Decorum, Where Did It Go 

     While recently attending a high school graduation ceremony I was again reminded of the lack of decorum on the part of a small minority. I’m not talking about some jumped-up version of decorum, but just plain thoughtfulness and curtesy.  

     It seems that for this small minority, taking photos of their loved ones walking down the aisle, or getting handed a diploma seems to be the end game at these affairs, at least for a certain portion of the attendees. [It could be that Johnny or Susie’s making it through the 12th grade has them in such a state of surprise and euphoria as to override their good sense.] 

     They push, shove, stand on the feet of, or right in front of someone who would also like to see the ceremony, to get their pictures. They don’t seem to give any thought to the feelings of anyone but themselves. 

     I know things have changed over the years, but I was taught that in an assembly of this kind, if someone is performing, or praying, you stay in your seat, or stand in place, or wait at the door until that part of the program is over in deference and respect to the person performing, or praying. And so that the audience could concentrate on the performance or prayer, and not be distracted by you parading yourself up and down the aisles, or climbing over your neighbors to get in or out. But not to this small minority. They come and go at will, regardless what is being done, and showing a blatant disrespect to the performer or the one praying. 

     The epitome of this lack of consideration for anyone else around them was one man who wanted to take pictures of certain graduates as they came down the aisle. I later learned that he was not hired by the school or anyone else to do this, but he was there laden down with camera bags, extra lenses, and what not, planted right in the middle of the aisle so that graduates had to step around him to get where they were going. 

     Now what goes through the mind of this person: does he feel that his needs supersede a well-run ceremony, or is he oblivious to the inconvenience he is causing the graduates. I’m sure the mental health professionals have a name for this condition.

    Part way through this occasion I decided; I can take away from this experience the memory of disgust I felt at this small minority or I can take away a memory of the pride I felt in my grandson for what he has accomplished in the first eighteen years of his life, only part of which had to do with getting a diploma. I chose the grandson, despite what the above rant may lead you to believe.