As the October breeze picks up and the doomful day of Homecoming approaches, the awkwardness of poster boards and cheesy puns suffocate the hallways almost as much as the stench of that one guy’s cologne. Every year, the same announcement comes out: “Let’s be mindful of Homecoming ‘asks’ and the pressure it puts on people.” But how can a posterboard be so wrong? It’s basically like an added arts credit for half the girls in each grade. You really think that guy who can’t even write his name in a legible manner can do calligraphy? Trust me, Brad does NOT enjoy making bubble letters in his free time.
Is someone waiting for you in the Lower Crossroads or perhaps the quad? The actual experience of getting asked to Homecoming is like no other, most people claim. They’ll tell you it’s part of the high school experience. How can it be so harmful? Sure, a couple pictures of socially distanced freshmen will flood your Snapchat. Sure, an awkward side hug will definitely occur. Sure, you won’t want to eat lunch before the Homecoming asks (especially if it’s the nachos, if you know what I mean). But nothing comes close to that buzz of knowing your special someone (or the guy who had his friend text you at 11:30 last night asking if you would go to Homecoming with him) wants to spend that magical night with just you!
Boys are expected to ask, girls are expected to say “yes,” and everyone else is expected to watch? In all seriousness, though, does Homecoming place unrealistic expectations on people? A lot of concerns form around the fear of not getting asked and being the person who feels left out. But if you ever actually asked someone about this, the truth is many people enjoy not engaging in the awkwardness. If you’re not dating someone, not interested in getting to know someone, and not a freshman…then really, what is the point of this big charade?
Furthermore, is this event just another unnecessary capitalistic endeavor for us to take part in because we’re bored? I mean, really, a girl does not need a full box of donuts or Crumbl cookies all for herself, or maybe that’s the only way she agreed to say yes…I guess we will never know the truth. I encourage everyone to engage in these activities more thoughtfully and analyze why we do things. If asking someone or getting asked to Homecoming is something you feel is an enjoyable activity, you should do it! But on the flip side, don’t let “societal” or “Potomac Upper School” expectations control your Homecoming experience. Let’s enjoy Homecoming 2024 and make it the best one yet! Remember, Homecoming is what you make of it; either that, or it’s determined by how good of a pun you can make for a girl with an unrhymable name.
