Back in the dark ages when I graduated from high school we were nice and dignified during the ceremony but when it was over the valedictorian was supposed to yell go tigers (school fight chant) and everybody (as prearranged) were to also yell go tigers and run off the field. Well the valedictorian got cold feet and just started to walk off the field (inside the football field) he was in the front of the procession, well I was in the back we were in rows of folding chairs , so I made the yell, grabbed the guy next to me and drug him along (he was the principal's son) with me and we started the run. You should have heard the crowd, they went nuts, folding chairs were crashing, mortar boards went flying. No body complained, that was the last thing that we did as a class.

The kids nowadays seem to worship high tech, why not send their HS diplomas by e-mail? Problem solved. They can all attend the ceremony by conference call.

It was announced that no such things and behaviors are allowed (instrcuted ar requested). Yet, some still chose to ignore the instructions. If parents or guests chose to ignore such instructions, they they MUST be escorted out. Some people just have no respect. Attention whores.

quote:

Originally posted by black1970:
The kids nowadays seem to worship high tech, why not send their HS diplomas by e-mail? Problem solved. They can all attend the ceremony by conference call.

Send 'em a pdf diploma and a YouTube link to a congratulatory speech from the principal. I could see kids liking it, but not parents.

I responsded to this a couple of days ago but was still thinking about it last night. When I attended high school this kind of behavior would never have even been thought of. I certainly wouldn't have thought of it. My father would beat the holy crap out of me if I ever entertained such an idea. I still can't believe we have folks that say "kids will be kids", or who cares, etc. Decent civilized folks don't behave that way and if we let it slide, we are responsible also. I've got zero respect for those that would ever behave this way or condone it.

My daughter graduated from High School last night. Large high school, around 500 graduates. The administrators made multiple announcements at the beginning of the ceremony about no noisemakers, horns, etc. Unfortunately it fell on deaf ears, as we were treated to a constant barrage of horns, cowbells, whistles and all manner of garbage from so called adults. My hispanic wife noted that most of it happened when a hispanic name was called. She was appalled. This was in a large arena, and nothing was done about it through the entire ceremony. I don't understand how people can behave so disgustingly at an event like this, especially after explicitly being told not to do it out of respect for everyone there.

Don't even get me started on the way people dressed. I wore a suit, and was pretty surprised when the arena was full of people wearing jeans, shorts, flip flops and all sorts of clothes that looked better suited for working in the yard. The whole event was a sorry display.

My younger grandson's HS graduation was today. I was not able to attend, but my wife was there.

I texted her to ask about this. She said that there were no unruly outbursts; appropriate decorum was observed.

This was in a small town in eastern Ohio.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
My younger grandson's HS graduation was today. I was not able to attend, but my wife was there.

I texted her to ask about this. She said that there were no unruly outbursts; appropriate decorum was observed.

This was in a small town in eastern Ohio.

Not surprised to hear. My oldest graduated 2 years ago from a small town in rural New Hampshire. Nothing but proud parents and a great ceremony. That's why I was so taken back by last night. I suppose it's the norm in certain places now days. Of course this is supposed to be one of the better schools in Oklahoma. Guess the education doesn't rub off on the parents.

My niece's graduation last night NE of Columbus, Ohio went well. Opened with a prayer, the National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. At a public high school no less.

for some kids, this is as good as it will get

Went to my daughters graduation on thursday night and they asked that people be respectful and allow every name to be heard. Most people would cheer for their loved one and then shut up so the next person could be called.

Out of the 400+ names that were read there were only a couple that went too far and carried it on a bit too long. There were a lot of air horns but they didn't get carried away and just blasted it when their loved one was called.

I remember during graduation at JC, as names were called-out and handshakes were given there was a couple of, THAT'S MY BOY! shouted out. My parents couldn't stop laughing during the reception afterwards.

Then there are the "special ones" who walked out on Vice President Pence.

A hippie ethic creeped into our culture in the '60s, in which any kind of formality, all expressions of good manners, respectfulness-- it was all uptight and hypocritical establishment bullshit. So people show up at graduations in flip flops and shorts, ring cowbells and bay like hounds. That's genuine. That's real.

They are overgrown babies. It's a wonder they don't shit themselves.

JustJoe is correct. I spent several years during the 1960s, working outside of the continental U.S. When I returned, I was shocked at the change. It was as if I left the country and came back to a totally different country a few years later.

quote:

Originally posted by justjoe:
A hippie ethic creeped into our culture in the '60s, in which any kind of formality, all expressions of good manners, respectfulness-- it was all uptight and hypocritical establishment bullshit. So people show up at graduations in flip flops and shorts, ring cowbells and bay like hounds. That's genuine. That's real.

They are overgrown babies. It's a wonder they don't shit themselves.

Are you sure they don't?

flashguy

quote:

Originally posted by justjoe:
A hippie ethic creeped into our culture in the '60s, in which any kind of formality, all expressions of good manners, respectfulness-- it was all uptight and hypocritical establishment bullshit. So people show up at graduations in flip flops and shorts, ring cowbells and bay like hounds. That's genuine. That's real.

They are overgrown babies. It's a wonder they don't shit themselves.

It's not just hippies, every side has their share of numbskulls who just can't read a room when it comes to decorum. There's a lot to complain about American societal norms, one of those double-edged swords is how relaxed and without formality we are. Travel abroad and the US is about as relaxed and informal as a social morays get. The French get bent out of shape about their language, Italians about food, Japanese about details, Germans about processes'.... Some times our relaxed standards go a bit far, in the case of graduations, having a bit of class, decorum and poise, are completely foreign to many attendees. Is it too much to take off the work boots, put on a collared shirt, shave and not call attention to yourself with some harebrained joyful outburst?