Graduation

So much has been said about the recent arrests and threats of arrests at the graduation ceremonies in our area. The Golden Rule should apply here: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Although it may seem that there is no harm being done when folks yell out, whistle, hoot, stomp, and holler to recognize their loved one's accomplishments, their rude behaviors infringe on the rights of others to recognize the same for the graduate they came to honor. What these people fail to recognize is that there is a vast difference between a celebration and a ceremony. A graduation is a serious CEREMONY that should be conducted in a dignified manner. It is not a party. It is considered to be no different from other serious ceremonies -- such as weddings. How would it be in a wedding ceremony as the bride or groom's name is announced, that someone from the back barks like a dog, claps, cheers, and calls out, "You go boy!" "You go girl!" or "That's my baby!" It would be a disgusting inappropriate display of obnoxious behavior --- and quite embarrasing to the person being honored, as well as to others present. Graduation ceremonies are NOT meant to be celebrations or parties. Those events, complete with all the confetti and noise one would desire are to come AFTER the ceremonies. What are we teaching our young people about maintaining a sense of decorum and total respect for others when their own family members and loved ones can not control themselves long enough to sit quietly through an event that is designed to honor them and their classmates? Rules of conduct and the consequences of breaking those rules are announced well in advance and are emphasized again just before commencement of a graduation ceremony. Those who deliberately choose to violate those rules should not be surprised that they will be expected to accept responsibility for the consequences of their own actions. If you break the rule, you pay the price. It's that simple. As far as criticisms about law enforcement presence at graduations: I feel a sense of security and appreciate the presence of law enforcement officers at any event where potentially unruly people gather for any reason. I have observed as police officers at graduations have enforced the rules by escorting offenders away from the event. How embarrasing it must have been for the graduate to look up and see their family member being taken away because they chose not to obey the expected rules of conduct. What a bad example the ceremony attendee has set for the graduate in their family when they cause a public disturbance -- not to mention the negative effect their behavior has on others and how their disruptions ruin the filming of the event and drown out the name of the next graduate called to receive their diploma. Shame on anyone who thinks they have the right to be obnoxious during a public ceremony -- regardless of the reason. There is a public expectation that human beings will conduct themselves in a dignified and respectful manner and will not infringe upon the rights of others to peacefully enjoy any event. Unfortunately, some human beings choose to act like animals, disturbing the peace of those who do not wish to be subjected to their noise and nonsense. If only they had learned to apply the Golden Rule........... Wanda Fincher