Yesterday KTIS was talking about Valentine’s Day and it got me thinking.
When you think of Valentine’s Day, what are the first 3 words/phrases that come to mind? I believe the 3 most common words would probably be Flowers, Jewelry, and Chocolate. Most Valentine’s Day advertising is about those 3 things (I'm not counting the ads for ED as you hear those year round). So my question to you is whether you think that Valentine’s Day is targeted more towards couples/relationships or towards doing something for the woman?
I personally feel that it is targeted more towards the woman than the relationship. I don't recall seeing a TV commercial where the woman buys the man a new Watch, a Cabella's gift card, or something most guys would be interested in. Instead, it is always the guy doing something for the girl. Doing things for each other is about the relationship, no doubt, but the advertisements almost always seem to be only about the Man doing something for the woman...not the other way around.
Now I will recognize a possibility that the reason the commercials are all about guys doing things is because we need the reminder whereas the woman is more likely to remember. Either way, I will stand by my argument that it is targeted more towards doing something for the woman.
I personally feel that, assuming you are dating/married, Valentine’s Day should be about the relationship and doing something special for each other. It is a time to do something extra special for the loved one in your life. For those who are single, you probably do not enjoy this day quite as much as some. I hope you can find someone you can call your valentine for the day, (niece/nephew, close friend, grandparent, etc) and do something special for them.
Note - I am in no way implying that women don't do anything for Valentine’s Day as I know many of them do. What did you do for Valentine’s Day for that special someone in your life?
6 comments:
Wow, Dustin, this is semi-controversial. What does Wanda think of it?
I don't think she has read this posting yet. I'm sure she will comment after she reads it though.
Keep in mind this is not about what Wanda has or has not done...it is more about how Valentine's Day is protrayed in our society.
hm. i guess i would agree with dustin. listening to the conversations at work it's never about what the girls are doing for their significant others; it's ALWAYS about what THEY are going to get out of it or how upset they are when their guy doesn't do anything.
i don't think it has to be that way but i think it is portrayed as a thing for the girls.
most singles that i have talked to hate the holiday because it reminds them that they are single. i usually forget it's even there until i get to work...
Well now that you know how Dustin feels. I will reply. I believe that Dustin is partly right,and wrong. Yes men need reminders and advertisers think that if they remind you often enough that at the last minute you will buy their product. Yes we like flowers, diamonds, and candy but each woman is different. If you really think about how many times have you as a man just thought oh I will buy my wife something or I will make dinner for her?
We as women (not me) cook, clean, go through labor for you. Valentines day is just like Mother's and Father's day, it is geared for one specific genre. We have the choice to either accept it and follow the crowd or do our own thing. It's your choice.
Personally I perfer that you just spend time with me when your schedule permits.
My view on Valentine’s Day is that the media reflects the way in which the sexes are wired differently. Women like to be cherished and to know that they are worthy of our attention. I on the other hand like to shower love and affection on my wife. Jen didn’t really get anything for me, but her reaction made my effort completely worth it. I didn’t once feel bummed that she didn’t put the same effort in that I did.
So, I don’t have a problem with this particular disparity. What I do have a problem with is the fact that in most areas, our society and the media believes that there is really no difference between women and men and that we should be treated completely as equals. So a woman is worthy of the same honor and respect as a man in the workplace, even though I believe men are wired to need respect more than women.
who said there was anything wrong with how it was portrayed?
Post a Comment