AIBU to say that graduation ceremonies are not the place to make political statements?

[anythingbutlillies]

Hard hat on.

DC's graduation today. Fabulous day, but it did not sit well with me that a few chose to unfurl a flag / raise a scarf while they were on the stage.
Just no! So very selfish.

Interested to hear if I am being precious?

TBH I’m surprised it’s allowed - it’s hardly the time or place.

Graduation ceremonies are pretty tedious though - too many droning-on speeches. The only bit anyone’s actually interested in, is seeing their own dc go up, shake hands, and get their fake, rolled-up ‘degree certificate’.

Plus the photos are invariably an absolute ripoff.

Context is everything

Would people who think this flag waving is appropriate be ok with an anti trans banner eg?

We had someone do a back flip on stage when I graduated. I would have preferred the flag.

Nope, no shock at students making a statement.

Nope, not offended by another country existing.

Please try harder.

Why are you asking me that?

I'm not sure why you're saying I have done that. Read my posts properly before you comment next time.

Admittedly I didn’t know about this incident, but it wasn’t tolerated, as the article explains. Given Cambridge’s recent reputation, I am pleased to see that the attention seeking twerp was dealt with swiftly and without compromise.

Young people really can't win. Whinge that they're disengaged, whinge when they do engage.
Students have been waving flags as long as universities have existed. You're only bothered because you didn't agree with these particular flags.

Aha you're a conspiracy theorist and a zealot. Thanks for letting me know so I don't waste any more time attempting to engage with you.

...adjective...

I'm definitely not a conspiracy theorist. I'm explaining the actual factual history of how Israel was formed. What did I say that wasn't true?

No it's a proper noun.

ETA the all important "also" to save argument on a hot day.

I don't think it should be tolerated. As others have said, imagine if every single student started waving a flag? Would everyone feel comfortable waving the flag of their choice? How would an Israeli flag go down, or a Russian flag? It has the potential to cause unrest and makes the day about political causes and global events rather than celebrating the academic achievements of the students. I would be disappointed if it was my one and only graduation ceremony and half the auditorium were trying to make it about something other than graduating.

Let's say flags are allowed in general, not just flags from a country, and everyone can bring a flag to represent their own belief system. So in theory we can have flags espousing all kinds of political beliefs. Maybe an anarchy flag, an animal liberation front flag, a Hamas flag, an IDF logo, a swastika (some cultures see it as a peace symbol), a Reform flag, the possibilities are endless. Does it become a thing where you're shunned if you don't use the opportunity to show your allegiance to a cause or party?

I'm not usually one for slippery slope arguments but here I think it would be wise to put a stop to this early. I doubt the university knew it was going to happen. And hopefully moving forwards there'll be a blanket rule.

Obviously because I want to know what you think. Netanyahu and the Israeli Government spokesmen and women always accuse anyone who criticises their actions in Gaza and the West Bank of being anti-semitic. I am interested to know whether you agree with them.

If you want to know what I think, ask me. Don't make up some bizarre thing based on nothing I have said and ask me if I agree.

No, 'Jew' is a noun.

'Jewish' is an adjective derived from that noun. So 'Jewish holiday', 'Jewish tradition'

Dictionary.com....

Jewish
/ ˈdʒuːɪʃ /
adjective
of, relating to, or characteristic of Jews

Nope. Proper noun. Denotes a group of people.

Grammar is not your long suit, is it?

To add, you could be right 🤣 but definitely capitalised either way.

Gotta say no there.

I don't claim to be super educated on the whole topic so I stay quiet (why would anyone want my half baked opinion when it's something I haven't properly studied and is complex?) but I have definitely noticed the trend for some people to talk a lot about atrocities Israel have committed in Palestine, while handwaving away the atrocities committed on October 7 by Palestine/Hamas in Israel. I educated myself by going to look at the details of what took place on that date against festival goers and civilians. Yet when that is raised, people seem to want to silence it. You can't have it both ways.

A graduation is a chance for the university can make even more money out of the students and parents from tickets, gowns, photos and other assorted crap.
Have fleeced £30000 tuition fees to be able to sign on and claim universal credit

Totally agree, mentioning the atrocities of 7th October (and not forgetting that the bombing and attacks on Israel haven't stopped since) is often met with "yeah but...". Even on this thread we've seen "yeah but Israel started it!". I also feel people are a bit too gleeful in describing horrible physical injury and death, often under the guise of "raising awareness". It doesn't feel authentic, it feels like there are people enjoying moral outrage from a long distance, showing performative grief and who would be almost disappointed if the whole thing just ended now.