I have always held Halloween in the highest of regards. Maybe this is due to the fact that it’s one of the few holidays that do not traditionally involve spending time with the extended family or stuffing one’s face with unrealistic amounts of starchy foods. No, Halloween is far simpler, something more aimed towards the individual, and thus, far more enjoyable.
Obviously, as a child, Oct. 31 meant one thing and one thing only: candy, and lots of it. I have always considered myself quite a fanatic when it comes to candy. If it were possible for my body to quickly metabolize the high-fructose corn syrup in sweets, I would happily substitute a ring pop in place of a Rueben any day.
But alas, the concept of trick-or-treating, for the majority of us, has obviously lost its allure due to age, not to mention society’s consistent lack of respect for any teenage candy-seekers, which is just the biggest crock. It’s dehumanizing, unfair and wrong.
I was unfortunate enough to be crucified for asking for candy at the age of 16. Really though, what’s wrong with trick-or-treating as a teen? If anything, it might keep some of those little degenerates away from burning haystacks, tipping over vehicles, or any of the other obnoxious things Russell kids were known for.
Luckily, Halloween can still be enjoyed by our demographic. What originated as a night of costumes and candy is now a night to simply lose yourself.
What we have here is one night of the year where you can hang your usual self on the wall and be anything or anyone you want to be. Obviously you’re just wearing a costume and nothing else has really changed, but I feel that Halloween night makes anything possible. It seems that people’s inhibitions slip away, things get a little wild, scary, out of hand. Sometimes this is for the best, sometimes not. Maybe it’s the spirit of the holiday, or maybe it’s just the drinking.
This concept of stepping into another’s shoes for an evening is definitely quite appealing to us. Occasionally we have the deep desire to change ourselves, to no longer be the sleazy, lying individual we may be and just want to do some good for once. Or perhaps it’s the opposite. Personal reasons aside, it’s obvious that simply changing yourself is quite a taxing, near impossible, endeavor. However, the chance to simply alter your persona for a bit is by all a nice change of pace.
On another subject, I’ve heard a lot of guff about Halloween being an excuse for girls to dress a bit provocatively. Why are all of you complaining? You know you think it’s great. It’s a new, unordinary autumn treat. Don’t knock scantily clad females. If they want to dress up that way, that’s their business. If anything, be impressed by their high self-esteem, their appreciation for ‘living it up’ and their balls.
Those of you out there actually reading this: have fun this weekend, be careful and make sure you let your parents check your candy.
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