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November 22, 2008 11:25:30 CST



Proms' Glitz Blitz Captivates UK Teens

Posted Jun 17, 08 3:40 PM CDT in World Arts & Living 

(Newser) – Parents and traditionalists alike are feeling the pinch as expensive American-style proms migrate to the UK, the Wall Street Journal finds. Teens crave the stretch limos and extravagant gowns seen in US shows like The O.C. and My Super Sweet 16. But some educators criticize the trend, including one headmaster bothered by "the ones who are excluded by cost."

One culture-shocked mum shelled out $1,180 for, among other things, her son's rental of a yellow Lamborghini. "We didn't have proms or things like that when we were younger," she said. A teacher posting to an education website, meanwhile, called the new tradition a "ghastly import. Conspicuous consumption and pointless excess."

Source Wall Street Journal

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Brit teens crave the fairytale proms seen in US shows like "The O.C." Stars Benjamin McKenzie and Samaire Armstrong pictured.   (Getty Images)
"Our teenagers decided they want to do what the Americans do," one British teacher says of the increasing popularity of proms. "They saw it in the films and got caught up in it."   (KRT Photos)
Students in Denver step out of a stretch Hummer, a new prom favorite among Brit teens, in this file photo.   (AP Photo, file)
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