"A ceremony is not a show, and the emotion connected with it is supposed to be derived from participating in a known ritual, not from being diverted by jokes and surprises. The tendency to undercut ceremonies — which is being done frequently, not just at graduations but at weddings and even funerals — all but directs the participants and audience to be bored. And by the way, it is not itself amusing."
September 17th, 11
Judith Martin (Miss Manners)
