Since this is my first blog posting about gender, I thought what better way to start it off than talking about Valentine's Day? Ever since starting class, I have noticed so many things that involve gender that I never thought about before. Yesterday for Valentine's Day, my sorority sold pink carnations on campus as a fundraiser for our philanthropy. Instead of doing what I was supposed to (which was trying to sell them to people) I decided to observe the people that bought them. My sisters really only approached guys walking through campus, using phrases such as "wouldn't your valentine love a flower?" or "don't you have someone special you want to give this to?" It was funny to me that they only approached guys walking through, but if you think about it, men are the ones who are expected to give women gifts on this day and it would be considered odd if a woman bought a man some flowers. It would also be considered not normal if a man bought flowers or a valentine's day card for his best guy friend, whereas this would be completely acceptable if a woman did it.
I found this article online that discusses a different norm...in Japan. Women in Japan are supposed to buy chocolates and gifts for men, whether it's their boss or significant other. I found this interesting, and refreshing because I think it would definitely take a lot of pressure off of the men to spend so much money. And this trend has been happening since 1950...so maybe there's hope for America that things could change.
Japan Doing Things Differently
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I agree, holidays are marketed towards certain types of people to make money. Men for valentines day are supposed to spend money on women. Women in Japan are supposed to spend money on men. When it all comes down to those selling these products are making the products and these people are sucked into buying them. I defiently think holidays have became very superficial.
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