11 Facts You Should Know about Halloween

The U.S. is a society of consumers, and an economy based primarily on consumer spending, so its no surprise that Halloween is celebrated in  consumerist ways. Lets take a look at some interesting facts about Halloween consumption and consider what they mean from a sociological perspective. Fast Facts About Halloween 171 million Americans — more than half the entire national population — celebrated Halloween in 2016.Halloween is the nations third favorite holiday, but the second favorite for those between the ages of 18-34. It is  less popular with older folks, and more popular among women than men,  according to a 2011 Harris Interactive poll.Not just for kids,  Halloween is an important holiday for adults too. Nearly half the adult population will dress in costume for the occasion.Total U.S. spending for Halloween 2019 was expected to reach 8.8 billion dollars — a decade ago, that figure was just $4.8 billion.The average person will spend about $83 celebrating Halloween.About a third of all adults will throw or attend a Halloween party.One in five adults will visit a haunted house.Sixteen percent will dress their pets in costume.Costume choices among adults differ by age bracket. Among millennials, Batman characters take the number one spot, followed by a witch, anima l, Marvel or DC superhero, and vampire. The number one costume among older adults is a witch, followed by pirate, political costume, vampire, and then Batman character.Action and superhero characters are often the top choice for children, followed by princess, animal, Batman character, and Star Wars character.Pumpkin wins the top spot for pets, followed by hot dog, bumblebee, lion, Star Wars character, and devil. Halloweens Importance in American Culture So, what does all this mean, sociologically speaking? Halloween is clearly a very important holiday in the U.S. We can see this is not only the patterns in participation and spending  but in what people do to celebrate the holiday. Early sociologist Émile Durkheim observed that rituals are occasions upon which people in a culture or society come together to reaffirm their values, beliefs, and morals. By participating in rituals together, we activate and reaffirm our collective conscience — the sum of those beliefs and ideas we share in common,  that take on a life and force of their own due to their collective nature. In celebration of Halloween, those rituals include dressing in costume, trick-or-treating, throwing and attending costume parties, decorating homes,  and going to haunted houses. This raises the question of what values, beliefs, and morals are reaffirmed through our mass participation in these rituals. Halloween costumes in the U.S. have evolved away from the holidays social origins as taunts and mocking of death, and toward popular culture. Sure, witch is a popular costume for women, and zombies and vampires are also in the top ten, but the variations tend to lean more toward sexy than scary or evocative of death. So, it would be false to conclude that the rituals affirm the values and beliefs of Christianity and Paganism. They point instead to  the importance placed on having fun and being  sexy in our society. But, what also stands out is the consumerist nature of the holiday and the rituals. The primary thing we do to celebrate Halloween is buy stuff. Yes, we go out and get together and have fun, but none of that happens without first shopping and spending money — a collective 8.8 billion dollars. Halloween, like other consumerist holidays (Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter, Fathers Day and Mothers Day), is an occasion upon which we reaffirm the importance of consuming in order to fit in with the norms of society. Thinking back to Mikhail Bakhtins description of medieval Carnivale in Europe as a release valve for the tensions that arise in a highly stratified society, we could also surmise that Halloween serves a similar function in the U.S. today. Currently, economic inequality and poverty are at their greatest in the nations history. We are faced with an incessant onslaught of terrible news about global climate change, war, violence, discrimination and injustice,  and disease. In the midst of this, Halloween presents an attractive opportunity to take off our own identity, put on another, shake off our cares and concerns, and exist as someone else for an evening or two. Ironically, we may be further exacerbating the problems we face in the process, by perpetuating the hypersexualization of women and racism via costume, and  by handing our hard-earned money over to already wealthy corporations that exploit laborers and the environment to bring all the Halloween goods to us. But we sure have fun doing it.

Article Analysis of The Evolution of Slavery in Colonial...

