Whether you love it or hate it, the Sadie Hawkins dance has become a regular event in regards to high school dances. The taboo tradition actually originated from a comic strip, in which Sadie Hawkins, a character depicted as being quite an unattractive woman, was able to call the shots for one day a year. In fact, in the story, all unmarried women in town were able to choose bachelors in the hopes of catching one for marriage. And thus, a high school custom was born.
The nontraditional scenario of girls asking boys evokes many mixed emotions from both sexes. For girls, the majority feel intimidated by the roles being reversed and shy away from asking anyone. Boys are the opposite; most enjoy not having all of the pressure put on them.
“I think it’s fun because girls get to pick the guys for once and it’d be cool to switch roles in the asking process,” said junior Alan Buttram.
Even guys realize that girls are frightened by the idea of putting themselves and their self-esteem on the line to ask someone with a 50/50 chance of being shut down.
“I think it’s a good idea but I don’t know if some of the girls would ask guys,” said sophomore Brett Davies.
Girls, on the other hand, have been somewhat divided in their opinion about asking a guy. Some stick to the traditional notion that guys should always be the one to initiate the asking process.
“I think it’s dumb that girls have to ask guys,” said junior Celine Petersohn. “It makes no sense.”
Fears and concerns of being judged or turned down keep many from gaining the courage to ask the guy that they’ve got their eye on. Guys may seem intimidating to ask, especially because girls simply aren’t used to having that responsibility.
“I’m too shy,” said sophomore Ashton Stephens.
Other girls, however, are taking a completely different stance for asking guys to Sadie Hawkins. As a sort of nod to feminism and the idea that women are equal to men, girls are therefore unafraid to breach social norms and take control.
“It’s the twenty-first century,” said sophomore Kelsey Hamlin.
This frame of mind better fits the guys’ thought process that girls are allowed to take the reins. Despite popular belief among girls, guys are not weirded out by being asked. Instead, they enjoy being chosen and appreciate not having to do everything.
“Guys asking girls has always been the standard for dances, so it’s expected,” said Buttram. “I don’t think it’s weird at all because girls are equal to guys.”
Whatever your stance on Sadie Hawkins may be, realize that in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a high school dance. So don’t stress about asking or being asked, and just enjoy yourself.
