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Has Valentine’s Day
Become Too Commercialized?
By Arson Soulnier
Staff Writer
Valentine’s Day is an annual
holiday observed on February 14,
in which lovers traditionally
exchange affectionate messages
and gifts. Some students feel it is
the most romantic day while oth
ers in the AUC said it is only a
means for profit. Clark Atlanta
University students were recently
asked if they felt the holiday had
become too commercialiad.
Every year, a billion Valentine’s
Day cards are sold in the United
States, according to Karry Craig,
assistant manager of Hallmark
Cards and Gift Shop in Ansley
Mall. Craig said the sales are
only second to the Christmas sea
son, “because Christmas is a two-
week season as a opposed to the
one-week before Valentine’s Day.
If it were longer it would proba
bly equal or surpass Christmas,”
said Craig.
A representative for a major
chocalate retailer in Atlanta said
sales increase 50 to 70 percent
during the Valentine’s season.
Valentine’s treats have pro
gressed from simple paper cut-out
hearts to high-priced confections.
Godiva, a candy store located in
Lenox Square Mall, sells choco
lates ranging from three to five-
hundred dollars.
“Valentine’s Day has got to be
the most unromantic day that
mankind has ever devised. Where
is the romance if you expect
flowers, candy, etc. I think the
little surprises throughout the year
are what really counts,” said CAU
senior Kimoji Brown.
Junior, Delia Welch disagreed.
“I think Valentine’s Day is a spe
cial holiday in the sense that it
gives couples and loved ones an
incentive to do romantic and lov
ing things they normally would
not do.”
According to Albert Maslia,
president of Social Expressions, a
chain of greeting card stores, the
holiday has become slightly com
mercialized, but “it’s the
American way.”
Maslia said Valentine’s Day
provides many people with the
opportunity to express themselves
in a loving manner.
Freshman Paula Myers does not
share the same sentiment. “I
remember a time when
Valentine’s Day was a day to
exchange gifts of love, now it is a
day of exchanging profits in the
pursuit of the almighty dollar,”
she said.
According to sophomore
Amanda Miller, holidays are just
not what they used to be. “I
believe Valentine’s Day is just an
excuse, like other holidays, to cel
ebrate something that should be
exemplified throughout the year.”
For some, Valentine’s Day is a
day that symbolizes loneliness
and isolation. “It’s only romantic
if you have a boyfriend or girl
friend,” said freshman Tina
Cardosa.
A junior, who wished to remain
anonymous, agreed, “To me,
‘cupid day’ represents to people
like mysel, who has no significant
other, loneliness and displace
ment.”
However, other singles felt the
holiday is just as important,
“Even though I do not have a
boyfriend, Valentine’s Day gives
me the opportunity to show my
family and friends how much I
love them.” said junior Michelle
Reed.
Hot Gifts For Your Valentine
By Tarsha Burton
Features Assistant
Still looking for that special gift for Valentines
Day? Never fear The Panther is here to offer a few
suggestions.
Don’t worry about waiting till the last minute,
your companion will never know if you use a little
imagination. Remember it’s not the gift, but the
thought that counts.
If your companion is the conventional type you
may be better off purchasing the traditional red rose
to symbolize your love. Throw in a fluffy teddy
bear and they’ll know your not afraid to show your
sensitive side.
If you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner and
can’t afford to go out try cooking dinner for your
mate and serving it by candlelight. I can guarantee
it’ll be better than any meal a restaurant would
serve.
One particular item that’s hot for both male and
female is silk boxer shorts. They’re comfortable
and can be purchased for about $20 or 30 in any
department store.
If money, or lack of, is a problem, head on over
to the Body Shop, in Lenox Square Mall. Here
you’ll be able to purchase something for about ten
or fifteen dollars that will please both they’re sense
of smell and touch. They offer a wide variety of
scented soaps, perfumes, body lotions and oils,
shampoos and conditioners, as well as natural
sponges and other bathing accessories. Combine
this with a sultry body massage and your’re in for a
very romantic evening!
One way to please your mate is to create a fanta
A Few Gift Ideas
•Red Rose
Creative
•Teddy Bear
Ideas
•Cooking Dinner
Recite
Favorite
•Silk Boxer Shorts
Love Poem
• Perfume/Cologne
Candle light
Dinner
• Candy
• Jewelry
Glamor
Shots Photo
sy in which your mate can dress you up in the type
of clothes they would secretly like to see you wear.
It is a fun way to spend the evening and will proba
bly please both parties, and it is a break from the
heart shaped box of candy. Add a little romance to
it by reciting verses from your favorite poem to
each other. Men don’t be afraid to show you can be
sensitive!
Another hot idea for the Valentines day is jewel
ry. Nothin’ says lovin’ like diamonds, they last for
ever. So if your still puzzled over what to get your
sweetheart for Valentines day just hit the malls. All
it takes is a little imagination to show your appreci
ation.
Do You Know
Your
Valentine History?
Compiled by Arson Soulnier
Valentine’s Day is derived from an execution of
a Christian martyr, Saint Valentine on February
14, .270. According to legend, the Saint sent the
blind daughter of his jailer a farewell note, which
he signed “from your Valentine” thus began the
tradition of valentine's day.
Valentines were first produced commercially in
the United States in the 1840’s by their creator
Esther A. Howland. In the first year sales were
$15,000.
The greeting card industry in the United States
now prints millions of valentines each year;
which are usually in verse and tender in nature,
but sometimes comic and even vulgar.
Top 10 Things
To Do
For Your Valentine
1. Share a list of 100 reasons
why you love them.
2. Read poetry to each other.
3. Take your honey on a picnic
by candlelight
4. Give your love an intimate
massage.
5. Lip sync love songs to each
other.
6. Make your sweetie a heart-
shaped cookie cake.
7. Give your partner some sexy
lingerie (red of course.)
8. Go on a carriage ride together.
9. Make your darling a home
made Valentine (with your
own special message.)
10. Say I love you (if you never do)