Ryan ChartrandSt. Valentine’s Day, typically associated with chocolates and Cupid’s ill-aimed arrows, originated circa A.D. 270 when a Christian priest by the name of Valentine defied the current Roman emperor’s anti-marriage edict by marrying lovers in secret. Valentine was caught, imprisoned, and sentenced to death.
Valentine’s message of true love has been somewhat warped today by commercialism, which suggests that love is best expressed via materialistic means: gifts, flowers, candy. Instead of buying into a Hallmark approach of Valentine’s Day this year, I have another suggestion for you:Don’t!
Instead, I propose that we launch a SPREAD THE LOVE campaign. There is no formal organization behind this idea – just a spark of goodwill. There are terrible things going on the world: disease, poverty, starvation and warfare to name a few. But we can do something about them, if we move our focus from local to a global one on this Valentine’s Day and all others. Let’s try it.
Let me make it clear that I am not denouncing the exchange of gifts between friends and loved ones to observe Valentine’s Day. I think that it’s important to nurture the relationships we have with people we know and foster ties with those we don’t. Little presents and cards are good ways to make that special someone feel cherished (although a nice shoulder massage would probably do just as well as a teddy bear). But I also think that this generation, which possesses great affluence and influence, could put its energies toward a higher goal.
I am one person. But I believe that I can help change the world – and I believe that you can too.
This year, I challenge every reader to send a global valentine. It won’t take much time or money, but each effort can make an amazing difference. There are so many ways to spread the love, and so many organizations which would be more than willing to help you do it.
World Vision is a great one if you’d like to avoid clich‚d bouquets or expensive dinners – what could be a more original gift than an education for a Kenyan child, a goat for a family in Haiti, or a month’s worth of meals for a little girl in Sudan? It’s amazing how affordable these gifts are, and how satisfying the purchase.
If you want to buy something for your friends or significant other, do it! The Invisible Children Store sells bracelets, T-shirts, and the eye-opening documentary itself; proceeds benefit children in Uganda. If you’d like to give your girlfriend or boyfriend something beautiful to wear, Bead for Life sells extraordinary and exotic handmade jewelry – purchases help to eradicate poverty in Africa. Gap’s current project, (PRODUCT) RED, is a great way to fight AIDS-plus, red is classically recognized as the color of passion.
If roses mean romance to you, Organic Bouquet is an eco-friendly online florist certified by Veriflora as sustainably grown (it also sells “charitable bouquets” which support organizations such as the American Red Cross).
Should your sugar prefer some sweet treats for Valentine’s Day, make sure they’re fair trade certified. Theo Chocolate offers chocolatey goodness and a clear conscience.
For my part, I’m thinking of spreading the love by sending a llama to Darfur, with a note that reads, “From Your Valentine.”
Inness Pryor
English freshman