2008 Woodie Awards
Valentine's Day:
Who's it really for?
Angela Purcaro
Issue date: 2/7/07 Section: Student Life
Valentine's Day. As those two words escaped my lips, I got the expected looks of disgust from all the students I interviewed about this topic. What I wanted to know was who this holiday is really for.
I think we have all heard the age-old tale of it being a day for lovers since before time could be documented. But is that sappy story still valid in this day and age? Does cupid really play favorites and only let the love birds have all the fun? Or can we all end the day with a decorated paper bag full of valentines and candy like we used to in elementary school? The responses I received on campus to these questions were quite surprising.
Some students went directly for the commercialized route, saying that Valentine's Day is a holiday fueled by big business and advertisements that boast a perfect love that doesn't exist.
"It's for the man. It's totally commercial with the slight outside chance of making someone feel good," said Julia Hooten, junior.
Another common response to Valentine's Day here on campus is that it is simply a day to share with your significant other. "It is obviously a day for people who are in love," said Tim Gliebe, junior. Most students felt that because it is a day for relationships, it either becomes a painful reminder of a love lost and yet to be found or just another day that doesn't deserve a second thought.
Quite a few of the female students, however, feel that Valentine's Day can be shared with friends. A majority of the ladies interviewed see this holiday as a great opportunity to come together and celebrate the day with a night out on the town with their best girlfriends in tow.
"Last year my friends and I got all dressed up in red and pink and went out to dinner and a movie for a girls night out," said Katie Sullivan, junior.
But the most unexpected and most popular response to Valentine's Day here at SSU was that it is a day for everyone to share in.
"Valentine's Day is for everyone. It's a friendly reminder that love exists, whether it be through a relationship, friendship or family. I am one of the few guys that like this holiday," said Jeff Presnall, junior.
The consensus around campus is that Valentine's Day is a day that everyone can take part in, whether you are celebrating a long happy relationship, a new exciting love, a clean slate or just letting the people in your life who matter know how much you care.
I think we have all heard the age-old tale of it being a day for lovers since before time could be documented. But is that sappy story still valid in this day and age? Does cupid really play favorites and only let the love birds have all the fun? Or can we all end the day with a decorated paper bag full of valentines and candy like we used to in elementary school? The responses I received on campus to these questions were quite surprising.
Some students went directly for the commercialized route, saying that Valentine's Day is a holiday fueled by big business and advertisements that boast a perfect love that doesn't exist.
"It's for the man. It's totally commercial with the slight outside chance of making someone feel good," said Julia Hooten, junior.
Another common response to Valentine's Day here on campus is that it is simply a day to share with your significant other. "It is obviously a day for people who are in love," said Tim Gliebe, junior. Most students felt that because it is a day for relationships, it either becomes a painful reminder of a love lost and yet to be found or just another day that doesn't deserve a second thought.
Quite a few of the female students, however, feel that Valentine's Day can be shared with friends. A majority of the ladies interviewed see this holiday as a great opportunity to come together and celebrate the day with a night out on the town with their best girlfriends in tow.
"Last year my friends and I got all dressed up in red and pink and went out to dinner and a movie for a girls night out," said Katie Sullivan, junior.
But the most unexpected and most popular response to Valentine's Day here at SSU was that it is a day for everyone to share in.
"Valentine's Day is for everyone. It's a friendly reminder that love exists, whether it be through a relationship, friendship or family. I am one of the few guys that like this holiday," said Jeff Presnall, junior.
The consensus around campus is that Valentine's Day is a day that everyone can take part in, whether you are celebrating a long happy relationship, a new exciting love, a clean slate or just letting the people in your life who matter know how much you care.