Tradition is without a doubt one of the cornerstones of culture. Here, we share space with not only our multi-national brethren, but also with their values and customs. We also adhere ourselves to the mantra that we are all created equal, but do so knowing that every individual is unique. Thus, in our noble efforts to form a community based on valuing its differences, rather than its similarities, we invest ourselves in this dream, practicing acceptance regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, ability and opinion. To this dream we aspire, for that one day those that come after us may stand on our shoulders and dream to reach heights we could never imagine.
However, our hopes are at times hindered by ignorance and misunderstanding. Here in Madison, an annual hurdle we face together is our somewhat reputable Halloween celebration. In the midst of our letting go of midterm stress and the fall routine, there rests an unanswered call of action from within our community to our community. It is found in every costume that hurts one of us, not in physical anguish, but in mental frustration. It is manifested in every stereotypical and offensive costume to be donned during our celebration of Halloween, and the cost of its proliferation is the alienation of community members by our peers.
Please understand, this is not a declaration of how offensive we find Halloween to be, nor is this an attack on tradition here in the United States. It is a cry for respect and understanding within our community of the individuals we all are, and how we are better united than divided in attempting to reach our aspirations for a better tomorrow.
We hope that everyone enjoys what Halloween holds in store for us this year, and we wish that everyone acts responsibly as well as carefully. With this being said, Happy Halloween, Madison.
