2008 Woodie Awards
The commercialization of love
Don't fall for the Valentine's hype
Salwa Halloway
Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: Valentines
Love is a powerful thing. It's the feeling of being appreciated and appreciating others. It's knowing that someone understands you and selflessly cares for you. In his novel All the Names, the 1998 Nobel Prize winner for literature Jose Saramago, states that a relationship consists of three people - two actual, physical beings and the third is a non-physical combination of the two. Essentially, this creation is when, as Pablo Neruda describes, "I does not exist nor you…your hand on my chest is my hand…your eyes close as I fall asleep."
And what better way to say "You and I share one heart" than with a Hallmark greeting card and a $9.99 stuffed animal from Walgreens? Of course you can symbolize and express your love with flowers that are probably going to die in a few weeks. Since when did love become so commercialized?
Personally, I never understood Valentine's Day. I always thought that love should be expressed every day and not just on February 14th. However, I can appreciate those who need a day dedicated to this great force and emotion. If it's really necessary to have this day, isn't that all the more reason to make it extra special? Why, then, allow big corporations and their spawns, materialism and commercialism, to put across what you can only know and feel? Also, it's not just the cards and the candy and the flowers that ruin Valentine's: it's those movies referred to as 'chick flicks' that dictate what love is. These movies force couples to succumb to a Hollywood-generated idea of the perfect relationship.
This Valentine's Day, I dare you to be different. Instead of picking up a card at Osco, write a letter that truly explains what you feel. Instead of going for that box of chocolates, make a meal together. Or if you don't like to cook, try a new restaurant with an atmosphere that you both can enjoy. Or do an activity that both of you like, such as going to a concert or getting a cup of tea together. I'm sure that's more enjoyable than watching a predictable movie and then agonizing about whether your relationship is good enough.
And what better way to say "You and I share one heart" than with a Hallmark greeting card and a $9.99 stuffed animal from Walgreens? Of course you can symbolize and express your love with flowers that are probably going to die in a few weeks. Since when did love become so commercialized?
Personally, I never understood Valentine's Day. I always thought that love should be expressed every day and not just on February 14th. However, I can appreciate those who need a day dedicated to this great force and emotion. If it's really necessary to have this day, isn't that all the more reason to make it extra special? Why, then, allow big corporations and their spawns, materialism and commercialism, to put across what you can only know and feel? Also, it's not just the cards and the candy and the flowers that ruin Valentine's: it's those movies referred to as 'chick flicks' that dictate what love is. These movies force couples to succumb to a Hollywood-generated idea of the perfect relationship.
This Valentine's Day, I dare you to be different. Instead of picking up a card at Osco, write a letter that truly explains what you feel. Instead of going for that box of chocolates, make a meal together. Or if you don't like to cook, try a new restaurant with an atmosphere that you both can enjoy. Or do an activity that both of you like, such as going to a concert or getting a cup of tea together. I'm sure that's more enjoyable than watching a predictable movie and then agonizing about whether your relationship is good enough.
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