I read an article awhile back that talked about the new age of keeping up with the Jones’. Basically, the article stated that rather than trying to keep up with their neighbors, people were starting to try to keep up with what they see on TV. I can find no better example of this than what happened in our neighborhood recently.
I was outside talking to a couple of the neighbors when I heard one of them talking about a big party that was happening that night. Apparently a girl a couple blocks away was having a “Sweet 16” party. This wasn’t just a little party. Over 100 kids were invited and it was being held at a community hall. There would be a live DJ, food and refreshments and it was a “black tie” event. Amazing.
I can only imagine where they got the idea to spend thousands of dollars on a party for their daughter. It turns out that there is a show on MTV called “My Super Sweet 16”. Basically it’s a show that highlights the great lengths and expense that some families will go to for their daughter’s 16th birthday. What’s the big deal with 16? I think that they should celebrate the Sweet 24. By that time, the kid has proven that she isn’t on drugs, hasn’t given birth to a bunch of babies and has finished college. That seems far more impressive to me than just existing and living off your parents for the first 16 years of your life.
Now, of course I can’t really speak as an authority on this. My daughter is only 3 and I haven’t experienced the other 13 years yet, but I can tell you that we will not be spending thousands of dollars celebrating her 16th birthday.
One other thing that I found interesting was listening to the parents talk about it. There was no question that every other parent was looking at the event with a bit of anxiety. They all mentioned that they’d sat down with their child to explain that this wasn’t a “normal” thing and that they shouldn’t expect that they’ll have a party like that. Regardless, I would guess that the impact of this Sweet 16 party will be that many other parents around here will spend a little bit more so that they feel like they didn’t give their child a “lame” 16th birthday party. I just hope all this has passed by the time my daughter hits that point……..
In the past, affluent parents would give their daughters a “coming out” party.(Not gay) It has to do with being introduced to society as a proper young lady. I think it was around 16 or so also. If a girl didnt have a proper debut, she didnt have a good chance at landing a rich husband. Food for thought.