Enough hip-strionics, let them dance
Editor, Townsman:
This letter is in response to "High School considers controls on 'grinding' dance" (Feb. 2, 2012 Townsman, page 1.)
Anyone remember the '50s? I'm certain some of us do. After all, the Boomers were just reaching their own, becoming teenagers - wild, free and rebellious. During that time there were a lot of "hot button" issues to inflame parental concerns: girls wearing pants, boys with long hair, interracial dating and new types of music. Rock'n'roll was banned for most high school dances back then, remember?
Back in the mid-fifties Elvis created a sensation on the Ed Sullivan show for swinging his hips. In Florida, a judge prepared an arrest warrant, charging Elvis with "impairing the morals of minors" as a prelude to his performance. But the dances went on, Elvis found his way into the mainstream, and rock'n'roll influenced us and our culture.
I understand and agree with the concerns about teens and drinking. This has been a concern for parents as far back as anyone can remember, but they are a different discussion from how "grinding" is perceived. It is only fair to give them separate consideration.
So a message about the hip-hyperbole: remember you were once young too, arguing with your parents about hairstyles, clothes, culture and music. If grinding offends you, speak to your child, but don't make judgements for the rest of us.
A. Greaves
32 Suncrest Road
