By Elaine Chan, Staff Writer
Poster proposals, dress shopping, and awkward slow dances. Yes, these are all aspects of the famous American Homecoming Dance. This annual high school tradition supposedly celebrates a big win at a Homecoming Football game. While many deem this dance as the “highlight of October”, opposing opinions argue that it is simply a waste of time, effort, and money.
For weeks leading up to Homecoming, or “Hoco” for short, a variety of events occur. From the tough decision between a sparkly or satin dress to the numerous proposals commencing throughout school, the hallways are buzzing with excitement. However, a large mass of the students can argue against this mid-October event. To them, the idea of Homecoming seems to outweigh the dance. On the day of the dance, curling irons are plugged, hair gel in hand, and students are pouring into Center Court. Getting ready, feeling that pure anticipation to see all your friends all dolled up will always be the most exciting part of the night. By the end of it, with aching feet, the thrill of Hoco has seemed to have been distinguished. Your main priority is now racing to go to sleep.
“I honestly liked getting ready more than the actual dance. The music wasn’t that good and I ended up leaving early,” says a Mills sophomore.
The never-ending production of high school movies, practically dripping with cliches, will inevitably establish unrealistic expectations into the heads of young teens. Social media plays a vastly important role in painting the perfect picture of high school. Tainted with the label of a “classic high school experience”, dances seem to be an opportunity you absolutely cannot miss. Nonetheless, behind the balloons, shiny streamers, and laminated photo booth strips, Homecoming can be anxiety-inducing for many. The pressure to look your best and the realization of: “Wait, do I need a date?!” Many students feel that all things considered, it’s not worth the hassle. Society has held on to this idea of eternal youth that influences every incoming student. Instead, reality dictates that high expectations for the glitz and glam of high school can end up resulting in sheer disappointment in the face of the falsities displayed on social media.
When asked if Homecoming was worth it, a multitude of students inferred that they would much rather spend their night elsewhere with a group of close friends. To be quite frank, Hoco is $20 spent to merely come back to school on a Saturday night.
“I mean how can the DJ play something that everyone likes? It’s impossible.” a student confesses.
During my own freshman year, I showed up to school with the intention of leaving with aching muscles and memories to cherish forever. The aching muscles? Definitely. To say I did not enjoy myself would be a lie, but those few hours could have been more worthwhile spent somewhere else. Now this poses the crucial question: is Homecoming worth the hype? It’s something I believe every student should attend at least once. Unknown experiences will remain unknown unless discovered first-hand. Will it be the ultimate memory of your high school career? Maybe not. Whether it be the dazzling event of the decade or a sweaty mass of people jumping to objectively unpleasant music, Homecoming is truly what you make of it.
