The feat of feet?
I’ve been to two graduations in two weeks. I’ve heard inspirational speeches, the usual blah-blah-blah about achieving dreams, and watched parents that talked on their cells phones for much of the ceremony.
But the image that sticks with me most are toes: some hairy, most unmanicured and often hanging off the ends of flip flops.
Our nation’s future — a generation of hope! — wore flip flops to their commencement ceremonies. Grads are required to wear standard graduation gowns and those square-shaped caps, leaving their shoes as their only fashion option.
If this were a test, most flunked. Especially the men. I saw hundreds in battered flip flops that would be an embarrassment on a beach, must less a place of pomp and circumstance.
Some women did wear nice footwear, sensible flats or even heels. But others failed just as miserably as the men.
Am I old-fashioned to think that graduates should dress a little better for this very important occasion? Did their parents even care? It would seem a sign of respect to try to look your best at graduation. And yes, people are looking at your feet. Or trying to look away.
Susan Simpson, Education Writer
E-mail me at ssimpson@oklahoman.com
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There’s another current trend at public functions that is very unbecoming–gum chewing. I have been to school awards assemblies and graduations, and it’s disgusting to see the mouths of the honorees or graduates smacking gum during the programs. It looks tacky and very “unclassy.” When did it become fashionable for people to constantly have something in their mouths? Believe it or not, but I teach school, and gum is not allowed in my classroom. However, it is not our overall school rule, so I have to see gum smacking and bubble blowing in the halls, cafeteria, and other teachers’ classroooms when I am covering for an absent teacher. Also, people are always asking me why I walk around school with my head down. NOOOO, it’s not because I am shy or rude or anti-social. I’m trying to avoid stepping in gum for the umpteenth time. Gum has its place, I suppose, but it is not acceptable everywhere.