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Trick or Treat: Britain’s Least Favourite American Import?
October 31st – a date many Britons hate. No longer is is plain old Halloween, it’s the night when many teenagers know they can get away with what amounts to extortion. Thanks very much, America!!
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It seems to have crept up on us like one of the evil entities it celebrates. Not many years ago, October 31st in Britain meant one thing – Halloween. Youngsters looked forward to dressing up in scary costumes and going to a friends house for a party. Food & soft drinks were laid on for the kids, a few beers & bottles of wine for the parents, & a good time was had by all.
When then, was this tradition replaced by the threatening extortion that goes by the misnomer of “Trick or Treat”? I suppose the prime suspects for this change are American TV shows & movies. Like it or not, we in Britain are very susceptible to all things American. Many, if not most, are harmless or even good. Many Brits, especially the elderly, will agree that Trick or Treat is not one of these.
Now, instead of house parties, large gangs of teenagers take to the streets to upset, intimidate or even rob unsuspecting members of the public. Sure, early on in the evening the younger kids dress up & go out with responsible parents to be given sweets & money by friends & neighbours, who are happy to do so. But then, as the night draws on, the yobs take to the streets. Not even bothering to dress up, they hammer on doors screaming, “Trick or Treat!!!” Answer the door & offer candy & you’re likely to be told, “We only accept Cash”!
Can you imagine how frightening this must be for the elderly & infirm, especially those who live alone? Not answering the door can result in your house getting “Egged” – rotten eggs thrown at doors & windows. In some cases this can be looked upon as getting off lightly – broken windows & vandalised cars are not uncommon! This could result in the death of somebody in ill health.
So, on the night of October 31st, many of our society’s most vulnerable individuals will be sat at home, in the dark, without their TV on, hoping to avoid that dreaded knock on their door.
So this is supposed to be a fun holiday celebration is it? Well…..thanks very much, America!
