Halloween is right around the corner! As we head toward this spooky holiday, here’s some things to remember:
Respect People’s Boundaries
Don’t send people jumpscare videos, gore, or other such content unless you know they’re okay with it. Don’t make fun of people for trick-or-treating or wearing certain (non-offensive) costumes. Don’t pressure people into going to parties or haunted houses if they don’t want to. Don’t be mean to people for not sharing your taste in Halloween movies.
“Tricks” Should Be Simple and Safe
Halloween pranks should never risk harming someone in any way. If it involves harming someone, stealing or damaging a person’s property, it’s not a prank – it’s a crime. If it involves being offensive or hurtful to the person you’re pranking, it’s not a prank – you’re a jerk. If it’s anything you don’t think the person you’re pranking will walk away from laughing, it’s not a prank – it’s a bad idea.
Don’t Bug People About How They Celebrate
Some people celebrate Halloween by decorating their living space, wearing spooky clothing for the whole month of October and planning elaborate costumes for Halloween night. Some people only dress up on Halloween night, and don’t wear anything very elaborate. Some people don’t celebrate Halloween at all. All are valid, and no one should be made fun of for how much they celebrate.
Don’t Wear Problematic Costumes
Cultures aren’t costumes. Don’t dress up as another race or culture you aren’t a part of. No Native American headdresses or blackface. It’s not funny, it’s not cool. Don’t do it.
Don’t wear costumes where the point of the costume is to make fun of a group of people, either.
Be Cautious Of Activated Charcoal Foods
Yes, that solid black ice cream looks cool and turns your teeth black, but activated charcoal can deactivate medications. If you’re taking any regular medicines (i.e. birth control or antidepressants), activated charcoal can stop them from working. Be careful what you’re putting in your body (well, aside from all the sugar) and take care of yourself.
Don’t Do Anything Dangerous
I’m definitely not trying to tell anyone not to have a good time on Halloween night, but considering the holiday falls on a Sunday this year, we should be cognizant that we still have class the next morning. Have fun, but don’t get lost in the woods, summon anything evil or vandalize someone’s property. If you do party, stay hydrated. Don’t make Oct. 31 the best night of your life at the expense of Nov. 1 being the worst morning of your life.
Categories: Opinion
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