I'm back to tell an old tale...but in a new way

I know, I know, its been about a year since my last entry. What can I say? I'm not proud of it, but I've been busy. Since my last entry, I have transferred from my community college back home to a small liberal arts college in western Pennsylvania. Since then I've met some new people, had a few adventures and hopefully learned something. Anyway, this blog has never been about me (well, actually its entirely about me since I use it to constantly spout my opinions). Never mind then, I'm just done talking about myself and want to get to my point.

Obviously, even my most ardent five fans must have grown sick of me lambasting Valentine's Day every year. In the past, it is possible that I have depicted Valentine's Day in an unflattering light. Rumors have even escalated that I described the day as a means for neglectful couples to buy themselves out of trouble each year, with retailers more than happy to whore out happy feelings and "love" for the right price. I wouldn't know; I don't actually read what I write.

So in light of my past alleged statements concerning Valentine's Day, it would undoubtedly be inappropriate for me to take this opportunity to once again criticize the pointless, consumerist fest that is February 14th.

"Thank you Chris, I'm glad you're going to come up with an original idea to blog about this time. I mean, your last entry on Valentine's Day was great; it inspired me to lock myself in my room for months with my favorite video game/ ice cream flavor/ vague depressing music/ whatever else kids are into nowadays. Nevertheless, I'm glad you have something new with which to enlighten us."


"That's not going to be nearly enough..."

I'm sorry; I was so close to changing topics, but the retailers make it so easy.
If you must, don't think of this as one of my usual rants against Valentine's Day; rather, think of it as my attempt to tear down all of your hopes and dreams concerning Valentine's Day and the commercialism of romance in general.


"Thats so much better."

And today the false hope I seek to tear down revolves around every girl's dream, the diamond ring. It is the symbol, the ultimate representation of the man's love and commitment to the relationship for as long as they both shall live.

Now, I would never suggest that such a priceless symbol of love and devotion resulted from very powerful and manipulative advertising from a corporate powerhouse, but yeah, that's actually exactly what happened. When diamond sales declined in the US during World War 1, DeBeers, a diamond powerhouse that once controlled 80% of the market, singlehandedly sought to revive the practice of manipulating the common man to purchase shiny rocks.

The goal of this advertising campaign, which was to "inculcate in [men's minds] the idea that diamonds were a gift of love: the larger and finer the diamond, the greater the expression of love," was carried out in a variety of nefarious ways. In order to subconsciously suggest the importance of diamonds in romance, diamond rings were consistently portrayed in the media, in particular through movies. These early attacks on the American subconscious were largely successful, resulting in even bolder advertising attacks following World War 2. The goal of this new campaign, centered around the slogan "a diamond is forever," was to "strengthen the tradition of the diamond engagement ring --to make it a psychological necessity."

That's right, the diamond industry is not satisfied with you considering the purchase of one of their products; it has to a necessity, on the same level as food, sleep, and water. Hmmmm....

Throw in all of the recent stories about "blood diamonds" and the diamond industry's complete apathy to countless human rights violations in foreign countries, and you have a story that all of a sudden doesn't feel so good anymore.


"That's all right; enjoy your symbol of 'love.' You never see me so I clearly don't matter."

Now, I'm not telling my male readers to completely forgo tradition and snub their future spouses. Obviously, one has to be realistic, and I would hate to be responsible for all of those failed relationships. I just point this out so that once again, the world can see the pointless consumerism associated with the diamond industry and a certain pseudo-holiday that may or may not take place on February 14th. I refuse to pretend that February 14th represents a good thing, because I foolishly hold love and relationships to a higher standard. A standard where couples actually appreciate each other year round, and don't need a day to salvage their burning train-wrecks of relationships while simultaneously making everyone else feel less important.

Bet you would never have expected me to make an idealist statement like that, huh?

For more fun and cynicism, check out the following Valentine's Day fun...

http://www.cracked.com/article_19039_the-6-most-cynical-exploitations-romantic-love-in-history.html

http://www.theonion.com/video/annual-valentines-day-stoning-of-happy-couple-held,19117/