Is it about dancing or self respect

Self-esteem among teens is always tenuous at best. Every minute of every day brings a multitude of risks to a modern teen’s ego. A teacher can say something that a teen takes to heart, a boy can laugh as he walks by a girl; she thinks he is laughing at her. A parent may be upset about an issue at work and spout off about how the teen thinks everything is just handed to him or her, or facing a blemish in the morning can spell complete disaster. Chaperoning the prom this year was a telling event. The dancing style from year to year changes, but the trend of “grinding” makes me overwhelming concerned for the self-esteem and respect of our high school teens.

The new way of dancing for someone who does not know is the girl faces out while the boy faces her back. Their hips sway and sway together. Some teens are taking it to the extreme and to save everyone the specifics, it takes on the impression of a standing lap dance.

In the news many schools are trying different methods to stop the new “grinding” trend. In Brunswick, Ohio, a principal is asking students to sign a pledge to not grind on the dance floor. The enforcement is difficult at best. In January Menonmonee Falls, Minnesota, administrators and staff tried to ban the dancing. Students reportedly boycotted the dance and supporting parents decided to hold an alternative dance a few weeks later. In Springfield, Ohio, last night Chris Shaffer, campus director at Springfield High, says students must now sign a consent form of “Dance expectations” each time they go to a dance. This includes this year’s prom May 15. Shaffer even offered ballroom dancing lessons during lunch periods to teach students alternative types of dancing.

The real issue isn’t about dancing; it might be about respect. Respecting yourself and respecting your date might be a more effective of way to look at the issue than signing a pledge. With teen pregnancy rates being up for the first time since 1991 according to the National Institutes of Health, something has to be done to help these kids realize their culture is not healthy. Parents, coaches, advisors, and teachers have to send the same collective message to assist teens in knowing that the decisions they are making now can affect their health and well being for the next 20 – 40 years.