11.04.2003: The Rites of Autumn
One of my favorite fall things has just passed; but so has one of my most despised fall things. But the good fades faster than the vile.
Freedom of speech is often considered to be a two-edged sword; but for the most part things that people may find objectionable are 'freely' expressed in more-or-less private circumstances; or in areas restrivted to certain groups. It only usually becomes an issue when dubious 'speech' is presented in media where people who would rather not see it (or in many cases, would prefer that their children not see it) are exposed to it without being given a choice.
But there is one thing that really annoys me that probably falls under the 'protected speech' category; and it pops up like a weed about this time every year in the US. Worse on even-numbered years, true; and especially prolific on years divisible by 4, but the weeds pop up every year, one way or the other.
If you recognized the cycle you may already know what I'm referring to: that bane of the urban landscape, political campaign yard signs. I don't care whether it's a candidate I'm for or against, or have ever even heard of; but these things are all--without exception--eyesores. At the very least it should be illegal for them to be displayed after the polls close on election day. Today. Right now. But they're still there. The worst part is that if I don't update this rant for a month, the statement will still be true.
One of my favorite fall things which just concluded was Hallowe'en. That statement may surprise some, if you know I am a Christian. Many Christians choose not to celebrate October 31 because the supernatural and demonic often play a large role in the holiday (at least symbolically.) But as much as we Christians complain that Christmas has been taken from us by commercialization; so has commercialization robbed All Hallow's Eve from the pagans.
Perhaps it's the amateur actor in me; but Hallowe'en to me is just a fun time to play a new part for a day; to take on a new character. The more you get into the character, the more fun you have.
It was especially fun this year as it was the first fall in our new neighborhood. The majority of kids in our old neighborhood were of the 'just-come-to-the-door-and-hold-out-the-candy-sack' variety; half of them didn't even dress up. In contrast, at the new house, we got several kids in costume and they all said 'trick or treat!' (Except for a very small tiger, who only managed to get 'ticka teet' out.) A great improvement, in my humble opinion. And I look forward to the next Hallowe'en.
I would say I look forward to Christmas; but the stores started doing that almost two months ago, which just irritates me. I'll look forward to it after Thanksgiving.
It was one of those perfect English autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life. -- P.D. James
