“Go out in the world and f–k it up beautifully” is auteur John Waters’ advice to this year’s graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design.

“Design clothes so hideous that they can’t be worn ironically,” he urged. “Horrify us with new ideas. Outrage outdated critics. Use technology for transgression, not lazy social living. Make me nervous!”

“I should say right off that I am really qualified to be your commencement speaker,” he continued. “I was suspended from high school, then kicked out of college in the first marijuana scandal ever on a 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 have been called ‘the prince of puke’ by the press. And most recently a title I’m really proud of: ‘the people’s pervert.’ I am honored to be here today with my people.”

What a lucky bunch.

The full transcript can be read here.

–Posted by Roisin Davis

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