Prom Queen??? Really??

[FraeYah]

My niece was voted Prom Queen. She is a really lovely girl, kind and clever, and I wrote something lovely on the FB post.
But, come on. Why are schools promoting this nonsense? I'm not objecting because it's an American idea, and not because its aimed at girls (there was a Prom King...and a Prom prince); but because it's completely unnecessary and about as relevant as Miss World. They could have had a fun celebration in fancy clothes for everyone, without having to run an outdated "popularity contest" pitting children against each other.

I agree OP, very cringe and ridiculous.

YANBU. The obsession to Americanise school things is bloody annoying.

It's just a bit of fun, isn't it? Prom in general is an American thing so it's not that weird to include prom king/Queen.

Hell, my village does a king/queen for the summer fete. Harmless fun.

Agree totally. I am so glad that my kids just missed this horrible American import - it didn't really take hold until they had left school. I know I would have loathed the whole prom thing as a teenager (but went to an all-girls' school, so mercifully would have escaped it). The expense, the competitiveness, the emphasis on popularity, looks, fancy clothes, hair, make-up.... I know it's meant to instill self-esteem and confidence, but the theory doesn't always translate in real life.

It's one area where competition if not only inappropriate but really harmful - what a message to put out to teenagers.

It would be more impressive if schools adopted the school bus system and teaching kids to drive as in American schools

Urgh. Glad they don't do that at my kids school

A horrible idea...the whole debacle is

Oh no! I'm American but lived in the UK since I was 15. I love that they don't have that stuff here and actually kind of sad that proms themselves are a thing now. I liked my leaving disco in the gym where I went in jeans.

It’s not a bit of fun if you’re the ugly cunt in the corner with no mates …

I do agree with you btw.

But our school have carried on the 'tradition' and the kids have deliberately voted for 2 'non-popular' kids who happen to be best friends. It doesn't have to be the usual popularity contest. It's been years since the last prom and I can't remember who won in the past?

My lad was voted prom queen and turned up wearing a dress !! (He has now gone in to be a girl so not unexpected)

Unnecessary and outdated. Surely the focus should be on everyone being celebrated Anshan if a good time.

and having a good time

I'm so glad this didn't exist in my schooldays.

Are they going to have "Homecoming Queens" next? The whole Prom thing is ridiculous and should be abolished in British schools.

We do it! We pick it as teachers and we vote for slightly less self confident students that normally go under the radar, those that work hard throughout their school career, never put a foot wrong and we think would appreciate the confidence boost.

Quick! Cancel the fun! They are having the fun in America so we shouldn’t be having it here.

Leavers party is fine, but the dresses costing a weeks pay, the limos, the professional hair and make up, the having to have "a date" and yes voting for a king and queen we really don't need to import!

DD's leavers ball was great, parents were invited too, one of the teachers brought his band along as the entertainment and we took an Uber. Her dress was £50 admittedly but as she was 18 it did for university balls too.

It's so uncool though! That's the part I don't get. How did teens become so unbelievably lame that they would go in for this stuff.

It's like discovering the new youth trend is telling people off for being rude (oh wait...). ;)

oh come on. It’s a bit of fun and not necessarily a popularity contest. At my school the boy voted Prom King was recognised by his classmates (and teachers) because despite his mum dying in the middle of his GCSEs, he showed massive bravery and still sat all his exams. But we also have other awards “most likely to be Prime Minister” (most of our Y11s would do a better job), “most likely to become a teacher”, “most likely to be on Love Island” etc.

It’s a horrible idea and should not be seeing the light of day here. Some American traditions need to stay in America.

Thank god prom didn’t exist never mind prom king and queen!

Yes it’s horrendous

I saw lots of pictures of this years prom on FB from school parents. They are spending more on dresses than my wedding dress cost! My friend tile me that by the time they'd finished her DD's prom had cost over £1000!

It's absolutely insanity, there were personalised balloons and a gift bag at home for pictures.

Why though?
It's just bloody ridiculous
Lovely as that young lad is, does he really want his tragedy marked like that?