From a drastic comedic name change to something more wholesome Los Osos is hosting a Sweet social that was originally not so sweet. The name was originally the ho ho ho from a comedic standpoint however not many perceived it that way.
Mr. Tawney, head of ASB, is the one who had come up with the initial idea from a comedic standpoint with many others agreeing that it was funny. “I feel like people aren’t mature enough to just leave the name alone and people would start making it a big deal,” said Senior Sophia Jones. “Ho down I see it as something as a Western theme rather than an actual dance because I picture cowboy boots and spurs,” said Senior Maddie anonymously.
Most people felt as if it wouldn’t be a kosher name because of maturity purposes and the lack thereof. It’s not just the name that can be seen as misconstrued and sexualizing, it’s the idea of the name symbolizing more than just a dance, especially for a high school dance. The event was renamed the Sweet Social which was a title that felt more school-appropriate to reflect the true meaning of what ASB was trying to create.
While others loved the idea of the name, comments easily show that not everyone’s mind goes to the same place. After all, when the name gets more attention than the dance itself something was done incorrectly and certainly time for a rebrand. “It’s a historical word that has been used for many different reasons and even music,” said Spanish teacher, Señora.Fox.
The new name is a better match for the meaning rather than the original name intended for a winter dance; the rebrand expresses the true meaning. The event is now themed more as a Valentines dance and social set for February 13th, which ended up working in ASB’s favor.
Falling a day before Valentine’s day, “Sweet Social” fits the timing far better than the original name. Some students joked about the name and found it humorous which might have been better to catch attention to the dance and event in general.
The concern for the name wasn’t necessarily behind the name, but how easily it could be twisted. What may have started as a clever word play or attention grabber became something people were joking and laughing at rather than with.
In a high school environment, where rumors spread faster than a virus, the name was more suggestive and sexual than it being silly.
By renaming the event it ensured students would focus on the event instead of explaining what the event was. The name change ultimately proved that sometimes making things calm and dialing it back doesn’t necessarily make it boring but more understandable and better.