【英语时差8,16】毕业生宣言善尽社会责任

With commencement exercises happening these days all over the world, today is a good time to write again about the Graduation Pledge Alliance. Nearly 150 colleges and universities and some high schools in North America and Asia have in recent years made "The Graduation Pledge" an important part of their graduation rituals.

The wording of the Graduation Pledge is as follows: "I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider, and will try to improve these aspects of any organization for which I work."

I like the upbeat spirit of the Pledge. Graduates should be optimistic that they can make a difference in our world. Most jobs are full of opportunities that even young people can seize to advance either good or evil in our world.

Exploitation of others, unfair labor¹ practices, racism², exaggerated claims in advertising³ or reporting that distorts truth: these are among the shadows we see around us. By taking the Pledge as they enter the job market, students are saying, "Hey, I don't want to be a part of the bad that's out there. I want to be a part of the good. I can be a candle in the darkness if I open my eyes and think a little."

 

1 labor   

n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦

参考例句：

• We are never late in satisfying him for his labor.我们从不延误付给他劳动报酬。
• He was completely spent after two weeks of hard labor.艰苦劳动两周后，他已经疲惫不堪了。

2 racism   

n.民族主义；种族歧视(意识)

参考例句：

• He said that racism is endemic in this country.他说种族主义在该国很普遍。
• Racism causes political instability and violence.种族主义道致政治动荡和暴力事件。

3 advertising   

n.广告业；广告活动 a.广告的；广告业务的

参考例句：

• Can you give me any advice on getting into advertising? 你能指点我如何涉足广告业吗?
• The advertising campaign is aimed primarily at young people. 这个广告宣传运动主要是针对年轻人的。