Love ♥ and Consumerism $
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, love is in the air. Yes, Valentine’s Day is around the corner. For many of you, it is a time of year in which you become grouchy. You may ask why this article is being written 2.5 weeks ahead of the actual date of St. Valentine. But have you noticed the shelves in your local CVS, Target, Walmart, and most stores? Love has been in the air for businesses for 2 weeks now.
Now, whether it’s indulging in rich sweet chocolates or taking your girlfriend out on a date - you spend money. Valentine’s Day brings something special to the US economy. As a matter of fact, every holiday does. An invisible hand tells us we have to go out and accept that this is a “special day” and therefore must look for the box of Lindt chocolate, or listen to the very popular “Every kiss begins with Kay” jewelry store jingle, scrambling for the best gift to give to your loved one.
Of course, at the end of the day it’s a great way to circulate money and get the economy moving. However, when it comes down to the personal level, you are spending YOUR money on a day you feel REQUIRED to. I’m not going to suggest that everyday should be “the most romantic day of the year” for you, but why not make your own Valentine’s Day based on your budget, rather than insisting to suffice a socially accepted gift on a government-accepted holiday. But no, we want to impress our partner with a lavish gift. After all isn’t that what love is all about?
Andres Vargas (CAS 2015)
Andres Vargas submitted this to 