It’s prom season again! This year, one teen aspired to impress a potential date with an unusual compliment. According to “The Root,” this year, many teens headed to prom secure a date through “promposals.” The new way to ask a girl to prom is filled with popular culture and reality TV hype. The more elaborate the ask, the higher the chance that teen girls will say “yes” to prom.
I Prefer Dark Meat: Not the Best Prom Ask
One young man who is white went all the way in. He compared his preference for the dark meat available at KFC, to his desire to escort a black teen to prom. In the picture, she’s holding her poster board that reads, ” I prefer dark meat.” They’re both donning KFC paper crowns.
Talk About Awkward
It’s a bit awkward. In the picture her facial expression displays a touch of embarrassment. Maybe she wasn’t. However, I was embarrassed for her. I wondered how she said “yes,” to someone who sexualized her entire being by referring to her as meat. And not just meat, but “dark meat.” Just. No.
This Presents A Different Type Of Prom Problem
The picture circulating across social media is receiving a lot of attention. I have chaperoned a couple of high school proms where the main issues were over who would be admitted and who wouldn’t. While some girls were thought to be were dressed too provocatively they were allowed inside after being shamed by school officials. Another year a young man was turned away because he showed up in a dress with a cut-away train. The issue was homophobia.
Sexist And Racist?
Kids will be kids and no everything doesn’t have to be racist or sexist. But in this case, it was both. For me, it soured the moment and excitement that should come with being asked to a formal dance that signifies a rite of passage.
I want prom to be a memorable and fun experience for those who participate. Creativity in the ask doesn’t have to be derogatory. Do better.
