From Halloween to Mother's Day is what I like to call "Diamond Season". You know, that time of year when every other commercial on the air is for either a jewelry store, a diamond conglomerate, or something else diamond related that is specifically designed to make (traditionally speaking) a man feel inadequate for not being able to afford something so large it borders on tacky and ostentatious and to make a woman feel unloved if she hasn't been given one that fits into that category.
I have several problems with this. First of all, diamonds are not rare. In fact they're far from it. You have been brainwashed by Tiffany's and De Beers to think that they are, but take a look around. How many adults do you know who don't own at least one? To me, a diamond engagement ring says "You're just about as special to me as pretty much any other American woman".
Second of all, in an effort to keep up with our insatiable demand while making a few bucks for themselves (mostly in order to fund one misguided revolution after another) African nations have perfected a system of slavery and abuse to mine the damn things. (Yeah, "Blood Diamond" was not only accurate, but I'd say it was a bit on the rose-colored side.) Sure you can get a diamond that's certified "conflict free", but if you believe that little piece of paper then I've got some beachfront property in Arizona for sale.
And finally, Halloween to Mother's Day is a long damn season! That's like seven months and change. It's no wonder people believe the propaganda about how necessary diamonds are to your life when we're bombarded with advertisements for most of the year.
You don't like the world we live in? You think there are a few things we need to change? Start by saying no to corporate brainwashing, and what better place to start than with a useless piece ornamentation that actually kills people on it's way to your under appreciated jewelry box.
