by Ryan Subong

Created on: May 31, 2010

Commencement speeches have become a vehicle not only to inspire and challenge the graduates but also to bring to their attention the pressing problems that beset the world and take their part in solving these problems. Such commencement speeches are most of the time delivered by influential figures in politics, in the academe, from showbiz, or from sports world. 

For the year 2010, here is a list of the most popular topics in commencement speeches, which if you have noticed, have been popular topics the last two years or even a decade ago.

Economy

It cannot be denied that the United States of America is still experiencing the ill effects of recession which started in December 2007. With the economic crisis that this great nation has been experiencing and the lesser employment opportunities as compared to the time recession had not yet taken its toll, commencement speakers do not fail to talk about the US economy and how can the graduates assume their role in helping the US recover from its economic slump. 

War on Terrorism

Since the September 11, 2001 attack, the Americans have not ceased their united clamor and will to eradicate terrorism and terrorist acts on the face of the earth. The challenge to the 2010 graduates is to take their part in the struggle to end terrorism and promote peace and become beacons of peace. The involvement of the US in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is considered noble because as others put it, "It is cloaked in the noble cause of achieving world peace."

Climate Change

Climate change has become a worldwide disaster and catastrophe claiming thousands of lives in different countries from around the world. The Philippines and Vietnam had experienced the wrath of Typhoon Katsena making these humble countries gloom and wounded for days. The United States has its own story to tell about this phenomenon. Hurricane Katrina literally slaughtered every place within its radius. Speakers challenge the graduates to take their part in putting climate change to its end and to be active in different causes and practices which lead to the death of this environmental phenomenon.

Youth’s Role

The youth is a powerful force in nation building. Their active participation in the affairs of the state can have positive and far – reaching impact. However, negativism and dilemmas have overpowered the youth of today making them passive observers on those things going on around them. It is for this reason that commencement speakers appeal to the graduates to actively take part in every endeavor to help the United States of America and the world achieve the common goal of peace, justice, and prosperity.

Education

The role education has played among the graduates is always emphasized in commencement speeches. Speakers always talk about how education can change and improve lives, how it has brought hope to every parent and graduate, and how great an equalizer education is.

Commencement speeches tackle timely and relevant issues which do not only affect the citizens of the United States of America but also the other citizens of the world. More than getting the graduates informed and better than challenging and inspiring them is to create in them the desire to heed the challenge and to put into action every solution that they can think of.

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