Prom is a popular event across the country during this time of the year. It is a formal dance held by a class in high school or college towards the end of the year. Throughout the years of its existence it has gained fame, and is held up to high expectations of a "magical" night. I decided to ask a few Whyville users about their general opinion of prom and its growing popularity. They thoughtfully expressed their opinions on the famed Prom night. The wonderful users that were kind enough to give their time are smilz18, HotTrent1, redhottay, and Delp.
DahCutie: Are you going to attend or did you attend Prom this year?
Smilz18: I'm only 14 so no. I haven't attended prom yet, but I might when I get the chance.
HotTrent1: I'm afraid not. I'm only a freshman in high school. I may in a couple years.
Redhottay: Well, considering that I'm only 12 no, but if I was old enough I would be. I think it would be very fun!
Delp: I am not attending prom this year.
DahCutie: Why do you think Prom is a popular event across the country?
Smilz18: I guess it's because it's around the end of the school year, and couples/friends just want to celebrate and let go.
HotTrent1: Prom is generally the one big school event a year, so most people attend this event and ignore the others. It's also the timing at the end of High School, adds to its importance for many. It is one of the last times many of these people will ever be in one place together, and is a chance to celebrate the end of an "era".
Redhottay: It seems like a great experience, and a great event in which you can socialize with people after school hours, with less strict rules.
Delp: I think prom is a popular event because it's basically an excuse to dress up and feel beautiful/handsome for a night. Everyone is in their best attire, their best makeup, their hair is done nicely, and they just feel fantastic. It's a time to create many memories.
DahCutie: Do you prefer/would you prefer to go with a date to prom or with friends?
Smilz18: I'd rather go with a date, but most guys in my school are ones that I wouldn't want to go with.
HotTrent1: It would depend if I'm dating someone at the time. If I was dating someone, then I would take my date to prom. If I didn't have a date, I'd go with my friends or I may just not even go.
Redhottay: It wouldn?t really matter to me! If I got asked to prom, I would go with my date and my friends and their dates would also be with us. If I didn't I would go with my friends, even if they had a date I have great friends who wouldn't mind me tagging along!
Delp: Personally, it would depend. If I had a boyfriend at the time, then I would go with him. However, going with friends has an advantage because it means you won't be tied down to the same guy all night.
DahCutie: Why do you think people spend so much time and money on prom?
Smilz18: It's a special celebration and a pretty big dance that they would never want to forget. If people want to make something memorable, they would most likely think about it 24/7.
HotTrent1: Showing off could be a major factor. I haven't experienced it, but that's how I see it. The upperclassmen want to show off who has the most money, or who can have the best night. They might also want to impress people (like their dates, friends, colleagues, etc).
Redhottay: It's a fun experience that happens only twice in your life.
Delp: I think people spend so much time and money on prom because it's a once-in-a-lifetime occasion and a huge milestone in one's life.
DahCutie: How has media impacted the popularity of Prom around the world?
Smilz18: I haven't heard much of media having to do with Prom and its popularity.
HotTrent1: I feel like media had made prom very popular. It gives high schoolers a sense of what to do, how to do it, what to expect, and all of that good stuff. It also gives a little hint of what high schools are like in America.
Redhottay: I don't really know, honestly.
Delp: A lot of movies have glamorized prom. It's something every little girl dreams of because they see all of these glamorous proms in the movies.
DahCutie: What is your overall opinion on Prom?
Smilz18: I think that if you go with the right/special people, you'll have a great and memorable time. It's something I would certainly look forward to, because it's one of the important moments in my life.
HotTrent1: I think Prom sounds nice, and it sounds like a fun time. I'd definitely like to attend it when my time comes.
Redhottay: I think prom would be very fun! It's an event where you are able to socialize and have fun, after school hours without some of the strict rules!
Delp: For me, I never went to my prom because I don't find being around large groups of people to be very fun. I don't like loud music or dancing either, so prom really wasn't for me. However, I think prom is a great thing and it's great seeing everyone get so excited about it!
Viewing these differing opinions on Prom, it really opens my eyes to see what others truly feel about prom. It seems to be an event that some dream of going to, while others feel that it isn't as glamorous as it seems to be. These lovely interviewees did a wonderful job expressing their opinions respectfully. I hope that you now see that Prom is different in everyone's eyes.
Author's Note: I apologize that there aren't an even amount of males and females. I'd also like to apologize for not being able to include anyone who is actually attending prom. I interviewed around 15 users and these were the only ones that were able to come up with answers in the time span of three weeks. Thank you to those who participated!
