The irony of October 31, 2007
photo by Gary D. Brune copyright 2007
The strange thing about October 31, 2007 is that it will be an ironic holiday. Halloween is a time when we celebrate ghosts and ghouls and things that go bump in the night, but in reality, this year is represented more by Casper, the friendly ghost than by any representation of the grim reaper. And that is just how society in Chico wants it.
As I walked through the Chico Mall today, I found myself behind some youngsters who had adorned themselves with obvious wigs. The girls wore unusual colors reminiscent of Mrs. Slocum from Are You Being Served?, while the boys sported Afros and fake long hair.
I had to muse on this exercise in fantasy because when I was their age, the long hair was real, the rebellion was serious, and for us guys, there was real jeopardy. In high school, I carried a draft card mandated by the government, and weekly in homeroom we would look at the newspaper to see where our draft number came up in the lottery. Mine was never very high, but the possibility still existed that Uncle Sam would draw my number and send me a letter that would send me to Vietnam.
Our music had an edge to it, as proved by the fact that I often hear it played on the intercom at the Chico State Bell Memorial Union. What I hear from this generation seems to be so insipid that it could put me to sleep. Perhaps it has put this generation to sleep.
I have noted that there is no special break for Halloween Week like there has been the last three years for the students at Chico State. That is a glaring indication of celebration by society – they finally have this generation pacified to the point where they no longer consider these young people any kind of threat.
I visited Chico Mall to ask permission to photograph the children that will come to the mall in costume on Halloween. That would be a wonderful exercise, reminiscent of when I dressed like a cowboy and had a fancy two gun cap gun rig. Those pistols had ivory handles and felt good in the hand.
To watch today's children parade around in their holiday finery will be a wonderful sight, and would make a wonderful story. The best thing about Halloween is its celebration of imagination, and the delight in the faces of all who participate..
Today however it is all about the safety. I walked into a store that implores its customers to remover their Halloween masks before entering. That way the security cameras can have an accurate record of who comes in, just in case.
General Growth Properties, Inc. manages Chico Mall, and Chris Cullen is the general manager. When I asked her for permission to take photographs of the celebrants for Halloween, she said no. Seems that every storefront in the mall is a trademark and they sign a lease protecting them from any form of trademark infringement.
Since any picture in the mall would encompass a storefront, their right do business must be protected. That of course also protects the customers from evil photographers out to ruin their holiday with ghoulish and blood curdling intentions.
Sometimes I feel like carrying this camera is like carrying those cap guns I grew up with. Our protectors choose to err on the side of safety rather than the side of reason. It is better that our ghosts and goblins be socially acceptable. Seems it is too hard today to think, to reason.