October, the month of well-anticipated autumn celebrations. October is filled with activities and fall goodness, culminating in the joyous and widely celebrated Halloween holiday. Complete with candy, costumes, parties and friends, there are many reasons why Halloween is a favorite. There is a darker undertone to this happy holiday, however.
Depictions of violence, murder, suicide and the mocking of mental health are becoming common staples within many Halloween attractions and themes. The premise of Halloween, in fact, becomes an excuse to terrorize and thrill. Let it be said that depictions of suicide, abuse and mocking mental health are in no way an appropriate means to “electrify” or scare.
Having lived abroad in a country where Halloween was in its beginning stages of being a known and accepted holiday, much of the typical “scare” element hadn’t quite emerged, resulting in the primary celebration of dressing up and being with friends. What a refreshing difference!
In contrast, I find that American Halloween culture is progressively becoming darker, under the guise of becoming “scarier.”
There is a border between thrilling and going too far. As a society, we are becoming increasingly desensitized to brutal scenes of violence, murder and abuse and are seemingly okay with such depictions.
By participating in such events (i.e. paying to go to a venue/see a movie, etc.) we are by default supporting and agreeing with the notions portrayed in said events. Arguably and hopefully, the general population does not condone murder and unnecessary aggression and violence; however, when such actions are depicted in haunted houses or thriller movies, we non-verbally support these behaviors.
Though haunted houses, in general, are growing more popular with each passing year, it is unfortunate and inappropriate to view certain aspects within their terror scheme.
Halloween becomes a scapegoat to engage and indulge in violent depictions and pass it off as “thrilling” or “scaring.”
Understandably so, Halloween is known for its shadowy undertones and darker depictions; however, portrayals of shooting and joking about suicide are never appropriate nor funny. It is shocking to find such content in supposed family friendly environments.
Of course, this is not the case for every Halloween celebrator and many people might have a different opinion. It is evident, however, that our Halloween celebrations and attractions become darker and “scarier” each year and us as a supporting society and audience are giving the message that we don’t mind.