It’s one of the more curious traditions in these parts to be sure, but it continues because it has yet to cross that proverbial line in the sand.
I’m referring to Hell Night, a booze-fueled ritual where Grade 12 students party all night to kick off their last year of high school. This year’s version featured acts of vandalism that cost the city and school district about five grand to clean up, a tab that doesn’t factor in any damage inflicted on private property.
I’m in no way trying to defend the vandalism, but I liken the teenage idiocy of Hell Night to other coming-of-age rituals, things like team initiations, fraternity pledging or even grad night boozing, all of which have either been toned down considerably or disappeared entirely due to tragic consequences in many jurisdictions.
Hell Night hasn’t received that kind of pushback primarily because it hasn’t created that type of carnage, not even close. If it wasn’t for the occasional spray painted building or knocked over fence (and I’ve had to repair boards out front of my house the next day), many wouldn’t even know it exists.
From talking to teens and police over the years, there appears to be a certain understanding that as long as things don’t get out of hand – no open liquor, vandalism or disturbing the peace – then kids can go about their business.
I recognize that if you crack down on the vandalism, you’re indirectly endorsing the idea of several hundred kids in varying stages of inebriation wandering around town in the middle of the night, so partial intervention is a slippery slope. But if Hell Night got to the point where the worst thing that happens is that some kid falls asleep in math class the next day, then it’s easier for everyone – parents, educators, police -- to live with it.
From someone who thinks he’s pulled an all-nighter if he makes it to the 11 o’clock news, I find Hell Night a rather foreign concept, but if I can remember all the way back to my 17-year-old self, I’m pretty sure I’d think it was a not-to-be-missed outing. And I’m certain I wouldn’t want a bunch of I-know-best adults to ruin my fun.
As long as they’re not hurting anyone, or anything, I’m going to refrain from joining in any hand wringing.
