With the threat of international terrorism on home turf, Americans should certainly take extra safety precautions this Halloween. But even though there are reports from the government of possible terrorist threats in the United States within the next week, citizens should not empower terrorists by letting threats instill fear in them. Local mall owners have claimed they will not open their doors to trick-or-treaters this season because they want to support neighborhood celebrations. Whether this is the real reason for the closure, or whether recent bogus e-mail threats about Halloween were the true cause of mall owners’ reticence, we should all take our cue from the mall owners and focus our Halloween efforts on more community-oriented celebrations.
Community-based Halloween events have been on the decline in the last decade, mainly because of Americans’ tendency to leave their own neighborhoods in search of safer, more controlled areas for children to trick-or-treat. It is time to change that trend. We need to return to our roots as a community-based society. America could choose to use the terrorist attacks to improve society — and getting to know one’s neighbors is a good place to start. Neighborhood parties where revelers can safely enjoy the holiday are the most practical options for parents who have safety concerns for their children.
A community-minded Halloween is the best way for Americans to celebrate this time around. Just because the malls are closed doesn’t mean the party has to stop. During this season, we should all be spooked by vampires and goblins — not by the specter of terrorism.