Is life too dull? Some schools in the US have banned Halloween celebrations — but there has been a backlash from parents and those who believe that it has beneficial shock value.
Six reasons why being scared is good for us
Is life too dull? Some schools in the US have banned Halloween celebrations - but there has been a backlash from parents and those who believe that it has beneficial shock value.
Sarah's mother looked at the letter in disbelief. Here, just a few weeks before Halloween, was a New JerseyA northeastern US state, close to New York. , USA, official telling parents that it could not be celebrated in local schools. What about all the hours she and her daughter had spent planning a brilliant costume?
The letter said the ban was to promote "diversity, equity and inclusion."1 It said some students did not celebrate Halloween for religious reasons and some could not afford elaborate costumes.
Some parents supported the decision - but many did not. The governorIn the USA, governors are elected leaders of the 50 states. of New Jersey, Philip Murphy, tweeted: "Seriously? We can't let kids celebrate Halloween? Give me a break."
A similar ban was introduced at schools in MichiganA state in the northern USA. in 2021. "We have young children who become overwhelmed and sometimes frightened of the costumes and others who come to school with no costume at all," said the letter to parents.2
But in Northborough, MassachusettsA state in the northeast USA. a ban in 2022 provoked such a backlash that the celebrations have been reinstated this year.3
Halloween has been a major festival in the US since the 19th Century4 and is consequently valued by traditionalists. It is also valued by people who believe there are benefits to being scared:
Saving cavemen Humans would have died out long ago if fear had not taught them to stay away from things that threatened them - particularly in ancient times.
Stimulus plus We all need to be shaken up from time to time to make us think about what is important to us and feel that we are alive.
Fright flight When we are afraid, our bodies release hormonesChemicals created inside living creatures. They are used to send messages from one part of the body to another. and chemicals into the bloodstream which make us think and act faster than usual. This is known as the "fight or flight" response: it helps us either tackle the danger or get as far away from it as possible.
Fright delight Scary experiences make us value the safety of our everyday existence. When we turn off a frightening film and find ourselves back in familiar surroundings, we feel relief and pleasure.
Trepidation confrontation The most difficult things to cope with are the ones you try not to think about. Being scared helps you to confront them and learn to deal with them.
Trepidation inspiration Some great works of literature have been produced by writers dwelling on their inner fears - among them Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
<h5 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper" id="question"><strong>Is life too dull?</strong></h5>
Yes: We fall too easily into routines, so that one day feels much like the next. We value festivals like Halloween so highly because they stimulate us - but they only happen for a few days each year.
No: You only have to read the newspaper headlines to know that life is very exciting indeed, often in a frightening way. If you are lucky enough to live in peace and quiet you should make the most of it.
Or... People's idea of dullness varies enormously. Some consider it boring to take a bus to school every day - but to someone who has only ever walked to school it could be thrilling.
New Jersey - A northeastern US state, close to New York.
Governor - In the USA, governors are elected leaders of the 50 states.
Michigan - A state in the northern USA.
Massachusetts - A state in the northeast USA.
Hormones - Chemicals created inside living creatures. They are used to send messages from one part of the body to another.
Six reasons why being scared is good for us

Glossary
New Jersey - A northeastern US state, close to New York.
Governor - In the USA, governors are elected leaders of the 50 states.
Michigan - A state in the northern USA.
Massachusetts - A state in the northeast USA.
Hormones - Chemicals created inside living creatures. They are used to send messages from one part of the body to another.