Written by: Esther Kozakevich

I didn’t really know what to expect going into the first dance of freshman year. I didn’t have any older siblings or friends, so my knowledge of high school at the time consisted of a mix of “The Breakfast Club” and “Mean Girls.” You could say I was not prepared for the shenanigans that were about to ensue. No number of Molly Ringwald 80s movies could have emotionally equipped me to handle the sight of upperclassmen swapping spit and rubbing up against each other. I wasn’t so much disgusted as I was shocked and slightly perplexed. Why are they doing that in public? Are they actually receiving pleasure from such activities? However, within a short period of time, I grew to understand and even appreciate freaking, and I’m here to share my insights. If the thought of two people grinding against each other makes you want to upchuck your lunch, that’s all right, but hopefully you will keep an open mind as I explain why freaking is actually not so bad.

Being a teenager can be confusing. When we’re not dealing with raging hormones, expectations regarding our futures or sleep deprivation, we are also forced to sort out the conflicting messages being sent to us concerning our sexuality. Girls are expected to be not only experienced and sexy like Victoria’s Secret models, but also to act and be modest like “good girls.” Meanwhile, guys are told that during this age it is normal for them to think about sex all the time. These mixed messages can often leave teens confused and frustrated.

Freaking is a way for teens to express their sexuality while meeting societal standards. For both girls and guys, freaking is a safe and non-committal way to dance and feel good. It allows people to have fun in a pleasurable way. As teens, we have all these hormones in us that are telling our bodies we are ready for sex. However, we might not be emotionally ready for sexual activity yet. Freaking is a good way to release all the tension these hormones are causing without compromising our safety with the risk of STDs or pregnancies.

If you still think freaking is absolutely vile and want no part of it, that’s okay too. In fact, the consensual nature is the whole beauty of freaking. You cannot physically force someone to freak, so it’s always consensual. Although it’s not uncommon for certain guys to simply walk up behind girls and start furiously gyrating without even asking, it’s very simple to turn around and decline. If you are not interested in freaking, it is something you can easily avoid.

The biggest argument people have against freaking is that it’s inappropriate. They say it is vile and immoral and that partaking in actions which simulate sex is a sin. However, I believe that everyone has different ideas of what constitutes as immoral and inappropriate. It seems that every generation has its own “hip” dance, and in every generation, there is a group of people who call it vulgar and disgusting. The Charleston, Jitterbug and Waltz, all considered harmless now, were once thought to be inappropriate amongst the higher class. Freaking is just a continuation of the history of dance, and in a few years, a new fad in the dancing world will surely arise. There is no need for there to be such strong moral controversy regarding such an inconstant culture.

All in all, freaking is fun, safe and easily avoidable if you’re not interested. It’s a great way for teenagers to express their sexualities without breaching society’s norms, and it’s always safe and consensual. Just remember to stay safe, have fun and try not to be judgmental.

—Kozakevich,  a junior, is a reporter