I’m not too big on Valentine’s Day. I’ve only ever had a few “valentines” in my lifetime and came to the conclusion long ago that no one celebrates this day with more enthusiasm than candy companies, cosmetic representatives and flower shops. Then again, I really can’t stand the anti-Valentine’s day sentiment expressed by those who seem to think that February 14 is the most ideal day to force their misery onto others. Granted, I won’t be out on some hot date, or any date at all this Tuesday, but more importantly, I won’t be one of those indignant folks wearing a hateful face all day for everyone to see, or dressing up in clad black for all to notice my ever adamant protest.
The whole notion of doing such things and campaigning for the so-called “Single’s Awareness Day” is getting ridiculous and serves as further evidence that political correctness is getting out of hand. Some of these protests are truly dim-witted, and the whole idea of protesting Valentine’s Day is pointless and counterproductive.
Let’s just face the facts. Not everyone is going to have a Valentine on February 14, but that doesn’t mean that everyone has to be vicious about the day which calls for a celebration of love. So I suggest expressing affection in a different way, regardless of if you are coupled on the 14th.
To all of you getting your black clothes ready and firing up your DVD players for horror movies, I say to you, instead of making your “protest” known, why not write a letter to your parents, showing them your appreciation? Or your grandparents for supporting you all that way that you have come? Why not call up your brother or sister and ask them how their doing, instead of going out of your way to show some no names how you’re against Valentine’s Day. Call your friends (those that don’t have dates) and go out for the night. Do something productive instead of sulking in misery.
Heck, Valentine’s Day could even be a celebration of religious or political principles and what you believe in. Look at the origin of the Catholic Saint who the day is named after. The legend contends that in ancient Rome, there lived a priest named Valentine who served during the third century. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than other military folk with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Claudius made it clear that his crop of potential soldiers were to be singles. Valentine the priest, realizing the injustice of the political decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young soldiers and their lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Because he stood up for what he believed in, Valentine is one of the most celebrated martyrs in history.
What I’m getting at is that even single people are capable of showing passion and affection on Valentine’s Day, and should celebrate this day in high spirits and not jump on the annual “I hate Valentine’s Day” bandwagon. Valentine’s Day is a day of universal love and affection by people, for people. It is a day to celebrate relationships, family, culture, personal principles, anything really! It should be appreciated by all, not dreaded by anyone.
Some people are going out on dates. Others are going to mope in their melancholy. Does it have to be one of these two options for everyone? No. As for me, I’m going out with my single friends for a drink to celebrate friendship. What’s your plan?
Anthony Maalouf is a senior at WCU majoring in Political Science with a minor in Spanish.