For those who may not be familiar with the prom traditions in Bulgaria, and who may feel shocked by the photos in the Vice magazine, let me just clarify a few things. As someone who did have a prom in Bulgaria, who have attended many proms of family and friends, and who belongs to a bit older generation, I think I know a few things. The "style" (if one can refer to it with this word) portrayed by Vice magazine is rather the exception than the rule. I suspect that the photographers of the magazine had to go out of their way to find these particular "stylish" people, and I also suspect that those photos were not taken in some of Sofia's best high schools, but rather in poorer areas, that may have more of certain minorities in them. As such, I do not think those photos are representative of what prom in Bulgaria is. Furthermore, no such "style" and "debauchery" existed prior to 1990. Things were a lot more respectful and tame prior to those years. The current trend in Bulgaria of chalga listening young people with limited education , and overly sexually dressed (or undressed, depending on the occasion) younger and younger girls, is relatively new to Bulgaria and if someone researches it, would probably date it back to the mid to late 90s. I do have photos of my mother's prom, which shows my mother in a beautiful and intricately made floor length long sleeve dress, style and creation thanks to the exquisite sawing skills of my grandmother. My mother's classmates look equally stylish. Picture a classy fashion magazine from the 70s. That's what these prom photos look like. In other words - nothing to do with the photos from Vice magazine today. And while according to a famous Spanish author "Freedom is everything", my personal opinion is that freedom (whether individual or societal) is probably only good if you know what to do with it. It is a precious commodity that should be highly appreciated, treasured, and used wisely.