I hear about accidents and incidents.
A few years ago it was the stabbings. People would be in crowded streets and suddenly be stabbed. In the crowds, it is easy for some evil person to hide a knife, use it and get away undetected.
This year rape warnings are being posted. I'm not there to see what the warnings say, but I have the impression from news sources that the warnings contain general good advice for persons to follow to avoid rape. Things like, stay with your friends and avoid dark areas.
There is a lot of drinking and drug abuse associated with "partying" and Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the ultimate party. Both drinking and drug abuse can turn perfectly nice people into people you'd rather not be around. The thought of being with drunken people whom I don't know scares me. Its the unpredictability of it all. We know how are close friends react to alcohol or drugs and can prepare for that. (Geri is going to get mean. Lou will get too friendly.) But being with thousands of people whose behavior I cannot predict is something I just can't "handle."
Moral/Religious Inclinations
I suspect that the first "Fat Tuesday" was just a day to eat a lot before the beginning of Lent. I can accept that. But Mardi Gras has developed into something beyond its religious roots.
For example, the tradition of wearing masks began with the idea that you can misbehave - say things and do things that you not normally not do - without being recognized. As a parent, a teacher and a Christian, I just don't buy that. You can wear all the masks you want - you can wear a burka - but wrong is still wrong. You just can't pick a day or a week and say that all wrongs committed during that time are O.K.
The celebrations of today are horrible excesses of consumption and spending. Lent is a time to remember the sufferings of Jesus and to join them. Mardi Gras has become a crucifixion of Jesus and all that he taught. There is no way to justify a day of ignoring the Ten Commandments and chruch teachings. To me Mardi Gras revelers are shouting to the Lord, "We don't care about your teachings. We love our creature comforts and fun much more."
Conclusion
I just don't care to be a part of Mardi Gras celebrations. And I truly wish that others would reconsider their actions during this time. Is the Mardi Gras celebration of today, something you really want to participate in? Does it fit into your values? Or are you just going along with the crowd?
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