Let’s Hear It For The Boys!
And the girls…not leaving anyone out here. so, here is my beef.
Apparently, a mother in South Carolina was arrested for cheering for her daughter at graduation. Now, I understand the kids that were called after this woman’s daughter might have been overshadowed. Horrible, yes. I think every child deserves their moment of glory.
What I was surprised at is the vehemence with which people agree that graduation isn’t a joyous occasion! No Clapping, no cheering, no calling out names, no airhorns, no beach, balls, etc, etc.
I agree with the whole airhorns-a more obnoxious gadget I can’t recall, but no clapping? Apparently, it’s tacky to rejoice in your child reaching this milestone. Really?
This is high school-12-13 years (I know some kids don’t attend kindergarten) of hard work, studying, tests, homework, cramming, worrying, heartbreak, first loves, school dances, etc, etc. That’s a lot, and graduation is a sign that you got through it. It’s the light at the end of that tunnel.
I was actually surprised that many people feel the children should solemnly walk across the stage, get their diploma, shake hands, and that’s it! No smiles to the audience as they search for Mom/Dad/ friends, etc, etc. No thumbs up, no sighs of relief. Nothing.
And the audience…we should sit there, in silence, and merely watch the children as they Village of the Damn it across the stage. We should smile at our seat mate, and nod stoically.
Should we? After all those years, and let’s be honest people it isn’t always easy on us parents either-helping the kids study, school supplies, assuring our children that their jeans are just as cool as Tommy’s, parent/teacher conferences, plays, athletic events, should I go on? We shouldn’t have the opportunity for just a few seconds to cheer for our child? We should be able to clap for them, to stand for a moment and rejoice WITH them.
There is such a thing as decorum. You don’t need to hoot and holler, and get the stands to do the wave. Chances are their are more graduates after your little bundle of joy. But you can’t tell me that arresting someone doesn’t cause just as much of a ruckus as cheering does?!
Our school had their graduation in the gym. It wasn’t a hall that had to be rented out, and we weren’t worried about the next high school getting their ceremony in on time, but if you can’t allot just 10-15 seconds for a child to get their moment…well, what type of celebration is it?
Are we really such a joyless society? Clapping for our children is considered tacky?
