Experiencing Halloween and the 2024 presidential election at the same time was interesting, to say the least. At first, signs and decorations screamed Halloween. A combination of fun and spooky decorations for your yard or porch will make any drive around the neighborhood a memorable one. I loved watching this all unfold. One family added skeletons to their Halloween decorations almost every day. There were skeletons mowing the lawn, hanging from the roof, climbing into the garage, and sitting at a table on the lawn having a drink. I chuckled, but it didn’t last long. As Election Day quickly approached, political billboards began to proliferate.
Seeing skeletons mixed in with President Trump and Harris flags is more than surprising. When you drive past a yard sign featuring a presidential candidate nestled among scary-looking pumpkins, you don’t know whether to laugh or cringe. You must wonder what it’s like to have one neighbor holding a Trump sign next to an inflatable devil and another holding a Harris flag among fake headstones. The word “divisive” doesn’t even begin to describe the effect such a strange combination has on the community as a whole.
It’s a strange story, but on my way home recently, I saw a big sign at a sex shop that said, “Trumps can work shifts here, too,” and I couldn’t help but laugh twice. I never paid much attention to the store, but the owner made sure the sign was clearly visible for everyone. I’m glad I wasn’t driving, or I would have crashed the car. I asked the store clerk, “What were you thinking?” Apparently this was just a Halloween joke. “It’s funny, it’s not political. It’s like serving fries at McDonald’s.”
So far, Halloween humor has been limited to attempts to scare people, including Boo at the Zoo, Creepy Skate, Haunted Market, Grave Digger’s Ball, and Devil’s Night, despite political headlines. exceeds. But as the Halloween spirit fades, the fear caused by events such as the Madison Square Garden campaign event outweighs attempts at humor and heartwarming holiday fun.
Emotions behind the scenes are intense. Many people remain silent. But the fear is palpable. I have relatives who are quietly considering moving to another country depending on the outcome of the election. They say little about it for fear of backlash. Other family members also stopped posting on their social network pages for the same reason. They secretly share their fears with me and seek comfort from me. And it’s not just families who do this.
A medical technician asked me to speak to him privately. He closed the door behind him and started bouncing off the wall. “What is this country going to do? How is it going to deal with the chaos that is expected after the election?” An old friend asked me the same question over the phone and asked me to keep it confidential. Then a department store clerk took me aside and whispered these questions in my ear before shaking my head and turning away.
I’m honored that people share their feelings with me. I wish I had answers to their questions that would ease their minds. But if there is any answer, it will not escape me, as it has for many others. That’s why I say, “You are not alone.”
It’s a troubling time that seems chaotic for all of us. I hope it’s true that the most creative place in the universe is on the edge of chaos. Perhaps we can come together and create solutions, find comfort, and begin to rebuild our future. Spend time thinking creatively about what happens next. And please share what comes to mind. we are listening!
Contact Deborah Levine, author, trainer/coach, and editor of American Diversity Report, at Deborah@AmericanDiversityReport.com.
