Background Information
When it comes to graduation ceremonies, bittersweet poetry is probably the last thing on many people’s minds. In fact, it’s often absent from the commencement ceremonies. But why is this the case? The answer lies in the fact that bittersweet poetry celebrates the beauty of life while simultaneously questioning some of the darker aspects of it.
As graduation is usually a joyous occasion, poems that embrace the sadder aspects of life do not really fit in with the uplifted mood that many people experience during graduation. Moreover, bittersweet poetry is often highly personal, as poets often write from their own experiences with pain and sadness.
Relevant Data
A survey of 5,000 college graduates conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers revealed that only 18% of those surveyed said that their graduation ceremonies featured any kind of bittersweet poetry. Furthermore, only 8% of them said that the poetry had any kind of lasting impact on them.
These results suggest that bittersweet poetry is not very popular among graduates and that it is rarely included in graduation ceremonies. This conclusion is further reinforced by another survey conducted by the same association which reported that only 4% of those surveyed reported that they actually enjoyed hearing bittersweet poetry at their graduation ceremony.
Perspectives From Experts
Experts agree that bittersweet poetry should be included in graduation ceremonies in order to capture the mixed emotions that the occasion brings. While graduation is a time of joy and celebration, it also marks the end of a journey and the beginning of a new one. Of course, this mixed emotion should be reflected in the words that are spoken at the ceremony, which is why poets believe that bittersweet poetry should be featured more prominently.
Traditionally, poems written for graduations have focused on the celebration aspect of the occasion. According to poet and education professor Joshua Wilson, however, “Unfortunately, many of us aren’t aware that poetry isn’t just joyful, it can also be a conduit for all the emotions and thoughts we have, especially during a time of transition and change.”
The inclusion of bittersweet poetry can allow both the speaker and the audience to address the losses that come with completing one journey and starting another. Not only does this allow for more meaningful connections between those speaking and those listening, it also more accurately represents the nature of the occasion.
Analysis And Insights
There’s no doubt that bittersweet poetry can be a powerful tool for expressing and celebrating both the joys and sorrows of life. Unfortunately, it often isn’t included in graduation ceremonies because of its gloomy nature.
Unfortunately, this means that some of the most meaningful aspects of the graduation experience are not addressed. Furthermore, it means that many graduates and their families are not given the opportunity to have a more meaningful connection with each other and to acknowledge the life changes that the end of one journey and the beginning of another entails.
Therefore, one way to ensure that bittersweet poetry is included in graduation ceremonies is to focus on the importance of transition rather than just the celebration. If the focus is on the changing of phases of life, then the presence of bittersweet poetry can help to highlight both the hardships and glories that come along with such changes.
Impact on Post-Graduate Life
Including bittersweet poetry in graduation ceremonies can have a positive impact on graduates’ lives after their college years. It encourages graduates to recognize the intricate complexities of the world and to be aware of their own emotional and mental states.
It allows the graduates to think more carefully about the decisions they make and how those decisions may affect their future. For example, a poem about struggling through hard times to reach success can help graduates build resilience and emotional intelligence, which can be extremely valuable for succeeding in the professional world.
Moreover, bittersweet poetry helps to draw attention to social issues and encourages graduates to take action in their new lives as working adults. A poem about poverty or climate change, for example, can help to bring attention to these issues and educate graduates on the struggles of the world.
Mental Health Awareness
Bittersweet poetry can also be used to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of self-care. The realities of the world can be difficult for many people to cope with and the inclusion of poems about this in graduation ceremonies can help to normalize these struggles.
A poem about looking after one’s own mental health can serve as a reminder to graduates of the importance of making sure to take care of themselves. As the transition from college to the real world can be overwhelming, this reminder can be crucial for graduates’ wellbeing.
Poems that talk about mental health issues in a positive light can also decrease the stigma surrounding such topics. By introducing these ideas in a celebratory setting, graduates can be more likely to have positive attitudes towards them.
Social Activism
As graduation is a time of new beginnings, it is important to explore ways to use bittersweet poetry to change society for the better. Poems that emphasize the importance of social justice and equity can help to encourage graduates to become active members of society and to strive for progress.
Furthermore, bittersweet poetry can help the audience to reflect on topics such as racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. By shining a light on these issues, graduates can be more likely to be mindful of their own prejudices and to work towards creating more equitable societies.
Finally, bittersweet poetry can serve to remind graduates of the importance of understanding. By exploring topics such as empathy and compassion, graduates can be encouraged to think more critically about their own values and how their own actions can impact the lives of others.
Gender Equality
Bittersweet poetry can also be used to promote gender equality. This is especially important in graduation ceremonies due to the fact that men still hold a lot of power in society. Poems that show a different perspective on gender roles can help to combat the stereotypes and prejudices surrounding women.
Moreover, poems that emphasize the importance of intersectionality can help graduates to understand that different people have different experiences and that it is important to respect these. Such perspectives can encourage graduates to think more carefully about the ways in which they interact with others and how their actions can affect those around them.
Finally, bittersweet poetry can also be used to celebrate the women in the audience and to recognize their own accomplishments and struggles. By recognizing the importance of womanhood, graduates can be encouraged to become more active allies and to stand up for justice and equality.
