Introduction: From Clash to Encounter

Abstract

It’s graduation day at Harvard University, or “Commencement,” as they call it here. The mood of the day—which marks the end of an era for each student and the beginning of a new one—is always one of great solemnity. On this particular sunny day of July 6, 2002, the families of the graduates have gathered in the Yard, that mythical square bit of greenery that makes up the heart of the University