For many reasons, Halloween is one of those days of the year that someone always gets hurt. In infrequent cases, someone even dies. But though many of the nightmarish hoax’s of Halloween never settle in reality, practicing safety is key to a good experience (and your life).
I’m not someone to usually aid on the side of caution as well, but I had many experiences that changed my mind about Halloween, and with all the “creepy clown” sighting, what are we supposed to think? Because when a six foot, five inch man walks up to you, wearing a mask (which is actually illegal in Virginia), and proceeds to breath heavily over your shoulder, practicing caution is not a bad idea. This has already happened to me once. I had been waiting in the back of a line to buy pizza when this occurred. Because it was Halloween, it was not irrational to think something like what the guy’s doing is “okay”. It was still odd, but wasn’t a total threat. It actually only became one once he kept doing it for 30 minutes, started harassing others in the line, and never verbally responded to anyone’s words or actions. I actually quickly left after this guy just would not give up (I didn’t even get my pizza), but I know he stayed around the pizza place (I later saw it all over the campus Yik Yak).
But something like this happens all the time on Halloween. October 31st has become this day that allows members of society to stand outside of it. We are allowed to not be ourselves, but become the fantastical or horrific versions of them, and this can easily become dangerous. People are not held accountable for intimidating or dangerous actions, but instead are encouraged, “because it’s Halloween,” right? Though this can be fun and lighthearted, especially for kids, it starts becoming unnerving as well. As an adult, behavior like this is never acceptable, and October 31st is not an excuse. Halloween is not some free card to act out your favorite horror movie.
Again, I say this mainly because of the “creepy clown epidemic”. I’m truly unsure as to why this is going on. It may have been one upset guy that put on a clown costume to amuse himself and someone just happened to see him. It may have been on purpose as well. (I do know that 4chan is not behind it though, which was my original thought) After ground zero though, it’s likely everyone else is just a copycat on the bandwagon of inciting fear in college students and small towns. This is unacceptable though. I’m unsure why inciting fear and causing terror in people is “funny”. It’s a great meme, don’t get me wrong, but If I see a clown, I’m not sticking around to hang out with it.
The “creepy clown epidemic” also creates danger for anyone dressed as a clown as well. I’ve overheard many a conversation where people talked about taking violent actions against anyone dressed as a clown. So to those ready to clown hunt or those thinking about dressing up as a clown, remember, Halloween can be a great night of pure fun, where you get to dress up like you’re five again, or it can be the opposite. Either way practice safety and, please, leave the clown mask at home.
