The romanticization of Commodities

The romanticization of commodities has caused our society to become more materialistic in search for “Love”. Some species of animals, including man, offer gifts and incentives for a potential mate to chose them. The problem is that in our society that’s driven by consumers, stratification of love has occurred. Popular culture, movies, T.V. shows have created ...a false model of what love should be. Their depictions of romance are one that can be bought and purchased for a fee. If you wish to show your love in the form of jewelry, DeBeers gives guidelines on the appropriate choice (according to income) on the size and cost of diamond ring you should buy. If you want flowers, FTD has flower selections that range from lower to higher, nice to extravagate. They have a guide for which flowers you should buy for whichever message you want to send. For lovers with a sweet tooth, you can send chocolate covered strawberries, truffles, or have a consultant help you decide. Those with the “most resources” can demonstrate the most love to the person they wish.

The stratification of love occurs when those who little or no resources try to compete with those that do. An individual who’s not as rich and wants to demonstrate their love will have their offerings scrutinized against the “standard” of romance that’s been created. If you don’t provide an experience or a gift that meets the ideal set by our society, then their mate may interpret it in a negative way. They might feel that they’re unwilling to sacrifice and work hard enough to get a really “good” gift. I feel that the romanticization of commodities has caused people to feel that they can’t afford to get married. I think people have decided to cohabitate and save their money in order to have a perfect wedding. Going to the Justice of the Peace is seen as the way “poor” people get married. These people love each other, but the romanticized ideal of marriage has forced them to post-pone their ceremonies. Price ceilings for these weddings have gone higher and higher. Interestingly, some of these high dollar weddings have also ended in high dollar divorces. I guess money can’t buy love.

© 2008 Augustine A. Zavala