“I should say right off that I am really qualified to be your commencement speaker. I was suspended from high school, then kicked out of college in the first marijuana scandal ever on the university campus. I've been arrested several times. I've been known to dress in ludicrous fashions. I've also built a career out of negative reviews. And I've been recently called the prince of puke by the press and another title I'm really proud of - the people's pervert.”
John Water’s used those words to kick off his commencement address to the 2015 graduating class at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). He’s had quite the career. From writing and directing shocking underground movies like Mondo Trasho (1969) and Pink Flamingos (1972), to classics like Hairspray (1988), which morphed into a top grossing Broadway musical (2002) and then a movie musical adaption (2007).
His joyfully subversive advice to graduates on how to live a creative life include:
· "Go out in the world and [expletive] it up beautifully.”
· "Design clothes so hideous they can't be worn ironically.”
· “Use technology for transgression, not lazy social living.
· “Make me nervous."
Take a moment and enjoy some time with the wily John Waters.
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to provide legal or accounting advice, or to address specific situations. Please consult with your legal or tax advisor to supplement and verify what you learn here. This is presented for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to buy/sell any security investment or other product, nor is this an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy/sell any security investment or other product. Any opinion or estimate constitutes that of the writer only, and is subject to change without notice. The above may contain information obtained from sources believed to be reliable. No guarantees are made about the accuracy or completeness of information provided. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.