Dating as Competition by Beth Bailey

1141 Words3 Pages

Over the ages our society has changed the definition of the meaning of dating. During the early 20th century and WWII dating was about long-term friendships, love, marriage and families. The essay “ Dating as Competition” by Beth Bailey illustrates how dating over time has changed dramatically by making dating into a competition. He argues that dating now in days is about popularity, competition and no longer has a moral meaning and how Men and women tend to want to be seen with people who will boost their image. In society many people build their reputation and popularity through cars, clothes, frat and sorority memberships and money. Being seen with someone who is just as popular with the same materialistic things will only increase your popularity. Through my experiences and observations I agree dating has changed and no longer has meaning because people date each other for the wrong reasons. I have witnessed many of my own friends who date to boost their appearance. Many actors and actresses that I look up to also marry or date other famous people so that they can show to the social media that their life is nothing but perfect. Not only are they rich and famous but they also want to marry or date someone who is idolized by many just as they are. Which also increases their personal image. Also Internet social websites are now being designed to find people mates who will match their popularity. Therefore dating has changed and no longer has the same meaning as it did before in the early ages.
As a teenager I have seen many of my friends get into many relationships including myself. We are teenagers and tend not know exactly what we want. One of my friends caught my attention one day, I began to question and wonder about her rel...

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... them. They want to be seen with the person who makes them look the best for example my very close friend who dated someone to win prom queen. Dating now in day’s defeats the purpose of true love. Many people think that Kim Kardashian the most gorgeous model in our country and best rapper Kanye West are happily in love and married but in reality they argue constantly and are not happy with each other. They are married to each other for the wrong reasons. The media idolizes them as this couple that they hope to become one day because they are both what many people dream of being rich and famous. Beth Bailey also portrays how many people in our society care too much about materialistic things people have rather than what is important and valuable to find in someone. Therefore this supports how dating is now a competition and representation of someone’s self image.

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