I know I usually write about something I love, but this time I'm gonna change things up a little. Since prom is this weekend, and I am beginning to have trouble thinking of things I love, I'll share a few of my thoughts on prom.
Thought Numero Uno-- Dress Codes Suck. One of the things that makes prom so special is that it is an excuse for girls to buy super expensive dresses. Being a guy, I don't really see the joy in this (unless your mom is paying) so I won't try to. However, the guys are also expected to get fancy. Winter Formal is fine-- slacks, nice shoes, and a button up shirt are easy to wear, and I already have them. For prom, however, I am expected to wear a tux, or at least a suit. That's about $100! Basically, I feel obligated to pay for something I really don't care about in the first place. If I had my way, proper attire would mean swimtrunks and flip flops.
Thought Numero Dos-- Traditions Suck. Yeah, I don't have a very positive view of prom yet. Not only am I spending money on a tux I don't even care about, I also have to buy a corsage for my date! Ok, the corsage isn't really a big deal actually, but the point is that there are way too many traditions surrounding prom. While many people see this as a good thing, I really dislike it. My mom has been on my case for the last 2 weeks about matching, getting a corsage, etc. No matter how many times I tell her I couldn't care less, she persists in pressuring me to be "perfect" for prom.
Thought Numero Tres-- Why so long? From start to finish, this year's prom is designed to last 11 hours. Almost half a day. If I can barely survive an 8 hour school day with these people, how am I supposed to be with them for almost 1.5 times that long??? Personally, I don't expect to be there the entire time, but I'm sure my feelings are shared by others, and maybe they don't have a choice of coming late or leaving early.
Thought Numero Quatro--Maybe I'm being overly pessimistic. I realize that prom can't be that bad. I mean, I'm not the first person to feel negatively about this dance, but it remains one of the high points of the school year. I'm sure I'll end up having fun with my friends, but then again, I would also have fun at the Wiz concert if I had chosen not to attend the dance. The dance itself doesn't seem so bad--its mainly the expectations surrounding prom that bug me. I am going, after all, so I must think I'll enjoy myself somewhat. (Of course, I wasnt planning on attending until I was persuaded by unforseen circumstances.)
For those who are deeply offended by this post, I apologize. I know that most girls (and even some guys) love the chance to show off at prom, and see positives in the exact same things that I dislike about the big dance. Hopefully, I will change my mind after Saturday. We'll see.
I suppose I see your point, though its better than not going. I think everyone should go to prom at least once, if nothing other than because its part of the "high school experience". If you're trying top save some cash, you can always just do what I'm doing an not get corsages/boudineers. Sure they look nice, but its $30 for a little bundle of flowers and leaves.
ReplyDeleteI suspect prom is more exciting for people who are either in a serious relationship or going with someone they have a giant crush on. (I have no idea whether either of those apply to you, nor do I wish to pry into your personal life.) But I do recall many formal dances in high school where it felt like I was sort of going through the motions, and then one dance where I went with someone who was really special to me, and it was actually (cheesy as it might sound) one of those ultra-special nights full of wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in HS, we had a casual dance in the cafeteria after every basketball game, and those were always my favorite dances. You could actually dance because you weren't all gussied up in formal attire. And it was so low pressure, no expectations, no necessity even to have a date, and that always seemed to lead to more fun.
Unforeseen circumstances, haha, you're funny homie shackalacka. I personally had a lot of fun at prom and it wasn't as expensive on me since I only had to rent a vest and tie. Also, you forgot to include the cost of the tickets and post-prom which was quite a bit. Keep it real, NP!
ReplyDeleteAnd some people don't understand why I don't want to go to prom. I had a great prom-free weekend last weekend. I like your list -- you made a lot of good points.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the pictures-- that's another annoying part of prom. They say prom pictures are for the memories, but I think it's so parents and the yearbook can embarrass people. Even when they post good pictures it's weird that everyone in the school can see them and know who went with who.
ReplyDeletep.s. I also think that you can have fun at prom despite all the obnoxious traditions if you find the right person to go with.
I agree with what you say about the whole event being long. If you skipped the post-prom you could make it a 4-5 hour event. I think you'll end up being glad that you went to prom, but if you didn't like it this year, there's always next year. About the traditions, you always have the option to do what you want. Don't let your mom pressure into anything. Good post.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm glad I didn't go to prom. There were several reasons why I didn't:
ReplyDelete1) cost
2) I would just be going through the motions since there wasn't really a girl I liked here.
3) I agree with you about having to put up with people you don't really care about/annoy you for 11 HOURS!!!!
4) I went to a party in Allerton that I think was better because a) there was no dress code or expectations; b) there was no grinding policy, so I got my grind on.
5) I don't even like the word "prom". I feel so snobby just hearing the word come out of my mouth. "Homecoming" I can handle, but "prom" is just too much
Just my opinion on the whole Uni prom thing.
I see we share a lot of the same thoughts on prom. I just chose the concert though to save something like 100 bucks.
ReplyDeleteI also feel like Uni took too much of a role in events surrounding prom...providing dinner and the after party? Idk, thats just not how prom is supposed to be in my opinion. and holding everyone hostage at the post prom makes me feel like were in daycare, not highschool
Dude, I totally agree.
ReplyDeleteI went to prom just for the "high school" experience and found that it was just like the rest of High School, a waste of time except for the living experience, the food, and the friends.
I ended up making my own dress because I promised myself (while living in Haiti) that if I ever went to an American Prom that I would make my own dress and not be like those girls that spend 350 dollars on some nasty fake satin shit.
I enjoyed the afterparty (not the disgusting UNI parent planned one) a lot more than the actual dance. We broke the dawn and it was a lot of fun. I think, with the perfect amount of freedom, prom can be fun. Maybe you'll have a better time next year?
Ahh... or you could just screw it and go to see a wiz-like concert instead? (that's what I would do)
Hmmmmm, I have to agree with you on certain points. However, seeing as though we go to Uni and most people rarely ever feel the need to dress up, that prom gives them the opportunity to "suit up". It gives students the chance to look more formal and well groomed than the usual outfit of sweatpants and t-shirt.
ReplyDeleteShelling out money for corsage and other frivolities is un-needed. Those plus the matching can make the whole event seem like a kitchsy, tacky event.
Prom is now over and I can safely say that I had a lovely time, despite not being the type of person to get exciting about fancy dresses and taking pictures and telling everyone they look "SO. PRETTY." for hours. That being said, I feel really lucky that I was able to buy a dress and attend the dance and all my friends looking so fancy. If you think prom is a drag then really there is nothing wrong with skipping it and doing something that would make you happier. Personally, I'm glad I went even though it required a little more effort than I like to put into social events. One thing that I really enjoyed was making my own corsage with roses and a glue gun that a friend of mine brought to pre-prom.
ReplyDeleteI got my tux for freeeeee! haha great post Ezra.
ReplyDelete