Ding-dong! It is Halloween; time to answer the door and reward the next spooky trick-or-treater with a plethora of candy. Who will be on the front doorstep this time? Barbie? Ghostface? Or a frightening cosplay worn by a high schooler?
“Trick or treat” feels off this time. As opposed to looking down to meet the eyes of kindergarten children, there is a visitor that seems a bit taller than normal. Whether to give out the candy, laugh, or run back inside your house and shut the lights off for the night is a tough decision, because something is not right.
While most teenage students are “dropping addies” to their Halloween parties or in attendance, there is one odd out of the bunch- the trick-or-treaters.
Although I do not promote some of the rather mature and potentially dangerous activities occurring at these Halloween parties, I would not go out of my way to prevent anyone from being in attendance. Controversially, I love to see trick-or-treaters enjoy their side of Halloween, except other kids my age would agree to disagree. Why is regression a topic of judgment, especially on Halloween?
It is understandable that the majority of high school students grow out of trick-or-treating by their freshman year, but there are a select few that continue the childhood tradition. As a society, the idea of Halloween being a night of self-expression is widely preached. Yet, when a classmate is spotted going door-to-door for candy, their social status is plateauing for the next month.
Trick-or-treating is now frowned upon in terms of Halloween activities for teenagers- but it does not have any difference from a Disney vacation, for example, where nostalgic childhood moments flourish. Disney World and Halloween night allow its enjoyers to be themselves, so why is there a social discrepancy between the two?
A similar topic of discussion is attire. Halloween costumes allow for anyone to reach their highest creative potential, although there are guidelines for teenagers. Parents and guardians deem what is appropriate and what is not, but in a high school student’s mind, modestness is typically neglected and rather depicted by what is socially acceptable.
Costumes that do not fit the trending criteria are often shamed upon, similar to that of trick-or-treating. Halloween is supposed to be fun, right?
There should not be any shameful feelings towards those who spend their Halloween at a party. Especially, trick-or-treaters should be allowed to freely be themselves behind a costume and enjoy some candy. After all, it is frightening enough to grow up too fast.
