By Maureen Inouye
On Feb. 14, 1929, Chicago saw the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre. Seven people were murdered on the street during this Prohibition-era gang fight.
Today, I'm advocating for a Valentine's Day revolution. But this Revolution needn't be bloody. In fact, it won't be violent at all.
For the past two weeks, I've been walking around campus cheerfully anticipating Valentine's Day. I was looking forward to the holiday. I even put a heart around the date, with a pink highlighter, in my planner. I made dinner plans. I bought candy. I considered making valentines for all my friends, just like in grade school.
But everyone around me seems to want to rain on my parade:
"Valentine's Day is too commercial."
"People shouldn't feel obligated to buy stuff to show love."
"There's so much pressure to be romantic."
OK, everyone. I've thought about it. And I agree with you - which means it's time for a change. Hence, the Valentine's Day Revolution.
This revolution will not involve the government. There will be no assassinations. Hell, the guillotine won't even see any heads. But there will be a great change.
(Hold your breath. This is exciting).
LET'S CELEBRATE EVERYONE WE LOVE!
Yes, I know that seems rather ridiculous and childish. But hear me out.
It seems like most people's problems with this holiday revolve around the pressure to be romantically involved with someone, and to buy crap for that person that will be both expensive and meaningful. Well, screw that - that's not fun.
My proposal, therefore, is this: Instead of worrying about being all passionate and whatever, let's all use this day to make sure those around are aware that we love them. Love is the key word, corny as I know that sounds.
We all love our friends and family - not just our significant others. And yes, there's a Mother's Day and Grandparents' Day and Christmas. But is that enough? And what about our friends? Shouldn't we make an effort more than once a year to remind people we love them? The answer is YES, of course we should.
But sometimes we forget. We're all busy, we all have lives, and we all have distractions.
So let's take a step back. Let's take a look at the facts. Valentine's Day isn't as fun as it used to be, when class rules dictated 30 valentines no matter what. Flowers and chocolate are über cliché. We're in college so we're broke anyway and expensive gifts aren't an option. And we've been neglecting the most important relationships in our lives.
Disclaimer: I'm not saying you shouldn't take your girlfriend or boyfriend out for a romantic evening. I'm saying our friends and family deserve to feel special, too.
The change can begin with you. It should begin with you. Just follow a few simple steps.
Don't buy any trite, cheap gifts.
Do call the family members you haven't seen and make them smile.
Do hug all your friends and make sure they know how valuable they are to you.
And remember, Valentine's Day is about love - love for everyone who makes your life more extraordinary, more joyful, more complete.
Now, today, go forth. ¡Viva la Revolución!
Maureen Inouye is a Senior Staff Writer ?for The Beacon
