The witch hat has long been a symbol associated with witches, magic, and the supernatural. It is a tall, pointed hat usually made of black fabric with a wide brim. While it may seem like a harmless costume accessory, the witch hat has been a subject of controversy and debate. One of the main concerns surrounding the witch hat is its association with witchcraft and the negative stereotypes that accompany it. Witchcraft has a long history of being persecuted and misunderstood, and the witch hat is often seen as a symbol of this discrimination. Some argue that using the witch hat as a costume trivializes and mocks the experiences of those who have faced persecution for practicing witchcraft.
SS Central America: the curse of a treasure
In 2018, California’s Long Beach Convention Center held an auction of the SS Central America’s treasure: 45 bars, 3,100 gold coins and more than 36 kilograms of gold dust, worth an estimated $500 million, are presented to numismatists who came from all over the world to acquire the cursed treasure. In reality, it is only a part from the sinking of the Central America found in the 2010s, as the overall treasure is much larger. Let’s take a look at its story.
Some argue that using the witch hat as a costume trivializes and mocks the experiences of those who have faced persecution for practicing witchcraft. On the other hand, there are those who argue that the witch hat is merely a fictional representation and should not be taken so seriously. They believe that it is just a part of Halloween tradition and has no real impact on the perception of witchcraft.
The sinking of the SS Central America
The gold transited from California to Panama. On September 3, 1857, the SS Central America left the port of Colon in Panama to sail to New York. It carried 477 passengers, 101 crew members and a load of gold bars and coins, mostly from the California gold rush.
According to Gary Kinder, the author of Ship of Gold, the exact makeup of the gold shipment remained unknown for a long time, as the San Francisco archives had burned down. However, a U.S. Defense document declassified in 1971 reports that the SS Central America contained 11.2 tons of gold, not including the gold brought back by passengers.
Central America treasureAfter a stopover in Havana, the Central America sailed along the U.S. coast, but was caught in a violent storm off the coast of South Carolina on September 11. The sails were torn and the bow took on water. When the boiler stopped, hope disappeared and the men knew they were doomed. However, Captain Herndon hoisted the Stars & Stripes flag upside down as a distress signal. The next day, a rescue was attempted by a boat, but the weather was too bad. A few lifeboats were thrown into the water and 153 passengers managed to disembark. The SS Central America sank at 8 p.m. on 12 September. 425 people perished. The gold sank to the bottom of the ocean.
The news of the disaster quickly spread. The treasure of the Central America was, of course, mentioned. The loss of the SS Central America aggravated the financial hysteria around the New York banks. Rumors circulated, some evoking the curse of the gold, looted from the natives.
To them, the witch hat is nothing more than a fun and spooky accessory. However, it is important to recognize that symbols can carry different meanings for different people. The witch hat may hold deep significance for those who identify as witches or practice witchcraft as a religion. For them, seeing the hat used as a costume may be hurtful and offensive. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the witch hat raises questions about cultural appropriation, respect for religious beliefs, and the power of symbols. It is an issue that highlights the importance of being mindful and sensitive to the diverse perspectives and experiences of others. In conclusion, the witch hat may seem like a harmless accessory, but its association with witchcraft and negative stereotypes has stirred controversy and debate. While some argue that it is just a part of Halloween tradition, others believe that it trivializes and mocks the experiences of those who have faced persecution for practicing witchcraft. The controversy surrounding the witch hat underlines the need for cultural sensitivity and respect for differing viewpoints..
Reviews for "Witch Hats and Gothic Subculture: Embracing the Mystical and Macabre"
1. Sarah - 2/5
I was really looking forward to reading "Controversial issue witch hat" after hearing all the hype surrounding it. However, I was sorely disappointed. The book lacked depth and failed to fully explore the complex issues it tried to tackle. The characters felt one-dimensional and their reactions to the controversial issues were underdeveloped. Additionally, the writing style was choppy and made it difficult for me to engage with the story. Overall, I found "Controversial issue witch hat" to be a letdown and I would not recommend it.
2. Mark - 3/5
I had mixed feelings about "Controversial issue witch hat". While the concept was interesting, I felt that the execution fell flat. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The plot twists also felt forced and not properly foreshadowed. I struggled to connect with the main character and found their actions unrealistic at times. However, I did appreciate the author's attempt to tackle a controversial issue and bring it to light. Overall, "Controversial issue witch hat" had potential, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
3. Emily - 2/5
"Controversial issue witch hat" had an intriguing premise, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The writing was filled with clichés and lacked originality. The characters were shallow and their motivations felt contrived. I also found the dialogue to be unnatural and stilted. The attempts to address the controversial issue felt superficial and didn't provide any meaningful insight. Overall, "Controversial issue witch hat" left me feeling unsatisfied and uninterested in exploring the author's other works. I would not recommend this book.