Dear Miss Manners,
I'm writing to express my utter bewilderment at the increasing trend of school dances that come with a hefty price tag. It seems that nowadays, parents are expected to shell out a small fortune for their children to attend these events. I'm talking about limousines, dinner, and all sorts of other frills that I never experienced during my school days.
When did it become the norm to require a limo and dinner for school dances? I distinctly remember attending school dances as a teenager, where we would simply show up, dance the night away, and head home afterwards. No fuss, no muss. It was a fun and carefree experience that didn't break the bank.
I'm not asking for much. I just want my kids to have a normal, unpretentious school dance experience. But it seems that the trend is heading in the opposite direction. Parents are expected to fork over hundreds of dollars for the privilege of attending these events. And what do they get in return? A bunch of overpriced food, a cramped limousine, and a bunch of rowdy teenagers.
I'm not sure what's driving this trend, but I think it's time for parents to take a step back and reevaluate their priorities. Is it really necessary to spend so much money on school dances? Can't we just keep it simple and fun like we used to?
Sincerely,
A Concerned Parent
**Miss Manners' Response**
Dear Concerned Parent,
Ah, the indulgence of modern times! It's indeed puzzling to see how school dances have evolved into extravagant affairs, complete with limousines and fine dining. While I understand the desire to create special memories for one's children, I must agree that this trend has gone too far.
In my day, school dances were simple, innocent affairs. We didn't need fancy transportation or expensive meals to have a good time. We just showed up, danced, and enjoyed each other's company. And you know what? We had a blast!
You're right to question the necessity of these extravagances. As you pointed out, the costs can be staggering, and the focus has shifted from the fun and social aspects of the dance to the material aspects. It's time for parents to take a step back and remember what's truly important: the joy and camaraderie of the event, not the price tag.
So, I urge you to speak up and encourage your school to keep things simple and fun. After all, it's not about the limousine or the dinner – it's about the memories and experiences your children will cherish for a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Miss Manners
