ComiCentric Issue 95: Backhanded compliments & Front handed insults.
Valentine’s Day, once rooted in the noble traditions of a Christian martyr, a date set aside for timely courtly love and heartfelt expressions, has metamorphosed into a commercialized manifestation of backhanded compliments and front-handed insults.
Initially celebrated with genuine tokens of affection and heartfelt gestures, the holiday has devolved into a marketplace frenzy of commercially produced cards and enforced gift giving, often masking insincere sentiments behind the mask veil of consumerism.
“Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to meet vulnerable women — It’s scumbag Christmas!” – Frank
While once a day for honoring love and relationships, Valentine’s Day now in contradiction teeters on the edge of superficiality, with expressions of affection often overshadowed by societal pressures and commercial interests.
Despite its noble origins, the holiday’s evolution reflects a widespread societal shift towards performative motions and materialistic displays, which highlights the complexities of modern-day romance and the commodity of emotions.
Perhaps that’s why the next logical evolution of the holiday. Is to be renamed, Scumbag Christmas and it will be synonyms with half off candies and fighting couples at Ikea.