HALLOWEEN STORY IDEAS FROM BALL STATE UNIVERSITY EXPERTS
Ball State University experts are available to provide information and background on a variety of issues. Story ideas include:
HALLOWEEN NOW A NATIONAL MARDI GRAS: More than 50 million Americans are expected to participate in Halloween this year. Consumers are expected to spend nearly $5 billion to make it the nation's second largest retail holiday. Adults have transformed the ghoulish night into a major party with nearly one-third expected to wear costumes. For more information, contact James Lowry, retail-marketing analyst, at [email protected] or (765) 285-5180.
PARENTS SHOULD ADDRESS CHILDREN'S FEARS: For some youngsters, Halloween can be a scary evening filled with unimaginable terrors. Parents should take a few moments to discuss the holiday's traditions, making it less scary and more fun, says Theresa Kruzcek, counseling psychology professor and child-play therapy expert. Contact her at [email protected] or (765) 285-8049.
HOLIDAY OFTEN GIVES PEOPLE REASONS FOR VIOLENCE: Halloween may give some people "permission" to assault minorities or the elderly. Police report Amish residents and their property are more often targets of violence during late October than any other time of year, says Bryan Byers, criminal justice professor. Contact him at [email protected] or (765) 285-1530.
HALLOWEEN MAY BE TRACED BACK THOUSANDS OF YEARS: The Greeks, Druids and Celts may have originated many of today's Halloween traditions. The holiday traces its roots back several thousand years with various cultures embracing and changing it, says Fred Suppe, history professor. Contact him at [email protected] or (765) 285-8783.
TELEVISION, CABLE READY FOR HALLOWEEN MARATHON: Frankenstein, Dracula and the Wolfman will make their annual appearances throughout late October when television and cable systems try to scare up viewers, says Wes Gehring, a telecommunications professor. Contact him at [email protected] or (765) 285-1495.
(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more stories and information, visit www.bsu.edu/news on the World Wide Web.)
Marc Ransford9/18/01
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