Now here’s a question, especially for young adults. Does character count at Halloween, or is this a time of year when anything goes in the name of “fun” and celebration? It’s only a few days until that All Saints evening that has been taken over by devils instead of saints, and it set me to thinking. I’m not a “kill joy,” but I wonder, “Does character still count at a time like Halloween?”
There may be few young adults reading this, but those in charge of our rising generation might want to consider the matter. If I had the opportunity, I’d challenge teachers everywhere to start with a good character education program, and initiate discussions on a few questions like those below.
Each of the following traits is featured in the free, monthly Character Builder Newsletter. Those issues will help your discussion.
Is it all right to throw respect to the eerily howling winds, and cause work for others by hurling eggs at homes, smearing soap on windows, and draping toilet paper from every tree and bush? Is all responsibility cancelled on Halloween, allowing you to do whatever you please without accountability – without having to answer for your deeds? At Halloween, does generosity morph into greed, making it the exercise of character to drive into any and every neighborhood to collect as much candy as possible? Does Halloween negate the need to exercise appreciation? Does the donning of a mask diminish the need for self-control, and give approval to acts of mischief you would never perform without the mask? How could you exercise compassion on Halloween, and avoid a lack of concern or feeling for those you involve in your fun? Can you use creativity to design new ways of enjoying the evening – perhaps delivering candy instead of begging for candy? Do you have the courage of your convictions in sufficient measure to refuse to give in to the peer group on Halloween when they suggest illegal or immoral activities?
Those eight questions are only a beginning. A list of character traits will provide many other traits that will be exercised on Halloween, even as they are on other days of the year, but only by men and women of character.
Character counts on Halloween, but will you teach that? Will you teach it at home? Will you teach it at school? How will you teach about Halloween?
“The kids will hate me if I try to discuss those questions,” says a parent or teacher. “No kid wants to be told they can’t run wild at Halloween. It’s part of the celebration!”
Does character count only as long as children and teenagers like it? Is the importance of character measured by a child’s interest or non-interest in it? Do we decide to keep quiet on a matter like moral excellence simply because our offspring want to run wild?
I strongly believe that character is for everyday, including October 31. If the nature of October 31 is such that it cancels out character, I wonder that a civilized society would continue to celebrate it. Yet, many in our society do celebrate this day – with disguises, parties, and pranks – and a lack of character. I’d like to see that change.
That’s the view from my chair. What’s your view?