Wednesday, May 6, 2009

I love you because Hallmark says so

I deeply resent Hallmark holidays. Maybe it's because I am not a mother or a father or in the first year of a relationship, but based on a basic cost-benefit analysis, I believe Hallmark holidays cause more pain than joy.

Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Valentine's Day do a better job of reminding people of death, loss, and resentment than they do of celebrating loved ones. For those who have lost a parent or lover, or who hate a parent or lover, these invented holidays are like pouring alcohol on an open wound, often treated with alcohol down the throat. 

And for those who are lucky enough to have a parent or lover worth celebrating, these invented holidays are about jacking up the price of brunch menus and spending $4.99 on a folded piece of paper with a message inside that is slightly off in sentiment.

As for Mother's Day, I am lucky enough to have a mom who is worth every penny and moment of celebration. But I try to appreciate her every day - I don't need Hallmark to force me to say I love you, while motherless, oedipus complexed people drown themselves in their sorrows.

Maybe I will feel differently once I am a mom. Maybe I will need one special day that forces my family to spend $40 on eggs and give me a sappy card that rhymes. But for now, I am still a cynical, childless brat who is more concerned with the injustices of the world. Happy Mother's Day!

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