Shoppers see Halloween props in malls as too scary, poll finds
Halloween decorations are meant to be scary, but some Hong Kong shopping malls have gone over the top this year, according to a survey.
Nearly half the respondents rated the gruesome decorations including witches, ghosts and even fake human organs as 'very disgusting' - and more than 80 per cent said they would rather see no scary displays at all.
A mental health expert said such displays could affect the mental well-being of children and people already depressed by the financial turmoil.
But mall operators say they are just trying to create a festive atmosphere.
Christian charity Media Evangelism Ltd collected opinions online from about 600 office workers, civil servants, students, housewives and retirees.
The respondents selected the display at Grand Century Place in Mong Kok - featuring a ghost house in the shape of a giant coffin next to the entrance, with fake human organs displayed inside - as most disgusting.
Langham Place in Mong Kok was ranked second on the list of nine 'scary' malls, followed by EMax in Kowloon Bay, Tuen Mun Town Plaza, Arcade at Cyberport and APM mall in Kwun Tong.
A school leader and a mental health expert said the decorations could affect the mental health of children.
Leticia Lau, president of the federation of parent-teacher associations of Yau Tsim and Mong Kok, blamed the shopping centres for promoting a 'death' and 'killing' culture.
Clinical psychologist Johnny Chan Kwok-ping of the Hong Kong Psychological Practice said children and adolescents may be vulnerable to the terrifying props.
'They may have nightmares or become oversuspicious,' he said.
Mr Chan added the decorations might trigger more negative emotions for those already depressed.
A spokesman of the Grand Century Place said it had decorated the mall simply to mark Halloween, a very popular festival in Hong Kong.
A spokeswoman for EMax also said it wanted to create a festive atmosphere.
