Why do people feel compelled to tradition? Yes, there are certain traditions I find acceptable and worthy. But some traditions merely seem to serve an alternative purpose, be it consumerism or promotion of an outdated ideal. College graduations are this way. Sitting for hours amongst a group of peers, most of whom you never had any substantial contact with and the majority of whom you will never see again. Graduation should not be about the furthering of the institution. It should be about the individual. How can one piece of paper with an emblem hold so much weight in society? Especially now, when the job market is supersaturated with college graduates who are overqualified for positions and underpaid.