Epic Beard Man
Bearded Philosopher
I know some of you do not reside in the United States so my critique on this matter is not necessarily focusing on the celebratory event of Valentine's Day, rather, the discussion is meant to focus on the perpetuation of gender stereotypes in our society. After spending roughly $150 on my girlfriend yesterday for Valentine's day not to mention being bombarded with endless commercials of jewelry commercials proclaiming that the value of my love depends on the cut of a diamond got me thinking. Valentine's Day in the U.S. is not only a time where so-called lovers spend a ridiculous amount of money on gifts to demonstrate appreciation (something that ought to be done everyday) but what is interesting to me is that men and women continue to perpetuate the stereotypes unconsciously.
For example my girlfriend thought to commemorate our first Valentine's day together we ought to have breakfast together. Now, I would've love just having breakfast without the idea of having Valentine's Day behind it. Although philosophically I'm against materialism in relation of demonstrating devotion, but I find myself subconsciously following it because I've become conditioned to celebrating it. Like Valentine's Day, weddings is another day I believe has influenced gender roles. Weddings in the United States largely celebrated with the Bride being displayed on a pedestal, long flowing gown, decorative while walking down the aisle as the "man gives another man his prize" in the father gives the husband. Funnily, even progressive liberals a group I belong to, some are very staunch on the fluidity of gender roles and being against social inequality, are some of the most staunch proponents of gender stereotypes and gender roles.
Many often celebrate Valentine's day hoping to get nice gifts and the nice rock that costs an arm and a leg because as some has once put it to me, "it's a man's job." Aside from the fact that the United States is a materialist society, we have not become that much progressive if we continue to perpetuate the idea that a woman's happiness comes from materials like jewelry and diamonds. I wonder why we continue as a supposed progressive society continue to advocate equality and gender fluidity on one hand but continue to promote gender roles and social inequality on the other?
For example my girlfriend thought to commemorate our first Valentine's day together we ought to have breakfast together. Now, I would've love just having breakfast without the idea of having Valentine's Day behind it. Although philosophically I'm against materialism in relation of demonstrating devotion, but I find myself subconsciously following it because I've become conditioned to celebrating it. Like Valentine's Day, weddings is another day I believe has influenced gender roles. Weddings in the United States largely celebrated with the Bride being displayed on a pedestal, long flowing gown, decorative while walking down the aisle as the "man gives another man his prize" in the father gives the husband. Funnily, even progressive liberals a group I belong to, some are very staunch on the fluidity of gender roles and being against social inequality, are some of the most staunch proponents of gender stereotypes and gender roles.
Many often celebrate Valentine's day hoping to get nice gifts and the nice rock that costs an arm and a leg because as some has once put it to me, "it's a man's job." Aside from the fact that the United States is a materialist society, we have not become that much progressive if we continue to perpetuate the idea that a woman's happiness comes from materials like jewelry and diamonds. I wonder why we continue as a supposed progressive society continue to advocate equality and gender fluidity on one hand but continue to promote gender roles and social inequality on the other?