Today is Valentine's Day. Some can think of nothing better while others try not to let it cross their minds. While reading the New York Times today I could not help but be overwhelmed, not only by the array of promotional ads for high-fashion names, but more by the fact that every single ad had to do with buying something for a loved one. Once, Valentine's Day actually meant something to people but now it is just another consumer-driven day, celebrated by card suppliers and chocolate makers.
Don't get me wrong, I like Valentine's Day just as much as the next person but it is hard to get past all of the consumerism to reach the "real" holiday of love and happiness and feelings and friends....
Opening the first page you can see ads for Chanel, Cartier, Gucci, Coach, Mikimoto, Prada, Hogan, Bloomingdales, Tiffany & Co. and Saks. Some are generic ads but most are targeted just for Valentine's Day with free giveaways and deals. Looking further into the NYT there are many more ads for jewelry, fur coats, and perfume. There are a number of full page ads just for this specific day, it is pretty ridiculous. Even though I do enjoy the idea of Valentine's Day, each year it gets worse and is basically just annoying now. Valentine's should be limited to grade school kids to eat candy and cupcakes all day, not to bombard America with more stuff we don't need.
Just for fun: History of Valentine's Day- nice video and fun activities!
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