There was an interesting piece on NPR yesterday about Halloween. I'm probably not going to do a great job at paraphrasing, but the author said that Halloween was about de-mystifying the supernatural and horrific. It's about the afterlife and scary things that kill us. Think about it - a vampire is a supernatural creature that drains people's blood. But when you see a six year old dressed up as the monster from the movie Alien, it just doesn't quite have the same effect. I noticed something similar when I was watching the movie "Shaun of the Dead". It was a zombie movie with a comedy twist to it. When main characters died in really horrific fashions, like having their stomach's ripped out - it just didn't quite hit home in the same manner. So here we are in the fall, which is sort of a death symbol anyway, potentially contemplating colder temperatures and shorter days, and other death-like elements - and we have this holiday that makes it a game. Takes the sting out of it. Australia only recently started celebrating Halloween due to global media. They are south of the equator so obviously the tie in to autumn wouldn't make any sense.

Here's a quiz result that should come as no surprise to anyone.

So, Zombies are attacking... how do you handle it? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Jerk >.< Play along God, you self-righteous ass! This is a game for the zombie lovers.. Why ruin it?!?! Jerk >.< Play along 100% ....Loser.. I guess you can't adapt 67% You'll die.. But not by THEIR hands, Damn It!!!!! 67% You'll make it on your own 33% A group's the best way to go! 0%