If you find yourself thinking that Valentine’s Day has become too commercialized, don’t worry — you are not alone.
Nadine Cichy, a 35-year-old associate professor of Communication at Sinclair Community College, suggests the holiday has become too focused on the gifts we give and receive, as opposed to the love that should be shared.
“Expressing love and affection does not need to cost anything. It can be as simple as doing something for someone, or writing them a love letter. No chocolates necessary, though few people turn them down,” Cichy said.
Gavin Terrell, a 19-year-old Computer Software Development major, feels the holiday has earned too much focus, but as a bachelor, that’s okay with him.
“It’s blown out of proportion quite a bit, yes. And I also think that quite a few people that dislike it, dislike it for kind of silly reasons. They look too much into it. A lot of people call it ‘National Single Awareness Day’ — I call it ‘National Free Candy Eve’ because the next day everything is free almost,” Terrell said.
The statistics would seem to agree with Cichy and Terrell’s opinions about the commercialized side of the holiday.
According to the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, in 2011 Valentine’s Day accumulated $13.19 billion in revenue. As for the average consumer, they purchase $113.11 worth of merchandise, with cards accounting for 52.1 percent of all Valentine’s Day purchases.
With the immense amount of money that is dedicated to celebrating Feb. 14, is it fair to think that the holiday has lost some sight of what some would consider its traditional meaning, which is the celebration of love?
Cichy still feels the holiday holds on to its values of adoration, while also noting that a person’s religious values can be a factor.
“I think how you feel about this issue depends on your religious affiliation. It was originally celebrated as the Feast of Saint Valentine. I think the modern interpretation, a day dedicated to love, serves the purpose pretty well. On the other hand, confusing love and money can be a dangerous thing,” Cichy said.
Expectations for the holiday
can be influential
Jessica Lawson, Communication instructor at Sinclair suggests that a person’s expectations for Valentine’s Day can play a major role in the way they communicate.
“If it’s a day you like and you’re in a relationship and your expectations have been met, then you likely are in a better mood, more patient with people, kinder to strangers, generous with friends and just a joy to be around,” Lawson said. On the other hand, Lawson suggests that if Valentine’s Day is a day you despise, whether it be because you are single, feel isolated by those engaging in public displays of affection or just disappointed that your expectations were not met, it will likely influence your communication. She refers to those with the negative attitude towards Valentine’s Day to be “snappy and short.”
“It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy of what this day has to offer,” Lawson said.
Differences in generation
Some may expect the generation gap to show in how we celebrate Valentine’s Day, but students at Sinclair, no matter the age, have shown similarities when it comes to manners and giving gifts.
Liberal Arts major Roberta Knodle, who is over 55, believes that manners and respect are vital.
“Manners, respect and self-respect are essential,” she said.
A 40-year-old man who has been married for 15 years, still believes in chivalry.
“Chivalry — the man’s got to take the initiative and make the plans and cater honestly to the female,” Michael Spencer, Cyber Investigation major said.
Cristel Gonzalez, a 20-year-old Computer Information Systems major feels the same way.
“I want to be V.I.P. because it is very traditional. It’s what I am used to,” she said.
However, some may feel that everyday should be treated like it’s Valentine’s Day.
“Every day should absolutely have a touch of that special day. Valentine’s Day is just supposed to be [when] you do a little extra,” Max Johnson, 22, Business Administration major said.