Trick or Treat? The American Dream. As children wonder the streets, parents worry about cavities and reflective clothes. Halloween creates a mischievous vibe and a time to step outside reality. Costumes let us hide our identity and perhaps do thing we normally wouldn’t do. As night falls the ghouls and goblins come out, I too will be there lurking the town in search of trouble.
Me and my girlfriend were talking about this year’s Halloween boom and how people seem to be more involved in the festivities. She mentioned a few good points that might make the Halloween debauchery more in context. This year the night of the dead falls on a Friday which make it extra exciting. Also, it seems people want to get away from the stressful reality of life. The economic rollercoaster and the historic election both take a toll on the American Dream, and the American reality.
As she rattled off these seemingly simple reasons for the season, I realized the American Dream is really about celebration. We need to feel close to our friends and family. We need to have fun and forget about the weight of the world. As I thought more about the weight of the world I realized that celebration is not just the American Dream, but a worldly dream. So as winter creeps in and holidays come and go be thankful that celebration is in your life. God Bless!
4 comments:
Jim-
I would not have thought about this, but you could be right. The day-to-day struggles seem to weigh us down. The celebration of Halloween could give us a reason to forget those struggles for a while.
Jim,
I enjoyed your "festive" blog this week. It did seems like people did Halloween "big" this year. This was the first year I adventured out to the Corn Maze in Verona, MO and visited some haunted houses. It is true, the festivities of Halloween really made me forget about the day in and day out stresses.
We could sit around and complain about the "economic rollercoaster" or we could just sit back and enjoy the holiday season.
Great blog!
Allison
Jim,
Now that I live in a place that is not inviting to trick-or-treaters I don't have the opportunity to observe them. The thought that they are trying to "get away" is new to me. I have always seen it as a way for little ones to gather candy and for the older ones to commit mischief. You have given me new ideas to ponder.
Thanks,
Julie
I agree Halloween has become much more about escapism and simple consumerism. (The ploys for candy are insane.) I think people enjoy getting to celebrate a simple event.
With the economy so up and down, it is nice to have an evening with a level playing field. Every kid can get candy, no matter what their family’s economic status or political affiliation. There is no problem that a snickers bar can’t fix. It is a great time to let the world go away, even for just one night.
I think more people need to celebrate the little accomplishments instead of waiting for the end of the big dream. One may not have a house yet, but an apartment is still an accomplishment. You may not have won the lottery, but you can still enjoy your pumpkin pale of candy. You still got something. Small victories are still victories and worth celebrating. Fun post!
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