational institutions have always been, and still are, with a top-down system of authority with it's roots literally in medievalism.
Then I'd probably say something like, "Fuck the system! Power to the people!" and start to pee on things. Then I'd get escorted from the building. ;)
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And yes, the medieval thing was quite thickly present. Anytime people get all dressed up in funny costumes, watch out.
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