Devon Dick

The usual mantra at graduations is that there should be no applauding until all graduands have been presented and they have received their certificates. This admonition is given at graduation ceremonies of schools at the primary, secondary or tertiary level. I have heard it said at a high school graduation that clapping for each graduate would affect the dignity of the graduation exercise. I have witnessed a chancellor of a university stop the graduation exercise because some persons failed to honour the prohibition on clapping. He also said that clapping affected the dignity of the graduation ceremony.

Clapping for each graduate

Obviously, something is wrong with clapping for each graduate at a graduation ceremony. Perhaps, the clapping is too loud or time consuming or both.

However, contrast a recent graduation exercise at the University of Warwick. There was clapping for each graduate. In addition, there were instances of foot stomping, shouting and standing ovations. Interestingly, half-hour before the scheduled start of the event, a choir on the platform, with the aid of a conductor, sang what is often called classical pieces. There were no folk songs or any rhythm remotely resembling reggae or calypso. And these same choir members, who were on an elevation above the platform during the ceremony not only clapped, but also gave standing ovations and shouted when their favourite graduates went for their certificates. And surprisingly, the affable chancellor, Sir Nick Scheele, saw no evil in the expressions of celebrations for each graduate.

Stoic and staid

English people are generally stereotyped as stoic and staid while persons of African origin are said to be expressive and emotive. So, why the anomaly in behaviour and expressions between what usually happens in England and Jamaica. It seems that the Jamaican graduation exercises are now more British than what happens in Britain. In the 1970s, Cambridge University did not allow clapping for each graduate. Obviously, our school administrators who were schooled in colonial times are not aware that even in Britain, times have changed.

This prohibition on clapping for each graduate is also symbolic of what is wrong with our educational system. Education is elitist and foreign values are imposed on those involved in the educational enterprise. Students are often not allowed to express their individuality and creativity. It is one fit for all. Some parents and friends might not want to clap or shout but another set might want to and that should be allowed.

In addition, there is too much high-handedness and arbitrariness in the educational system. There is no evidence that clapping for each graduate affects the dignity of a ceremony and therefore the ban on clapping seems to be an unnecessary imposition. Parents' and well-wishers' needs and feelings should be taken into consideration. Some persons want to clap and shout at the point of the name call. For some persons, it is a sense of relief, for others it is a sense of pride and still for others, it is a time of celebration.

I know it is fashionable, even in churches, to believe that clapping is inferior to a shout of "amen". I have also heard a prohibition on clapping as a response in church. However, in the Psalms, there are examples of clapping as an appropriate worshipful exercise. Therefore, these prohibitions are man-made.

Quite appropriate

Jamaican graduations should allow for clapping, shouting and standing ovations for each graduate. Clapping and making a joyful shout are quite appropriate. It can enliven a graduation exercise. It will make graduates and their well-wishers feel as though the graduation was designed with their needs in mind.

Rev Devon Dick is pastor of Boulevard Baptist Church and author 'Rebellion to Riot: the Church in Nation Building'; for feedback: columns@gleanerjm.com.