Red or Black?
The Controversial Mystery of Valentine's Day
Tim Bjorgen
Issue date: 2/14/05 Section: Opinion
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Red hearts, little angels with arrows, and love filling the air-that's what Valentine's Day is about, but does everyone appreciate the romantic aroma, or do they cringe at the lovesick stench?
I interviewed some people around campus and asked them a simple question: "What are your thoughts on Valentine's Day? Do you wear red or black?" The ones who enjoy the holiday, like Sara Estrella and Greg Routhier, said, "We're going to wear red, because it's a romantic color. Black is too sad." Many couples look forward to the day, and have special things planned. Some people still enjoy it although they are not dating anyone, like Missy Tennison. "I wear red and pink. Although I don't have a significant other. I think you can have fun with your friends too."
Others don't hate the holiday in particular, but aren't fond of it either. "Ugh! I don't want to even think about Valentine's Day," says a frustrated Emily Chappell. Sara Riddle replies, "I'm not going to wear either. I'm impartial to the day. I guess I'll wear bright orange." Many others share the nonchalant sentiment of this love-struck day.
Then we come to the bunch that utterly detests this romantic holiday. "I'm definitely wearing black. I can't stand Valentine's Day." says Michelle Polynencia. Some even form clubs for the holiday. Grace Natale, Rebecca Walters, and Siobhan Dwyer created a group called the Pinellas County Man-eaters to protest this doting holiday. Dan Thompson speaks his mind on the subject: "I will be wearing black. In my experience the fleeting momentary feelings associated with Valentines Day are not true love. They are only commercial ideas that have been stamped upon February 14th in a shallow attempt to cash in on people's emotions. True love cannot be given or received in a day, but is a continuing process of respect and admiration for the one that God has given to you . . . with which to spend the rest of your life."
So whether you plan to wear all red, or bring out your best black attire, try to keep in mind that you don't need the love of your life to have a fun Valentine's Day. Whether people are going out with that special someone, having a "man-eaters" party, or just hanging out with friends, they will enjoy themselves and Valentine's Day will remain controversial.
I interviewed some people around campus and asked them a simple question: "What are your thoughts on Valentine's Day? Do you wear red or black?" The ones who enjoy the holiday, like Sara Estrella and Greg Routhier, said, "We're going to wear red, because it's a romantic color. Black is too sad." Many couples look forward to the day, and have special things planned. Some people still enjoy it although they are not dating anyone, like Missy Tennison. "I wear red and pink. Although I don't have a significant other. I think you can have fun with your friends too."
Others don't hate the holiday in particular, but aren't fond of it either. "Ugh! I don't want to even think about Valentine's Day," says a frustrated Emily Chappell. Sara Riddle replies, "I'm not going to wear either. I'm impartial to the day. I guess I'll wear bright orange." Many others share the nonchalant sentiment of this love-struck day.
Then we come to the bunch that utterly detests this romantic holiday. "I'm definitely wearing black. I can't stand Valentine's Day." says Michelle Polynencia. Some even form clubs for the holiday. Grace Natale, Rebecca Walters, and Siobhan Dwyer created a group called the Pinellas County Man-eaters to protest this doting holiday. Dan Thompson speaks his mind on the subject: "I will be wearing black. In my experience the fleeting momentary feelings associated with Valentines Day are not true love. They are only commercial ideas that have been stamped upon February 14th in a shallow attempt to cash in on people's emotions. True love cannot be given or received in a day, but is a continuing process of respect and admiration for the one that God has given to you . . . with which to spend the rest of your life."
So whether you plan to wear all red, or bring out your best black attire, try to keep in mind that you don't need the love of your life to have a fun Valentine's Day. Whether people are going out with that special someone, having a "man-eaters" party, or just hanging out with friends, they will enjoy themselves and Valentine's Day will remain controversial.