In a recent incident at Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, a prom poster has drawn scrutiny for its implications regarding gender and character. The poster, which encouraged boys to “Protect Her Character,” featured a mix of positive traits—such as fearless, ambitious, and confident—alongside more traditional attributes like polite, tidy, shy, and quiet. While some of these qualities are admirable, the inclusion of traits like “shy” and “quiet” raises questions about their aspirational value, particularly in a modern context.
The poster’s headline, “A Night to Protect Her Character,” was met with criticism when senior Jessica Thompson voiced her concerns to the school’s principal, who dismissed the notion that the message had religious or sexist undertones. However, the principal’s endorsement of the poster, alongside the logos of two organizations—The Crossing of Manitowoc County, a Christian pro-life clinic, and Holy Family Memorial, a Catholic health care provider—suggests otherwise.
The sentiments expressed by the organizations behind the poster encapsulate their aim: to promote awareness of risky behaviors associated with prom night. While the intention may be to encourage responsible decision-making, the underlying message implies that a girl’s character is compromised by sexual activity, an idea that disproportionately places the burden on young women.
In response to the backlash, Thompson’s brother took to social media, amplifying her concerns and garnering support from those who questioned the poster’s implications. Comments highlighted the disparity in messaging: “Why is there no emphasis on protecting boys’ virtue?” and “Does having sex really erase all those positive qualities?”
After media coverage increased, the school ultimately decided to remove the posters, signaling a recognition of the issues raised. This situation underscores the need for a more balanced and equitable approach to discussions around teen behavior and ethics, particularly in educational environments.
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In summary, the prom poster incident at Lincoln High School serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversations surrounding gender roles and expectations in society. The reactions it sparked reveal a demand for more equitable messaging that does not disproportionately judge one gender over another.