A Disrespectful Danvers

    I have not had the privilege of traveling to what was once Salem Village, though from what I can see, it is a fascinating place. Filled with historical and tourist sites, the area booms in the fall season as we near our grandiose celebration of Halloween. As Izzy noted, she was the odd ball out with her lack of costume, and there were added attractions that may not have even been present at the time of the witch trials. Souvenir shops have their shelves lined with witchcraft paraphernalia, companies make thousands off of ghost tours throughout the village, and a larger-than-life-size statue of Samantha from Bewitched looms in the center of a square. All this and more, yet there is only a small monument dedicated to the lives lost during the trials, including those executed, tortured, and neglected in prison. Even their graves remain largely unmarked because of wear and tear of aging without restoration. These lamentable details beg the question, has Danvers lost sight of the message its geographical predecessor provided? 

    This inquiry also makes me wonder if the path of all sites of social atrocities are bound to face similar ends. I think of the Alamo which many people in my generation are unable to describe its actual meaning. Even the World Trade Center monuments in New York: surely they are reverent and solemn now, but who knows what they will become 100-200 years in the future when we have forgotten the significance of the site. If we stop and pause to process the insanity of the events at Salem Village, then I can’t see how anyone would want to celebrate the festivities as if nothing ever happened (like they do). 

    During our discussion, some argued that such behavior is at least a little excusable because the travel does bring attention to the area which could allow for someone to be exposed to the historical aspects. They also argued that it mainly centers enough on the history that the extra stuff “means no harm.” In my personal opinion, I believe that we’re missing the importance of the events and neglecting to give proper respect to the victims. While the current atmosphere in Danvers doesn’t necessarily support or excuse the actions of the accusers or other culpable parties, it does trivialize the experience and suffering of the accused. They are no longer a representative case of the atrocities that can occur in a country which so many praise but now are a spectacle and something to be indulged in for fun. 

    At this point in our society, the Salem Witch Trials are so widely known and sensationalized that it would be difficult to change the dynamic of this tourist town. From what we’ve heard from residents, it certainly isn’t a daily occurrence year round, but the throngs of attraction-seekers do support a solid portion of the town’s economy. I think there would have to be a complete culture change in the way people learn about the hysteria for the perception of Danvers to change as well. I thought our introduction to the social issues within the village was a phenomenal way to educate people on the history, giving a broad and thorough background on the citizens’ thought processes and the tensions building in the larger colony. Overall, I am disappointed in the American culture that has promoted the profit of anything and everything in the country, including the senseless deaths of 25 people. It would better serve as a sociological research study than a trendy souvenir.