Prom Culture in the United States!

Did you ever feel jealous of American teenagers? If you did, you probably are interested in the prom culture. Since Korea does not have the prom culture, Koreans have a fantasy for the American prom culture. One of our members explains the step of preparing the prom. You can share your opinions through the comments and let us know what kind of fantasy on the U.S. prom culture you have. Have fun reading!

Prom Culture in the United States!

Jungwon Lee

Pusan National University

Department of Global Studies

Whenever we watch high-teen American dramas or movies, one thing that frequently appears is ‘high school prom’. Prom, a word which is short for ‘promenade’, is a semi-formal dance or gathering of high school students. This event is typically held near the end of the senior year, like the last year of high school. Yes, watching those, I sometimes imagined what would be like attending a prom, wearing beautiful dress, and dancing with my prince charming! J To high-teen American schoolgirls especially, prom is one of the things that they had been waiting for since they were very young!! Now, I’m going to tell you how American students prepare proms, and what events happen in proms!

 When the date of prom is announced, high school seniors become busy and the first thing they do is finding dates for them. The question would be simple. You just ask someone you had in mind, like ‘Will you be my prom date?’ If you get a positive answer, then that person is your date and you get a chance to dance with him or her on the prom day! Then, adequate attires are needed. Boys usually dress in black or white formal wear, regardless of the time of the event, sometimes paired with brightly colored ties with vests. Girls wear dresses or evening gowns and they also wear corsage, given to them by their dates.

 On the prom day, couples gather at a park, garden for single and group photos. Prom attendees may rent limousines to transport groups of friends from their homes to the prom venues(maybe a banquet hall or school gymnasium). At prom night, a band or DJ play music, and they make the air filled with enthusiasm. After the dance, prom king and prom queen may be selected by a vote and they wear a crown.

 Of course, there are some critiques who argue that too much money is wasted in just one party for young students. There is some truth in that argument, but on the other hand, prom can make American high teens’ school life more exciting and memorable. I kind of wish Korean high schools could also manage several events that are similar to proms. Most high school students in Korea are so busy studying that they easily worn out. Prom can be one of the high school cultures that present youth and vitality, and adopting prom culture wouldn't be a bad idea!