Valentine's Day a fad or fashion?

Valentine's Day a fad or fashion?

Have you ever enjoyed being exploited by capitalism on a holiday created by companies that feed on women's insecurities. Read on...

Consumerism and capitalism have left no stone unturned in turning even festivals and holidays, a fad. Where, as part of media, we see a rise in ad revenue generation, other corporations forecast and aim at minting riches, exploiting occasions like Valentine's Day and trapping the poor consumer in the vortex of capitalism. The outcome: most people, like me, face a dilemma that the female kind associates with love, relationships and of course the expression of et al.
Valentine's Day, in our part of the world has become more of a fad than fashion, with the left and the centre-left urban populace vying to keep up with the Joneses and finding just another reason to become slave to the capitalistic mindset of the Western world. Lo and behold, I am not going to rant about what Valentine's Day has now turned to become, having passed the evolutionary phase of 20th century capitalism, but my cynical opinion was more of a product of what I often experience when trying to satiate the demands of this date, pun intended.
Coming back to where I started, with the commencement of the second month we are treated with a barrage of advertisements, left, right and centre, be it of chocolates, gift items, or the most dreaded, telcos (no offence telecommunication companies), that it becomes almost impossible to forget what's nearing, much to the relief of the love-struck souls. The fad has outgrown so much over the last decade that its influence has spilled even on the crevices of the most ignorant social class. I mean, even balloon-walas and phool-walas raise prices of their respective products to such awful figures, that one is left wondering whether buying the stuff is a good idea or leaving it much to the chagrin of cynical souls like me – double-minded about pleasing their better halves or pleasing their pockets – a dilemma indeed.
A hop down the shopping lane, and not Port Grande, would take you to a world of wondrous gift items, exorbitantly priced and temptingly displayed. Shopping malls are bathed in red and white as a nod to the popular culture, and stores exhibit related paraphernalia on their windows. From personal experience, I can safely assume that shopping for a Valentine's Day gift for the fairer gender is a surprisingly easy task; all you have to know is your range, because surely, of the hundred or so items on display at any gift store, or even a shopping mall for that matter, almost ninety-percent are meant for the ladies. And irrespective of whether you pick a gift item of practical value or a sentimental one, it'll almost always come down to be accepted lovingly, without any qualms about what or how it is – you know it's the thought that counts, and not the practical use of it. I mean what would anyone do with a dancing-couple-in-a-crystal-ball-with-fake-snowflakes, sentimental value my dear readers, and nothing else. But on the flip side, men, who are often emotionally restrained and at times pretentious about their emotional side, accept a practical present with open arms, which brings me to the dilemma that women face when they are on a hunt to pick up spoils for their men. Every year, I am asked by most of my female friends what they should buy for their hubbies and boyfriends. While I usually give them practical advice, I end up wondering what a stressful scenario this stupid date has put couples with. It is probably the only time of the year I think that singles are better off as singles – stress free, and enjoying their solitude by indulging themselves with the likes of their own. It's high time the restaurateur-brigade of Pakistan's urban centers like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, experience the polarity created by this fad, and fill the vacuum by jumping onto the bandwagon and catering the niche of singletons. As is the case with us, restaurants too are party to making big bucks out of it, making sure that romantic music, or serene jazz, is played in the background, and that special gourmet meals are served to live up to the elite and pseudo-westerners' expectations who fidget with high stakes fork and knife.
Amidst all this hoopla, the day comes and goes, and many express the love they have for their partners, in their own small ways, be it buying that ridiculously-priced-red-rose-bud or taking that special someone out for dinner. Whatever the trappings of capitalism are, it is ironic that despite an environ like ours, people still take out the time, and make an effort to live, love and be happy. What continues to intrigue me is the pendulum-ic spectrum of mindsets in our society, coupled with the continued ideological hypocrisy and the selective doctrinal dictatorship of one's beliefs. While few celebrate the day and acknowledge the fact that it's a universally accepted day of love, some continue to remain entangled in the chains of their cultural beliefs, reluctant to move on and move forward. I mean, following the Gregorian calendar is not an option anymore, is it?
In essence, the celebration of the day is in other words a celebration of love, and if for once, we keep the trappings of capitalism aside, we'd realise that expressing love does not need materialistic specimens as warrants, instead it needs expressing emotion in a frequency that only one's partner is privy too. If after reading all this, I come across a miser, hell-bent on proving anti-capitalist sentiments, please be fooled, because I am probably one of the biggest slaves of capitalism and feel that a valentine's day gift should be a mixed plate of necessities and of course the unnecessary. If you on the other hand feel the need to celebrate just for the sake of celebrating, go on, buy a ridiculously-priced-red-rose-bud, and give it to your special someone, for that gesture alone will do wonders for you; for the ladies, I'd suggest that you ask your own mate before going for a shop, while singletons should put All The Single Ladies on their iPods and cherish the perils of single-life, oxymoronic it is. 

The most common Valentine's Day gifts
Looking for romantic gifts to please the woman in your life? Whether you're just dating, engaged, or married, the gifts that provoke the most delight are traditional ones: roses, chocolate, perfume, and jewellery. Select one from the following list, and you're likely to hit the romance trifecta, ensuring amemorable evening.

1. Red Roses
If you want to say on Valentine's Day, 'I love you', nothing expresses that sentiment better than beautiful red roses. To be certain your message comes across clearly, include a love letter thatsays how much she means to you.

2. A Ring That Symbolises A Promise
Bestow a promise ring on your love this Valentine's Day, and it says you're ready to takethe next (small) step in your relationship.

3. Romantic Heart Bracelet
Jewellery items with hearts say 'I love you'. Choose from a variety of metals and a range ofprices available easily in the market.

4. Teddy Bear
One picture perfect teddy bear is something your loved one would love to have. The cuddlylittle thing is best and is not always pricey – and that's a good thing!

5. Diamond Heart Jewellery
If you want to melt a heart, there's nothing like bestowing a jewelled one that is mounted with a diamond... or two... or more. Diamond jewellery sparkles in the light, reminding the wearer of the person who gave it to her each time it scintillates.

6. A Classic Perfume
If you know what her signature fragrance is, you can take it easy buying a romantic gift forher at the eleventh hour.

7. Gemstone Earrings
Small and sparkly, earrings with stones can dazzle. If your budget can't afford diamond earrings, select a pair with pearls or semi-precious stones to dress up her ears. Before you buy, know whether her ears are pierced or not and choose the appropriate pair.