The Evolution of Slavery In the essay The Evolution of Slavery in Colonial America, author Jon Butler examines the growth of the slave practice in the land which would become the United States. As the European nations began exploring North America, they overtook the native populations of the areas and turned them into unpaid laborers. However, these people were not enough to supply landholders with sufficient aid. To make up the necessary numbers, plantation owners utilized indentured servants and then a number of slaves imported from Africa. Indentured servants were people who would be taken from the Old World to the New in order to start a new life. However, since they would not have the necessary funds to pay for their transportation, their journey would be funded by either a manufacturer or a plantation owner and their debt would be paid off by working for their benefactor. Slaves were not given this opportunity. These were people who were taken from their homes and families and forced into labor by threat of violence or death. This practice did not begin in the United States, but America was still allowing slavery well into the 19th century, long after other nations had come to the conclusion that slavery was inhumane and brutal. In his article, Butler points to the first expansion of slavery into the British colonies during the 1700s. Before that time, the number of slaves in British colonies was actually very limited. He argues that the reason for thisShow MoreRelatedWhite Servitude and the Growth of Black Slavery in Colonial America987 Words   |  4 PagesJournal Article Review White Servitude and the Growth of Black Slavery in Colonial America Dr. West History 7A Martin Valdez January 24, 2011 From â€Å"The Journal of Economical History†, Vol. 41, No. 1, author David W. Galenson provides a nine-page article published in March 1981 entitled â€Å"White Servitude and the Growth of Black Slavery† which I thoroughly read and will present my own analysis. In a unique approach author David Galenson examines the transition of servants to slavesRead MoreEssay on Africans in Colonial Mexico5451 Words   |  22 PagesAfricans in Colonial Mexico The history of Africans in Mexico is an oft-neglected facet of the cultural complexities of that country. In 1519, Hernando Cortes brought 6 African slaves with him to Mexico; these individuals served the conquest as personal servants, carriers, and laborers.[1] In the years to come, slavery would become a critical component of the colonial economy with approximately 2,000 slaves arriving each year 1580-1650; it is estimated that a total of 200,000 Africans wereRead MoreAmerican Revolution and Study Guide Essay example5377 Words   |  22 PagesChapter 2 Study Guide Questions â€Å"The Planting of English America† 1. Discuss English treatment of the Irish and its consequence (10pts) 2. What lessons do you think English colonists learned from their early Jamestown experience? Focus on matters of fulfilling expectations, financial support, leadership skills, and relations with the Indians. What specific developments illustrate that the English living in the plantation colonies tried to apply these lessons? (25 pts) 2. Compare and contrastRead MoreRace in America2248 Words   |  9 Pages When Europeans arrived in the America, they encountered people whom they had never before seen. The natives were viewed as savage and uncivilized, regardless of their well-established culture and presence. As the colonies formed and Africans began their slave-bound voyages to America, many colonists perceived them as inferior. Eurocentrism allowed for a foundation on which the race concept was built and flourished. As research shows, there is only one species of human beings, Homo sapiens. Read MoreDominican Republic and Haiti Share and Island, History, and Culture2870 Words   |  12 Pagesinfluence the present-day relationship between both nations and how it is depicted by the media in the Dominican Republic. The relationship between the Dominican Republic and Haiti is defined by Anti-Haitianismo, â€Å"an ideology legacy of racist Spanish colonial mentality, nineteenth-century racial theories and twentieth-century cultural neoracism into a web of anti-Haitian attitudes, racial stereotypes, and historical distortions† (Tavernier, 8). Anti-Haitianismo is not only directed towards Haitian migrantsRead MoreModern Democracy Essay2092 Words   |  9 Pagestimes have demonstrated that the evolution of democracy coincides with the evolution of humanity. This parallel growth is due to the fact that democracy is inherently malleable, which allows it to be altered to best serve the needs of the people. A level of guaranteed individual freedom which was not necessary in antiquity is now required by humanity because of changes in progressive social views, technology, and the division of labor. For example, the abolition of slavery has had a measurable affectRead More Promoting and Protecting Minority Rights Essay2310 Words   |  10 Pagesregarding the minority group’s rights is the institution of slavery. In the beginning of the United States government, slavery was simply referred to as a â€Å"price of a union† by some northerners. There was barely even a question to abolish slavery completely from the states already allowing them legally. This was to avoid the possibility of strife with the potential to split up the union. The majority didn’t favor the complete abolishment of slavery in all states. This was due to the known economic backlashRead MoreThe Great Writ of Liberty1762 Words   |  8 Pagesmembers have cordially interpreted cases of questionable detention and the legality of doing so. It is truly unfortunate when individuals are tossed into confinement illegally with no help and/or the promise of their restorative freedoms (ACLU, 2014). Evolution of Habeas Corpus Habeas Corpus or the â€Å"Great Writ† is widely considered to the preemptive cornerstone our human civil liberties within the United States jurisdiction as it is deeply rooted within common laws of social ordinance. Habeas corpus wasRead MorePatriotism and People Who Commit Acts of Civil Disobedience Essay2107 Words   |  9 Pagesfree nation of rights. Definition of Civil Disobedience Taking the two components of the term separately, ‘civil’ refers to matters involving the populace or citizens while ‘disobedience’ refers to breaches of the law (Brownlee). This brief analysis hardly does the term justice, however, for its political, individual, and social implications. The political philosopher John Rawls defined it as â€Å"a public, non-violent and conscientious breach of law undertaken with the aim of bringing about a changeRead MoreAmerican Dream Essay3358 Words   |  14 PagesTHE AMERICAN DREAM THE AMERICAN DREAM Section #1 a. The impact cultures in North America have on the United States is that each region adapted the traditions and/or beliefs of those who settled in that area by maintaining dance, music, and crafts. Many English settlers did not respect the Native American cultures, and were seen as uncivilized and/or savages. Basically there was a clash of cultures, with new ideas pushing away old ways and mayor cultures oppressing others. b. Immigration

