Halloween is almost here, and people are looking for a good scare. Some folks will see the latest slasher movie. Others might visit a haunted house. But you just have to look at the news. Reality is so much worse than fiction.
That includes the reality of current politics right here in the U.S.A. So much anger and hatred, from both elected officials and their supporters. The anger encourages believing misinformation that “confirms” how bad the others are. The hatred for fellow citizens undercuts democracy. And now, the nation veers toward political violence.
In June, for example, Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were killed in their home, and the murderer also attempted to kill State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman. In September, the conservative founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. And two assassination attempts on the president when running for a second term.
It’s dangerous out there and getting worse. A record number of Americans, politically left and right, support violence for spurring change, according to a PBS News/NPR/Marist poll. That’s a perilous path.
And before taking up political commentary on these political figures, first remember the personal tragedy. These were grotesque acts of violence, with the loss of fellow humans and with enormous blows to their families. That shows respect. And that goes for all victims. The murder rate in the US has been declining the last few years but the fact that there was a reduction from 19,232 killed in 2023 is brutal comfort. Each human being lost is a personal and family tragedy.
Yes, these are dark times. But there is still hope, especially from our children. Halloween provides us with lessons from the younger generation about how to deal with somber news. The children in their sinister costumes in the dark night show a remarkable ability to take the grim side of life seriously but not literally.
They remind us not to forget the dark side of life, but also to have a little fun and enjoy each other’s company. Angry and divided grown-ups could learn a thing or two from the younger set.
Check out the lighthearted crowds at Halloween, with children interacting with all kinds, rich and poor, all races and classes, princesses and zombies. Yes, lots of creepy characters. Who among us as adults would happily rub shoulders with vagabonds and criminals? But kids do. If those fates are not part of your lot in life, consider some empathy — consider sharing fragments of your fortune with those not as fortunate.
That’s not just with money — though it surely helps. Maybe donate to a nonprofit, like the Neighborhood Center, which is dedicated to feeding the hungry and housing the homeless in Volusia County. And pay attention to those who are hurting.
Does that sound like do-gooderism? Well, yes, those are good things to do. But also remember that hurts can lead to anger, confusion, and violence. Listening to people in pain can be a step toward stopping that slide, and that can set up paths to purposeful living, healing, and nonviolence.
Violence is bad. But listening can chip away at its dark stains. You can start by listening to people you disagree with. Then try listening to the victims. And for the advanced course, listen to potential perpetrators. The hurting stops when we start listening to people’s pain.
Cynthia Miller-Idriss of American University’s Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) points out that the best way to gain more security is not just with security forces but with personal support for those who might be veering toward violence. As she puts it, “if you hear someone, help someone.”
Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., talked about forceful nonviolence and suggested wielding the “sword that heals.” The sword is your fight for your cause. Wielding it without violence gets your message across without adding more destruction to the world’s problems. King expressed confidence that, although “the arc of the moral universe is long, … it bends toward justice.”
This Halloween, bring out your fears! And rub shoulders — and minds and hearts — with the kids, all different, many dressed as violent versions of themselves, but all getting along. Enjoy Halloween. Check out the kids at serious play. And see what lessons you find. If you dare.
Professor Emeritus Paul Croce taught History in academic classrooms at Stetson University from 1988 to 2024 and directed the American Studies Program. In retirement, he works to bridge the academic world and public life and advocates for listening across differences.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: OPINION: This Halloween let’s set aside our differences and wield the ‘sword that heals’
Reporting by Paul Croce / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
