Harrison Hates Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day is the worst holiday of the year. It is discriminatory and an opportunity for companies to exploit young couples.
First, I cannot tolerate Valentine’s Day because it is exclusive. Anyone can participate in most non-religious holidays. Anyone can wear green for St. Patrick's Day, light fireworks for the Fourth of July, and dress up for Halloween. But February 14th is reserved for a select group of people: those with “that special someone.” For others, Valentine’s Day is a cruel reminder of their being single and unloved, whether they be emotionally unavailable, freshly dumped, or pathetically unattractive.
For example, sponsored Valentine’s Day festivities, including discounted “Couples Skates” at ice rinks and “Couples Eat 50% Off” deals at restaurants discriminate against bachelors and bachelorettes who cannot change their situation. Those without partners skate alone and pay full price for their meals on February 14th, while happy couples receive special privileges.
I would still tolerate the holiday if it weren’t so aggressively advertised. Starting as early as Christmas, department and grocery stores roll out Valentine’s Day products, looking to rake in as much revenue as possible. It's impossible to shop without seeing gaudy pink hearts in every aisle.
Valentine’s Day hype also bombards the media. In February, cringey Hallmark movies creep onto my Hulu “Recommended” page. DIY Valentine's Day card ideas flood “For You” pages on Tiktok.
Finally, people who celebrate the holiday are exploited by companies who want consumers to believe that February 14th is the only day on which they can buy gifts or schedule romantic excursions for their loved ones.
On Valentine's Day, retailers and restaurants will amass an estimated $20 billion dollars in the U.S. only, including $1.5 billion in estimated earnings for greeting card giants such as Hallmark. Despite already high demand, corporations inflate their prices to generate astronomical profits. Lovers who spend so much money on Valentine’s Day could have made better use of their precious cash by treating their loved ones throughout the year
Each of the 364 days in the calendar year that aren’t Valentine’s Day are arguably more appropriate for Valentine’s Day festivities than the 14th itself. For example, the weather is nicer in the Spring, Summer, and Fall than it is in February. Popular Valentine’s Day flowers, such as roses, lilies, and tulips, are cheaper in the Spring and Summer months, when they typically bloom on large farms.
If you plan on celebrating, I won’t judge you. However, you are participating in a holiday that intentionally or not hurts poor, unloved souls and exploits consumers through the crass commercialization of love.
