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In Gunn graduation speeches, students drop their 'excellent facades,' urge vulnerability

Original post made on May 31, 2019

Instead of typical graduation platitudes about hard work and the bright prospects of life after high school, the Gunn High School Class of 2019's graduation speakers offered exercises in emotional vulnerability.

Read the full story here Web Link posted Thursday, May 30, 2019, 11:30 PM

Comments (6)

Posted by mom of 2019 grad
a resident of Barron Park
on May 31, 2019 at 11:56 am

I loved Jimmy's speech and so happy that Jennifer Arevalo received an award. She is a special and sweet girl and I wish her and all the 2019 grads the best.


Posted by Victims Of Circumstance
a resident of Barron Park
on May 31, 2019 at 12:39 pm

> students drop their 'excellent facades,' urge vulnerability

This is OK in certain circles (i.e. among friends, family, significant others etc.) but not OK as a whole.

To broadcast one's vulnerability is a sign of weakness & will ensure that other less kind-hearted people will take advantage of & use those individuals who are professing their inherent weaknesses and/or ailments to others.

Leaders and aspiring leaders should never divulge their vulnerabilities to potential enemies.


Posted by Anon
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on May 31, 2019 at 12:48 pm

Posted by Victims Of Circumstance, a resident of Barron Park

>> This is OK in certain circles (i.e. among friends, family, significant others etc.) but not OK as a whole.

That is your opinion, but, the student speakers disagree with you.

>> To broadcast one's vulnerability is a sign of weakness & will ensure that other less kind-hearted people will take advantage of & use those individuals who are professing their inherent weaknesses and/or ailments to others.

>> Leaders and aspiring leaders should never divulge their vulnerabilities to potential enemies.

Being willing to admit your vulnerabilities and weaknesses in public could also be a sign of growing inner strength. Please be willing to consider the point of view expressed by the speakers.


Posted by Victims Of Circumstance
a resident of Barron Park
on May 31, 2019 at 1:09 pm

> Being willing to admit your vulnerabilities and weaknesses in public could also be a sign of growing inner strength.

^^^ Depends on the 'public' setting. All things considered, women as a rule do not respect a man who cries in public, perpetually whines or openly expresses his 'vulnerabilities'. And neither do most men.

Try blubbering in the military, at work or while leading the country & just see how far you get. A good way to empower your enemies.


Posted by Anon
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on May 31, 2019 at 1:33 pm

Posted by Victims Of Circumstance, a resident of Barron Park

>> Try blubbering in the military, at work or while leading the country & just see how far you get. A good way to empower your enemies.

I understand the "suffer in silence" view, but, I also understand the contrary view. Note this, from an older scientific study:

"Psychiatric disorders were found to be quite common. Some 41.2% of the adult population under 65 had experienced at least one DSM-III-R disorder in their lifetime, among them 23.3% within the preceding year."

Web Link

Anxiety disorders of various types are the most common. A recent study gave the statistic at 33.7% of people will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.

Web Link

If 2 out of 5 of all people will suffer a serious disorder in their lifetime, and specifically, 1 out of 3 an anxiety disorder, I think serious consideration should be given to the notion that it is better to acknowledge these conditions rather than suppress discussion.


Posted by Victims Of Circumstance
a resident of Barron Park
on May 31, 2019 at 1:47 pm

> If 2 out of 5 of all people will suffer a serious disorder in their lifetime, and specifically, 1 out of 3 an anxiety disorder, I think serious consideration should be given to the notion that it is better to acknowledge these conditions rather than suppress discussion.

^^^I agree with you 100% BUT there is a time & a place for the appropriate expression of this anxiety.

Besides, MOST people don't want to constantly hear about other people's personal problems & issues as they've got enough of their own. It can get old after awhile.

This is why one must have an appropriate audience & setting...not anywhere or anyone will suffice.


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