Chechnya A War That Can free essay sample

Chechenia: A War That Can # 8217 ; t Be Essay, Research Paper Chechenia: A War that can t be won. History of the independent Chechnya continues on as a bloodsheding struggle that merely can t look to stop. In the summer of 1991, the universe learned that some slackly defined portion of the Checheno-Ingushetia had seceded from RSFSR and the USSR and proclaimed itself an independent province called the Chechen Republic. During the following 10 following old ages the state of affairs in the democracy remained complicated and tense. A 1994-96 war between Russia and Chechnya proved to be lay waste toing to the democracies societal, economical and political construction. Though basking it s de facto independency the democracy was overrun by warlords and their packs that divided the land in between themselves and fought with each other for power. A snatch trade proved to be honoring as many members of human-centered organisations and other aliens were abducted for ransom. We will write a custom essay sample on Chechnya A War That Can or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The authorities of Aslan Maskhadov, the freshly elected president, was either involved in the condemnable activities itself or was unable to make anything about it. In August 1999, Chechen combatants led by outstanding field commanding officers Shamil Basayev and Jordanian born Khattab crossed into neighbouring Dagestan in order to make an a Muslim province. Repelled by the Russian Armed Forces, the Rebels retreated back in to Chechnya and waited for a Russian invasion that shortly followed. The Russian Federation sent in military personnels in order to penalize the Chechens for a dare assault and besides to destruct the bases of international terrorists that turned the district of Chechnya into safe oasis for felons and kidnapers. The run was labeled as counter terrorist operation and had the support of the bulk of the Russian populace. It was besides a political move by a freshly appointed president, Vladimir Putin, to derive support for his presidential run. With it s military high quality, Russia captured most of Chechnya once more, puting up pro-Moscow authoritiess in local towns and small towns, but the Rebels continue their battle with lo w strength conflicts and riddance s of Chechen functionaries that are loyal to Moscow s government. Today, the brigands are utilizing the tactics of corruption warfare, puting ambuscades on the paths of military convoys and utilizing mines and other explosive devices. The Rebels have a wealth of experience in such operations, because foreign specializers and teachers have trained them. There were two developing cantonments in Chechnya: in Serzhen Yurt and Urus Martan. Fifteen dozenss of explosives were prepared at that place, and five dozenss of this sum was used. Chechnya is non merely a hot topographic point on the map of Russia ; it is an epicentre of international terrorist act and Islamic extremism in the state. It should be remembered that the Chechen war is financed from different including foreign, beginnings, which supply the Rebels non merely with money, but besides with arms and soldier of fortunes. The money is used for enrolling new members, for infiltrating power constructions, and for a elaborate survey and analysis of the military-geographic, socio-political and eco nomical state of affairss in the CIS states with the intent of be aftering subsequent enlargement, including military. The terrorists are besides utilizing internal resources for keeping their combat ability. Known foreign aid comes from the states of Middle East, Baltic States, Poland and Britain. In current winter conditions, despite the snow, the base on ballss are still negotiable and the combatants continue efforts to make the Russo-Georgian boundary line across the Chechen stretch. The debut of the visa government in dealingss with Geor Armed Islamic Group is assisting stabilise the state of affairs on the boundary line of the two states. A peaceable life in war-worn democracy can non be full filled without the aid of local occupants, who have grown sick of eternal wars. The society of Chechnya is split into two cantonments, kins that want peace are largely in the Beloi and Alleroi small towns, which prohibited it s immature people to fall in the illegal armed formations, and soldier of fortunes and local so called warlords to whom war means net income. For illustration, if non for the aid of local well-respected seniors, the federal forces would hold non entered Achkhoi-Martan, northern districts and Chechnyan s 2nd biggest metropolis Gudermes, without a individual shooting. In 1996, the Chechen Rebels answered Russian efforts to sideline them in the mountains with blitz foraies against metropoliss in neighbouring Dagestan and Russia itself. The guerilla subsequently managed to take back parts of their capital Grozny, and Moscow, recognizing the high political and economic costs of keeping on to Chechnya, merely withdrew. To avoid the repetition of those unfortunate 1996 events, federal forces will hold to guard against Chechen motion through the democracy a effort impossible without inhibitory actions against all civilian population. Russian soldiers invariably detain Chechen work forces of contending age into so called filtration cantonments, which are said to be known for awful life conditions, anguish and executings during 1994-96 war. Moscow plans to permanently station 15,000 military personnels in the democracy after the war ends. Currently Russia has approximately 90,000 military personnels in the part, harmonizing to Kremlin s spokesman, Sergei Yastrezembski. Prosecuting the Chechen combatants in the mountains could turn out every bit hard. The terrain makes the usage of heavy weapon and armour about impossible, taking the chief advantage Russia has against a skilled guerilla force of lightly armed Rebels. If the Russian military wants to prosecute the Rebels on pes, it will hold to perpetrate a significant figure of forces and be prepared to digest high casualties. In the nineteenth century, Russian run against modern-day North Caucasus Rebel Imam Shamil some 500,000 military personnels were needed to set down a twenty-year rebellion. The technological progress the Russians enjoy over the Rebels today removes the demand for so many military personnels, but some of the advantages will be lost in the mountains. In an indicant that the armed forces may direct a force into the mountains, Moscow is directing a 3,500 paratrooper elect regiment trained in close combat and endurance accomplishments to the cragged part. Besides trade name new sop histicated assault choppers KA-50 Black Shark, and KA-52 Alligator are to see action against the combatants, but as NATO learned in Kosovo, even the most sophisticated engineerings are comparatively impotent against a skilled enemy. Whether Moscow likes or non, merely a political understanding between the two sides will convey this current struggle to an terminal. Russia argues that all the field commanding officers must give up and confront the charges of mutiny, engagement in illegal armed formations and war offenses against their people before it will get down any sort of dialogues. But ironically, they say that there is no 1 in Chechnya that hasn Ts covered themselves in blood whom they can keep negotiations with and with that determination Moscow is in for a long period of low strength combat. With the casualties lifting every twenty-four hours, it s a affair of clip before the public sentiment and the female parents of dead military mans will coerce the current leading of the Kremlin to come to a some sort of political understanding with the rebellious democracies leading.

