Ask a Brit what a Prom is and you will probably get told it is short for Promenade (what Americans know as boardwalks). For many years young American women and men have attended Proms with awkward first dates, clustered in groups in the corner and tasted their first alcoholic drink (even if underage) as they made the transition from childhood to Adulthood. Father’s paced the driveway anxiously as the clock ticked towards midnight. The financial implications of the dress, limousine and accessories in the back of their mind as they hope their daughter arrives home untouched, virginity still in place.
The Prom is an American tradition as true as Baseball or hot dogs. Today, attendees of Proms, bump and grind to P Diddy, wear scantily clad outfits, end up slumped on the side walk unsure if they are pregnant or responsible for a pregnancy. Girls burn Daddy’s credit card on a dress that will be worn only once, boys will spend a fortune on impressing their date in the hope of being repaid in an less than innocent way. Individuals will fight the eye lids to stay out all night, not only too annoy and put your parents close to cardiac arrest but to have boasting powers of who was seen at Starbucks at 5.45am. Kids will realise when they mature that it is much more fun to be home early and watching the Discovery channel. Trust me.
I hope we are still in the US in years to come so my children can enjoy the beauty of the US prom. I firmly believe it is a tradition and opportunity I want my kids to experience. I can guarantee I will be pacing the driveway, checking my watch and scouring the neighborhood at one minute past midnight.
My daughter will hit the Prom in 3 years I am sure fashion would have come full circle and the high neck and anke length dress will be the trend. In our household at least.
I just read an article this week saying that the british are now getting proms! With al the prom movies, and shows like the OC and My Super Sweet Sixteen, Kids all over the UK are demanding and getting proms. There parents there are spending just as much as the ones int he US. Sure out proms are bigger, and more outlandish, (Mine was at a Huge Mansion in Malibu on the beach, it was very OC and we had a celebrity DJ and it was sponsored by Ford, Saks, and Kinkos) But the british are catching up, they are getting the expensive hummer limos and the 1k dresses. In the US, proms have upgraded from having it in the school, its all about the destination prom, like most in california are, they ride on giant travel buses, like touring buses, and go about an hour or two away and arrive at maybe a museum, or a mansion, or hotel. Dont act like the UK doesnt have them, they do now. The kids there just want a reason to dress up in fancy clothes and pretend like they are cool. Just like america.
Thanks for all your comments, I appreciate them. I never said the UK does not have Proms, just that the majority of people will not have heard or experienced them. The Prom is an American Icon and hope that my kids enjoy it.
Any UK Prom would not be the same and totally dfferent…
Good Comments , thanks…
I have a question, and I want an outside foreigners opinion.
So I was reading an article about the new chinese tourist groups that were just allowed to come to america on chinese tours. The first tour was in Los Angeles, where I live. And the chinese people were so excited about coming and seeing all the crap southern california has to offer, disneyland, universal studios, museums, Hollywood, rodeo drive, etc. When they came, they did all the fun stuff and saw our underdressed skantily clad people, and our huge houses, and how friendly our people were. Then one of the ladies on the tour said, “I was really suprised how friendly the people our here, but i was more suprised that the city was not very modern.”
My question is, Has America become an “old” country? You know, with old historic buildings, has it lost that sense of new age freedom and development that it once had?
Because from my point of view, When i think of the UK i think, old beautiful historic buildings, and occasionally something ultra modern. Maybe even more modern then the US at times in terms of the UK being more advanced, socially, culturally, technology wise, maybe im wrong, i hope i am, but i doubt it. All I seem to feel at times is that, the US can blow the shit out of any other country. Which i guess makes me proud, but kinda saddend to know that thats all i see the US is doing. Seems like every other country is outdoing us in almost every field, besides weapons lol. What do you think?
LOL this blog is great I ahve to link it
No updates in a while, please don’t tell me you have quit!
Where are you? I miss reading your blog!
I and the blog is back. Thanks for the kind comments. I don’t think the US can be classed as old. For a Country that is a mere 250 + years it is in its infancy! That being said it is one of the most advanced countries in the world, in nearly all aspects.
That being said the US does seem to be quite behind the curve in banking for example which is surprising in this modern world.