Until tonight, I don't think I've ever heard a parent of a teenager describe the societal ritual we call the "prom" with the adjectives "evil" and "celebration of promiscuity".
That's not to say that no one has ever thought such, deep down in the recesses of their soul. I've just never heard of anyone brave enough to say it out loud in public.
Think about the combination: many teenage girls dressed in clothing that leaves very little to the imaginations of many teenage boys who need no fodder for their already uncontrolled imaginations spending a whole evening posing in close proximity of each other for photos taken by well-meaning adults who more than likely paid money for entrance to the affair in addition to the hundreds of dollars of garments they already purchased for their children to showcase themselves.
I've heard it described as a "right" most recently, in fact. But the former comment holds all the truth, while the latter holds none.
Because I generally prefer a low profile and maintain a high level of social awkwardness, I suppose this disclaimer would eliminate my opinions from a true discussion of this topic. Nonetheless I freely offer my opinions.
Although I was not creative enough to think of such a plan in my day, I do like how one family I know handled the issue: they planned their own event held on the family farm. The attire was Goodwill vintage and the atmosphere relaxed. Which is very different than the prom pictures of one teenage girl I saw last week, whose strapless dress resembled drapes in a 80 year old woman's formal living room. I'd bet money she didn't get it at Savers because all her little teen aged friend wore similar matronly prints.
The mom that was brave enough to admit that evil is a very real part of this ritual we call prom, also admitted that she was ashamed she bought into the selfish ego-centric atmosphere of the evening.
Perhaps a few more moms and dads need to stop reliving their glory days of high school through their children and encouraging them to feed their egos. It is time to step up and encourage our kids to "rise above".
Could I even be so bold to suggest that many folks have gone on to live very successful lives and never once attended a prom? It is possible. I know a few of them.
1 comment:
as noted by a Crisis Pregnancy Center employee, there is an increase in visits from those facing possible "unexpected" (really?) pregnancies following prom season- making it indeed a "celebration of promiscuity". B
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