Why Does This Urban Legend Remain Popular? Free Essay

The Halloween sadism urban legend remains popular because it offers an insight into societal fears and anxieties, and was amped upon its formation in the early 1970s. Halloween sadists are believed to offer children poisoned candy or those with harmful objects like razor blades, sewing needles, and pieces of glass inside. The urban legend alleges that several children have died and numerous more injured or ailed after eating the Halloween candies. Children’s safety is paramount to parents and society in general thus sadism is considered a serious threat that demands action. Being that Halloween is celebrated annually, each year the urban legend is revived thus it maintains its popularity. Besides, although Halloween sadism has been linked with few real-life incidences it has been greatly exaggerated. In the early 1970s when Halloween sadism was considered a serious threat it created social tension that the press began to report it, legislatures passed laws against it and people began to spread the urban legend. Over time this resulted in a nationwide spread of the urban legend and up to date when the Halloween holiday approaches people warn children of the possible threat and urge parents to watch over their children during the celebration. Thus the urban legend remains popular because it touches a sensitive issue in society and it’s continuously overstated.

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How has this urban legend been adapted for a modern age and a modern audience?

The Halloween sadism urban legend has undergone variations to match modern social lives and is circulated through modern means of communication, mainly social media. In the past, Halloween sadists contaminated children’s treats like fruits and candy. In the modern age, however, the urban legend has evolved to fit modern lifestyles. For instance, among the health crises affecting youth is vaping and since it’s a health menace to many youths, sadists may drug-pace Halloween candies. This urban legend has also adopted modern means of communication. In the 1970s and 1980s, it was passed among people by word of the mouth and through the press. The modern age is characterized by advances in technology and communication has been made easier and more effective-reaches more people within a shorter time. This urban legend is nowadays transmitted via the internet especially on social media platforms, for instance, towards the end of October several people post on social media reminding parents to watch over their children because of Halloween sadism. Therefore, Halloween sadism has been adapted for a modern age by basing its threats on modern lifestyles and is transmitted via modern means of communication.

How is it still able to remain popular over 40 years later?

Halloween sadism has remained popular for over 40 years because it is spread throughout the country and it became part of the culture. Upon its formation in the 1970s-80s, this urban legend spread slowly but over a long period. During this period it was spotlighted by the press, legislators, and schools, which taught children to take precautions during the Halloween holiday. This sudden attention and coverage by the media built tension in society as people shared the information for safety. As a result of its sudden popularization, Halloween sadism was transmitted throughout the country and it is revisited and transmitted further every Halloween holiday since then. This integrated it with our culture thus remains popular hitherto.