Can't Buy Me Love by Bitch Media published on 2015-02-13T00:09:31Z Why do Americans spend $17.6 billion buying gifts on Valentine's Day? We analyze the tradition of celebrating romantic love by buying lots of stuff. On this show, we talk with sociologist Lisa Wade about the weird gender dynamics of Valentine's Day consumerism. We delve into the history of a dark side of Valentine's Day, when people 100 years ago used the day as a chance to send each other hate mail. Scholar Kate Redburn also joins us to talk about what happens when queer folks get swept up in the wedding industrial complex. Plus: creative ideas from our listeners about positive ways to celebrate relationships (and yourself) on Valentine's Day. Genre podcast
