Waters to college grads: ‘It’s your turn to cause trouble’
May 30, 2015, 2:31 PM
John Waters stands on the dais in front of a video screen projection of a marching band before receiving an honorary doctor of Fine Arts degree from Rhode Island School of Design during commencement ceremonies in Providence, R.I., Saturday, May 30 2015. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Filmmaker John Waters tells Rhode Island School of Design graduates it’s their turn to go out in the world and cause artistic trouble.
Waters, known for the cult classic “Pink Flamingos” and other films that pushed the boundaries of good taste, was given an honorary doctorate Saturday at the prestigious art school’s 132nd commencement.
He urged the 669 graduates to go out and “outrage outdated critics” and “make ME nervous.”
“It’s your turn to cause trouble,” he said.
Waters also advised them to give their children a safe place to be creative, as his parents did for him.
Author Adam Gopnick of The New Yorker and musicians Chris Frantz, Martina Weymouth, and Jerry Harrison, all formerly of the band Talking Heads, also received honorary degrees. Frantz and Weymouth are alumni.
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