GW Masquerade Gala Indicative of Growing Loss of Class

Jack Elliott, NC - Writer

The GW Masquerade Gala. Photo credit, Jack Elliott.

Recently, a question has been bothering me, itching at the back of my mind: When did formality get divorced from fun?

A few weeks ago, I attended the GW Program Board Gala at the National Portrait Gallery. It was a great time, I got dressed up, wore a mask, and saw plenty of familiar faces. I’d go again in a heartbeat, but despite the fun, I couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. As I looked out at the crowd, dancing to Drake’s "Rich Baby Daddy," I realized that what was missing wasn’t more decorations or fancier clothing; it was class. 

To be clear, I do not intend to be antagonistic. I appreciate the kind of work that goes into such an event, and even in its current form, it's a good time. However, it reflects a greater loss seen throughout our society and culture, the death of true formal events, particularly for young people.

In years and generations past, there was an emphasis put on the class and formality surrounding such events. Attendees at formal gatherings were expected not only to dress up but to project respect and appreciation for the shared traditions and camaraderie of their peers. There should be a sense of weightiness and elegance that one feels and expresses by taking the time to dress and act beautifully. Nowadays, the suits and dresses remain, but not much else. Like many other aspects of modernity, we have retained the exterior look of sophistication and refinement while abandoning the interior spiritual and personal meanings behind them.

When I say spiritual meaning, I do not mean it in a religious sense. I mean it purely in the sense that, in the modern world, the idea of being part of something greater, finding meaning and purpose through societal events, has been forgotten. Culture nowadays only seeks to appear meaningful, with none of the weight behind it. There is a common misconception that enjoyment and fun cannot be found through formality.

With this in mind, all is not yet lost. Even at the gala, there was live classical music playing upstairs, and an aristocratic atmosphere present, though this only served to contrast with what was occurring downstairs. This blatantly shows that we are still capable of true formality. We are still capable of being a part of something beautiful, and more than anything, we are still capable of taking ourselves and each other seriously.

On that note, I would like to end this article with a disclaimer. I am in no way trying to be some tyrannical moralist taking away people’s fun. I believe sometimes jumping up and down to loud music is the perfect way to relieve some stress and have a good time. I simply believe that formal events must be distinct from this kind of entertainment, and that a little bit of seriousness can truly be just as enjoyable. With that in mind, go forward, reader, and take yourself and others seriously. Do not embrace the emptiness of fast, empty fun. Seek out events and people that give you meaning, and don’t be afraid to have a little class.