Special Post
The relationship between pro-Hamas protesters and Halloween
We have seen, for over a year now, videos of mobs of young adults in kaffiyas, faces covered by masks, marching in the streets and on college campuses calling for the destruction of Israel and death to all Jews. Hiding one’s identity has long been associated with wanting to avoid the law—that’s why street criminals wear ski masks even in July. I would think that just having to hide one’s identity to participate in something is a sign that it is evil, and would keep thoughtful young people from becoming involved. But involved they become.
Then the other day I saw a video “short” in which attractive young women said that evil is cooler than good, and given the choice between dating someone evil or someone good, they would choose evil because it would be exciting.
How did the world get this turned upside down?
I think that the Halloween emphasis on horror and gore, beginning with pajamas for toddlers, extending to spooky party food, and continuing through horrific masks and costumes for adults, has been part of the problem. Stories and movies for children as young as eight featuring vampires, zombies, and other supernatural characters have exacerbated it.
Young children who are still trying to figure out what is real and what is not, and what is good and what is evil, are confused. And this confusion can continue long after those of us from an older generation would have been very, very clear. A Jewish student at the university in my hometown who was a frequent Shabbat and holiday guest at my home truly was unsure whether zombies were real, and believed that in case they were, we needed to be prepared for them.
Between costumes, party themes, decorations, books, and even Covid-19 masks, hiding, horror, gore, and terror have become normalized for young people.
Today’s young adults grew up competing with friends for the goriest costume and the most disgusting party food. Why are we surprised that they can view the go-pro videos of Palestinian Arab terrorists as they beheaded babies in their cribs, gutted a living woman to remove and kill her unborn child in front of her before killing her, and gang-raping 13-year-old girls, without being sickened? Is it surprising they truly do not believe those atrocities occurred?
Making stabbings, dismemberment, and violent death “cool” and “funny” for Halloween is linked by time with young adults unable to recognize evil, and to in fact think evil is cool, fun, and worth dating.
Ted Bundy and Charles Manson would have loved to meet them.
You still have time before Halloween to change your children’s minds, costumes, and possibly even party themes. Please consider it. Their disappointment this year might be one of the most important things you can do to raise upstanding, moral adults.
Hi Hannah! I like halloween and was never afraid of it. However, I agree about our culture but I am apt to blame TV, social media, and Hollywood!! There is nothing you can't get on social media! I do agree that some kids are more sensitive than others and some are even a little mentally off kilter. Were you frightened of Halloween? I know you were a sensitive little girl. One of my friend's husband and I communicate a lot about the world. He just sent me an awful note (he tends to be liberal) where he had read from some "noted" author (I forget the name) that Israel began the 10/7 war because they bombed their own people! I don't even know how to get back to him on that! But I will! Have you ever heard of such a thing?
As always, love hearing from you! Keep up the good work. Martie
I totally agree with you. Thank G-d for nice and fun Purim costumes.