TOW #2 - (Visual) Ellen DeGeneres's Commencement Speech at Tulane University

                On May 11^th, 2009, Ellen DeGeneres, renowned television host and producer, gave her first Commencement Speech at Tulane University in New Orleans. The comedian immediately brought humor to the podium as she stated “When I was asked to make the Commencement speech, I immediately said ‘yes’; then I went to look up what commencement meant” (DeGeneres). A raging laughter feel over the crowd as DeGeneres continued on about how she had never gone to college herself. In this situation, verbal irony sneaks its way in due to the fact that DeGeneres is leading a college graduation, which, unlike most ironic settings, only causes the audience to support her more. After reciting another round of classic jokes, she continues on about the fact that she is at Tulane for her audience, for the students. This clarifies that DeGeneres’s intended audience is graduating students, specifically those looking for advice in their next stage of life. She proves this by sharing an anecdote from her life in the early 1990’s. After managing to pull together a decent career in standup comedy, DeGeneres decided to reveal her true self on national television, or in other words, come out as gay. Although this process would usually only have an effect on one family, for DeGeneres, it had an effect on how all of America viewed her. Unfortunately, her career suddenly came to halt after six strong years. It was only her leap of faith that eventually brought her back to the top. Despite her struggle, DeGeneres sates, “Looking back on it, I wouldn’t change a thing. It was so important for me to lose everything because I found out what the most important thing is is to be true to yourself” (DeGeneres). She is saying this to a group of individuals who most likely, and statistically, are figuring out their own path. The powerful words of Ellen DeGeneres shall ring in their minds the next that they feel down or unsure of themselves. If she can get through it, why can’t anyone else.   

Visual: http://www.makers.com/blog/throwback-thursday-ellen-degeneres-comes-out

Caption: "DeGeneres on Post-Coming Out"