DECEMBER 30th - Because, Loose Morals Y'all



On this day in 1809, Boston put the kibosh on masquerade balls because they promoted free mingling and loose morals. And America in the 19th Century was not all about free mingling and loose morals. More like restricted, segregated mingling and stringent, tight morals. If limited mingling and strict morals are what you’re after then I understand the whole banning of masques. Have you seen Eyes Wide Shut? I haven't but I'm pretty sure the basic premise was that things get freaky when masks are involved. Look at horror movies. The killer is usually wearing a mask. Not sure if stabbing people was what Boston was worried about back in 1809, but it would probably classify as “loose morals.” The whole current issue with people dressed in clown masks? Masks can make people a bit nutter. That anonymity can make people believe they can do whatever they please. Not to completely bag on masks. That liberation can be a good thing too. I can think of a few people who need a bit of a masquerade ball in their lives. Let their hair down, so to speak. Though some masks require hair to be up lest people lose the whole illusion. Not most masques though. The little fancy ones that just cover the eye and nose area and people act like they can’t tell who you are, but they totally can. People can let their hair down in those. Not in 1809 Boston though. Because--loose morals y’all.

This Day has been Marked.

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