Have Americans lost all respect for each other?

Over the weekend, I had the wonderful parental experience of watching my son graduate from the University of Michigan with his Master’s of Science Degree in Engineering. It was truly a high-point, as it would be in most parent’s lives.

Leading up to the event, our son seemed somewhat less than exuberant about the “pomp and circumstance” that would envelope the day - particularly since the President of the United States would give the Commencement Address. However, now in retrospect, I have a clearer understanding of his emotions. Let me relate this experience to you and ask for your thoughts on the subject:

The day began with thunderstorms which gave way to overcast as we headed to Michigan Stadium early on Saturday. The security lines, as expected, were very long and the crowd at the stadium (estimated at 80,000) was difficult to move through. However - as we entered the stadium and sought out our single grad among the nearly 8,000 on the field, we were filled with excitement.

The commencement ceremony began on schedule and included speeches and introductions leading up to the Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree to be bestowed up on our President and his address to the graduating class.

The crowd was understandably excited and, whether you agree with the politics of Mr. Obama or not, I thought he presented a classy message avoiding a lot of political hot spots and focusing his message on what this class needed to do to succeed.

The address ended in a standing ovation from the crowd.

And then,

Thousands of people. Yes, I really mean thousands of people, began to file from the stadium. On the stage and at the podium, five other Honorary Degree Candidates were being recognized for lifetime accomplishments perhaps even eclipsing those of the President. They were shunned. They were ignored. They were completely disrespected as a steady stream of people headed for the exits. These people left before the graduates had even been recognized, while exemplary people were receiving deserved honored degrees. The level of disrespect was almost unbelievable.

It was clear to me those racing for the exits were there for anything BUT the graduation ceremony. And I immediately felt dismay at the complete lack of respect exhibited for any of the graduates or dignitaries in attendance. Thousands of people were there for the “media event”.

It was even worse to me as my takeaway from Mr. Obama’s address was that American’s needed to engage in healthy discussion, showing respect for people even if they hold very different views and opinions. Then, apparently, Obama fans who were there only to see the President, showed just how far our society has fallen by simply up and leaving in the middle of the ceremony.

Now, I’m not so naïve to think that a lot of people were only there to see the President. But even if that were your sole motivation, and here’s the question I want you to answer, would you just turn your back on the graduates and speakers and dignitaries (the President included as he stayed for the duration of the ceremony) and leave?