Yes, it's that time of the year again, the time when a single day is allocated to commemorate the annual repeating of a singular group of actions and behaviours that are favored by the status quo and even more favored by all abiders of capitalism, in particular florists, chocolatiers, gift cardists and condom factory owners: Valentine's Day.
It is worthy to note that Valentine's Day is, in one essence, based on the romanticising of St Valentine of Rome who performed weddings for those forbidden to marry - perhaps, then, love is an act of rebellion, in which its instigators practice careful vigilance by nurturing a concept of human ownership. And this ownership should be showered with gifts to pardon it from being what it is. Either that, or you may take Valentine's Day in the style of Chaucer, who believed that on this day, "euery bryd comyth there to chese his make." Perhaps he is the most right in the acquisition of the meaning of Valentine's Day, as his belief pertains to the beliefs of millions who think they too are mating birds.
When one takes to pondering the very existence of something, it is natural for one to turn to Google, and gently push their mouse far enough to land on Google's yearning search bar. One then would type a search term, and find themselves honing in on one particular hit, and that is said search term's coexisting Wikipedia page. One then investigates this human phenomenon through Wikipedia, so as to elicit a most brief and basic form of meaning, a form of comprehending, somewhat, its existence. This particular one will indeed be one, as this one person sits alone on the eve of this crazed couple's conundrum of a celebration and reviews its very continuance. And it is this one who is cynical about varied things. One cannot blame this one, for I represent this one. And I know I am not alone:
And so this turns me into an inquisitor of sorts, fumbling through technological lands in order to make sense of my reality, similar to the digital expeditions younger people go on wherein they ponder: if I send them this certain photograph of me, will they feel compelled to be attracted to me? Will this image remain for their eyes only? Will they too return an image wherein their appendage is bearing and will I be pleased with this? Of course, the answer is no to all of the above. However these younger people partake in this nonsense regardless, harbouring acts of self-exploitation masked as inquisition in order to feel as though they are a part of 21st century society. My inquisition differs, however, in that rather than being an instigator in this self-explorative mess, I am an observer, as are most people who have asked Google the questions above; the many ones.
As the observer, I am thus also deemed the representer of an inquisitive sort, and as a representer of this one, I am a little alarmed at, before viewing the common search queries related to this day, I came across Google's special celebratory logo, which I think is a terrible misrepresentation of the holiday itself:
Upon closer inspection, I have gathered the following thoughts about the above placed logo:
- Why is the heart so dully colored?
- What does the tissue box represent in this illustration?
- What does the roll of tissue paper represent in this illustration?
- What is the relationship between illustrated tissue box and tissue roll?
- Why is one inanimate object handing another inanimate object an inanimate object?
I then came to the conclusion that Google defines Valentine's Day as a day where two emotionally pained entities can feel better when offered a red box marketed as a human heart (disfigured) to represent love, as said red box contains, upon visiting my mind's database and inferences revolving around said object, many pieces of well-made and well-flavored chocolates. This conclusion then lead me to other questions:
- Why is chocolate being represented as something that makes one feel good when it, in excessive consumption, which is, I must add, meant to be done so by the singular individual who receives this red box, proves detrimental to that one?
- Why does the tissue roll look relieved to be offered said chocolate?
- Could Google be implying that unhealthy eating habits should be encouraged?
Maybe Google's little illustration is inferring that love is manipulation: you are sad, I bought you this, you are now entitled to, on my behalf, feel better, so please eat those chocolates and smile.
I have conjured a better arrangement of Google's visual mise en scène, one that I think better fits:
In my rendition of this arrangement, I have shown the manipulation that Valentine's Day offers all complying customers, wherein the box of chocolates is acting as the sympathiser: here, take something that you will actually use, something that when used will benefit you, as I, a member of the inanimate and overly gifted objects, pity you and your race for choosing to provide me as a token of affection. If you really cared about one another, you would offer each other my friend, the Celery Stick. But make use of Tissue, here, for Tissue is soft and Tissue will embrace Tears and Tissue will attempt to make you look less miserable than you currently do - in all honesty, however, human, I too would be this miserable had I needed to express my affection with inanimate objects on a singular day.
But do not take my cynicism in its entirety; by all means, if you are feeling amorous, go forth and be fruitful in your execution of love. I have felt amorous before. I have known love. I have dwelled in its caves and fallen drunk on its alcohol-infused hormones that danced in my mind and clouded my clarity. I know the importance of pleasing one's lover so as not to loosen the tethering mechanism holding the two in place. However keep in mind that this patronising should occur more frequently than an assigned day. Keep your human happy and purchase severely overpriced luxuries on multiple days.
Or perhaps take the day to treat yourself with the kindness you deserve. Do not wait for another to add validity and essence to your existence. Lather yourself with inanimate objects. Write down reasons as to why you matter. Avoid the costly and harrowing traps that 'love' sets. Be not ensnared. Perhaps it is a good thing that you are free and alone. Perhaps it is as good for your mind as it is your bank account. Perhaps this is the time for you to obtain distinctness in terms of who you are and what you are doing with yourself. Perhaps one is better than two. Do not let capitalism dictate your thoughts. Do not fall into the trap of nurturing a concept of celebrated human ownership. Just let Charles Bukowski explain:
"Love is a fog that burns with the first daylight of reality", source
I align strongly with Bukowski. And so should you. Before you partake in any idea that capitalism sees fit, just think, what would Bukowski say?
For those of you with partners, I commend you. Celebrate your heart's cleansing, but hold tight to your money. I hold the inability to keep a partner as I believe that the only beings who should be caged are those who can break free: I am neither cunning nor manipulative. I am naive, and I am free.
Happy Another-Calender-Day-Wherein-You-Must-Carry-On-Breathing-Either-Alone-Or-Alongside-Someone-Else-But-By-All-Means-Please-Breathe-Longer-By-Not-Purchasing-Exessively-Overpriced-Chocolates-Sold-In-An-Anatomically-Inaccurate-Box Day.
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