Comparison between the two movies free essay sample

The two movies of Romeo Juliet made according to the play of Shakespeare are very, very different from one another. Although some similarities occur but both are very different. The old one, released In 1968 by sufferable Is pretty long and follows the whole drama properly through out the movie. On the other hand the new one released in 1 996 by Alular is much quicker, lines are cut and more action is placed into It. I think this Is the case because the newer one Is made for the modern audience and teenagers Like us, who of course, dont Like long speeches cause we dont have much patience.Now lets get little specific here. Take for example the scene where the letter gets lost near the end of the movie, over here both the movies focus on the part that Romeo never gets the letter by showing us that he misses it by a nick of time. In the movie directed by Alular, Romeo misses the letter by Blathers (one of his servants he comes and gives Romeo the news that Juliet Is dead the fact that he has seen her in her tomb with his own naked eyes. Then Romeo is shown leaving in Balusters car, whereas the letterman remains unable to deliver the letter from the priest.In the old one the same technique is applied but its more into old style, that horses are used instead of cars. Not much music, action music or sad. So by this example we can see that the newer version is much quicker, more action and good. Therefore the newer one is better. Another solid example would be the death scene In both of the movie. In the old one, the death scene Is showed pretty long, It follows the book completely Its not much interesting to see, we need a lot of patience to watch It.First Romeo enters the tomb here Juliet Lies unconscious, he sees Juliet dead, then gives a really long speech and kills himself, and then the priest comes up and sees this event and by then Juliet Is directed to get up. Then Juliet gets up and sees Romeo dead, she refuses to go with him (the priest) and a speech is given then they show Juliet kill herself by suicide with the help of a dagger. This scene isnt that interesting in here, also it is very long. Whereas in the newer version by Alular, this is constructed and directed very differently. Lines are cut in the play, and the scene is very suspenseful.While Romeo is loving Juliet and kissing her. Her hands are moving and shes waking up! It is pretty suspenseful especially if you havent read the Romeo drama before you hardly can have a bit of clue of what will happen next. Is Juliet going to wake up, are they going live happily ever after or are they both going die! Also in both movies, equipment Is used differently. In Sufferable, horses and dagger are shown unlike In Alular cars and guns are more popular. Newer one seems more interesting to watch. And thats the one I enjoyed watching the most.