"Some of the adults who had stayed at prom called her 'suit girl' and sniggered," Mischa Parker's mom said.
Choosing an outfit for prom can be one of the hardest things to do. An 11-year-old girl, Mischa Parker, decided to wear a suit for her prom that reflected her "individuality." But she was left in tears after a few parents at the event who knew no better than to mock a child, according to Express.
These parents, who were chaperoning at the event in Morley, Leeds, decided to call her "suit girl." Because of the mean remarks, Mischa called her mother Tamara Auty, 33, and begged her to pick her up early.
"I think it was an attack on her individuality, I work in mental health myself, I just think it was really disgusting," the mother said, while in conversation with Hull Live. "When I was 11 I had no idea who I was, but Mischa has always known who she is and what she likes."
Mischa knew she wanted to wear a suit to prom when she saw it while shopping. But "She was a bit nervous hoping nobody laughed at her," her mother added.
Mischa Parker donned a James Bond-style suit for the promhttps://t.co/dZahBE8zRw
— The Yorkshire Post (@yorkshirepost) August 9, 2021
"She’d known if she was going to any function she’d be wearing a suit. She looked absolutely amazing and stylish. I'd straightened her hair for her, she'd put a bit of mascara on, nails painted black and normally she doesn't bother with makeup or do anything with her hair. She was a little bit nervous but felt really good, she really liked the suit," Tamara said. "She had been knocked down recently confidence-wise so it was quite a big thing for her to wear the suit as she hates dresses, she's not a girly-girl."
Tamara, who also has a nine-year-old son, said the mean comments from the other parents left her daughter completely dejected. "She did end up going into the boys' section and got a dickie bow as they suited her a bit more," said the mom, who is also a support worker.
"I just think that children should be allowed to express themselves - why should my daughter be made to feel bad about the way she likes to dress? Why try and knock a child down for that?"
Mischa Parker looks cooler than cool in her prom suit.
— DEBS WILD (@debswild) August 9, 2021
That’s what I’d have worn but more likely I’d have refused to go as I hate the idea of prom night.
Mischa's friends had said that, "you look amazing, you look gorgeous," said Tamara. "I asked her if she wanted me to stay and she said no you can go."
But things changed in a couple of hours. Tamara got a call from her daughter asking her to come to pick her up. Seeing her mom, the little one burst into tears.
"Some of the adults who had stayed at prom called her 'suit girl' and sniggered. Every time she was walking past these parents she could hear them commenting and laughing. She said 'do you think I should change my fashion?' as she normally wears more boys-gendered clothing like hoodies and baggy trousers. I said no, you be who you are," the mom shared.
"I work with people in crisis, I see people who are affected by bullying and I just think it's disgusting, especially with adults who know better. You expect it to be more the kids. If she had gone to prom in a dress she would've been uncomfortable, why should she not be happy?"
"I think she’s brave for being who she is. Be who you are and celebrate who you are, don't be torn down for standing out," the mom concluded.
References:
https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/mum-hits-out-cruel-parents-5757224
Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Halfpoint Images