As Americans, we love to spend a pretty penny on things we want and things we think we need, but when it comes to appreciating our parents we unevenly shell out a bit more. Every respectable son or daughter knows the date for Mother’s Day, but out of ten students asked when Father’s Day is, only three knew. This has become an acceptable discrepancy among children and often forgiven by fathers, but it seems throughout time people have always valued mothers above fathers.
In 1914 the U.S. Congress declared the second Sunday in May as National Mother’s Day. Only 58 years later did Richard Nixon declare the third Sunday in June as National Father’s Day, as he very well needed some form of love and support. Since then we have celebrated both of our parents for all they do, for one day a year. However, even though they both have a special day, we kids continue to favor mothers through our spending.
According to H&R Block, we spend a hefty $14.6 billion on mom and only $9.4 billion on dad. Where is all that money going? H&R block also noted that 162 million greeting cards are sold just for mom and a sales clerk at Hallmark revealed their best business comes from Mother’s Day greeting card sales. Though for our dads we get 110 million cards and other things they may enjoy more than prewritten words.
A customer service attendant at the local Publix said Mother’s Day overflows with flower and card sales, but Father’s Day brings in sales from the meat department and gift cards. So as our mothers get fluffy sentiment, our fathers get bleeding recognition.
While Hallmark and Publix stores will thrive on Mother’s Day, one store is guaranteed to get more business for Father’s Day: Best Buy. A sales associate said Father’s Day is a very busy holiday and they sell a large amount of electronics and lately, a lot of tablets. Even though dads don’t get as much appreciation, they get the coolest presents.
But why is it usually so hard to shop for dads? Jamie Russo, a senior Marketing major, said, “Dads always buy everything they want or need, so it really gives us a limited selection. Ties are almost a slap in the face now because he knows we couldn’t think of anything else.” It’s not our fault that most dads treat themselves to nice things because they know what they like, but it is our job as grateful children to indulge our dads one day out of the year.
We know moms put up with a lot to deserve a day of gratitude, they did bring us into this world, and all families are different, but don’t forget the dads that were there too. They taught you to ride a bike, went to your painfully long childhood sports’ games, took care of your family and maybe even paid for you to better your education at KSU, so be a good kid and give them an extra special Father’s Day this June 17. They deserve it.
