It' not your mama's prom . . . but not much different either.

Yep, that was MY senior prom back in 1982. Let me just say, it wasn't the highlight of my high school years. Nobody asked me, so I asked a guy  I worked with. All I can remember is that his name was Steve, he wasn't a lot of fun, and he didn't bring me flowers. (That is now a long running joke, the whole flowers thing.) The best part of the evening was partying with all my friends at Pat O'Briens and at the Marriott. That was fun, and I'm glad I went.

The next proms I went to were with my ex-husband, when I was a teacher at Northwest HS. For the first one, I had a great time seeing the kids enjoying themselves, etc. The second one, I was VERY pregnant, and just wanted to go home and get off my feet. I should also mention that my "date" to those two was actually less fun than the one I had in 1982. Not trying to be mean, just the truth.

So last night I went to the prom at my current high school. I really, seriously loved seeing those kids looking all dressed up, grown up, and having fun! They looked beautiful and handsome, and they danced like crazy people. They just went for it!!! There were other things that were quite different from any other prom I've attended before, and it said a lot to me about how the world has changed. It used to be that you HAD to have a date to go to the prom. Going with a group was ok to the other dances, but not prom. Now though, it was perfectly ok to go with a group, all girls, all boys, or mixed. I loved that! They had the right attitude to not miss out on the experience just because they didn't have a date. Bravo! Another difference, I have a couple of girls who are an openly lesbian couple. They had their nice dinner out, took their "couple" pictures, and had a wonderful time. Nobody whispered and talked badly about it. It was just them. The ability of the young to be more tolerant about at least some things, is comforting to me. Yes, they still have some areas of tolerance to work on, but there's progress. There are also some "mixed race" couples. That NEVER would have been accepted in New Orleans in 1982!! No freak out about it now. Bravo again! There was also the couple who came in the fantastic duct tape tuxedo and dress! (When I get an ok from him to put a picture on here, I'll post one.) He is an incredible artist, and it shows in the amazing creativity. 

I suppose the final observation is that it was formal and informal; it was traditional and non-traditional. It was a great celebration. The students displayed their own unique identities in what they wore, what they did, and how they enjoyed themselves. It was wonderful to see, and I'm very glad I went. I needed the hope and happiness I saw there for a couple of hours. I'm not trying to over dramatize a simple prom, but I felt happy for them and with them when I left. I appreciate my students. They drive me crazy often, but they also give me hope.

 

Here is the duct tape tuxedo (complete with accessories) and prom dress! Amazing! All strips of duct tape.

Oh, and here's the other thing that hasn't changed about prom . . . .