The Violence of Valentine’s

by Liz Jansen

Valentine’s Day is one of the weirder holidays, right? Forget the fact that it’s super commercialized (that’s every holiday). I’m talking about the connection between violence and love. 

A quick Google search on the history of Valentine’s Day pulls up a few possibilities, none of them great. It has connections to Saint Valentine who was martyred as well as links to a few wars and multiple massacres (including one that took place in Chicago in 1929). Even cupid spreads love by shooting people…Whatever history you go with, the general narrative is one of romanticized violence, either perpetuating it or receiving it.  

The violence of Valentine’s Day seems fitting for this country where, regardless of our values, we’re forced to participate in the violent system of capitalism. Even philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, which are tasked with “doing good” are often violently perpetuating the status quo. 

2024 started off with immense violence that will likely only continue and escalate. As we gear up for what’s to come, I hope we take a lesson from Valentine’s Day; that we remember the violence, because failing to do so would make our love false. But recognizing violence doesn't mean centering it. Today, and all days, may we  find ways to focus on and center love–the impact, the change, the community that survives and finds a way to thrive through it all. 

To learn more about how we’re moving through the complexity of the world, check out our annual love letter to you, our 2023 Impact Report.