Ah, Valentine’s Day, the annual festival of love and capitalism, where heart-shaped confections and overpriced greeting cards fly off the shelves at warp speed. But wait, it seems the cultural wrecking ball has decided to take aim at Cupid’s big day. The holiday that’s become famous for its ability to pressure every last heterosexual couple into dinner reservations is viewed by some as the latest casualty in a broader cultural discourse on heteronormativity.
Behold the modern feminist warrior, decked out with fluorescent hair and an ever-so-bold agenda, ready to question anything that seems remotely normal or traditional. And what better target than Valentine’s Day with its celebration of love between—a man and a woman? For these individuals, the mere existence of traditional couple narratives might be seen as something to be re-evaluated in light of contemporary understanding of gender and sexuality. Some use terms like “cultural Marxism” and “heteronormativity” to discuss these changes in society.
Though the presence of certain critiques might seem to be pervasive, there’s no substantial evidence to suggest widespread university-led movements against Valentine’s Day. Similarly, while speculative, the notion of schools canceling the holiday to avoid misunderstandings has not been documented reliably. The concept of addressing antiquated gender norms through awareness and conversation, rather than strict cancellation, seems to be the approach taken in most academic environments.
Interestingly, a fictional portrayal of an endeavor to normalize sex work is posited as part of contemporary cultural shifts. However, such an assertion isn’t directly tied to Valentine’s Day practices and not grounded in the evidence currently available.
So this Valentine’s Day, whether serenading your sweetheart or simply enjoying the traditions associated with it, it’s an opportunity to engage in cultural discourse and celebrate love in its many forms.
