Gosh, it’s already that time of year again – time to celebrate “Unmarried and Single Americans Week.”
What used to be known as “National Singles Week,” officially observed Sept. 18-24, now carries the more unwieldy moniker “Unmarried and Single Americans Week,” to distinguish that while all singles are unmarried, not all unmarried people are single, or more plainly, alone.
That is, the 89 million American adults who are single include people who have never been married, people who are divorced, people who are legally separated, people who are widowed, unmarried people who live together (opposite and same sex couples), people who have partners but don’t live together and single parents.
The Unmarried America Web site says it’s “Celebrating the lives and contributions of unmarried and single Americans.” Considering this is everyone who isn’t married, this is quite a large and diverse group to celebrate. It’s not that we have anything against unmarried Americans. In fact, some of our best friends are unmarried Americans. But is being unmarried enough to unite them as a group? Well, for the sake of this week, let’s say yes. (Has Hallmark capitalized on this yet? “Dear unmarried friend/We celebrate you/And all that you do/And all that you spend.”)
The Unmarried America Web site wants the “general public to know that 89 million unmarried Americans … deserve equal rights and fairness as workers, consumers and taxpayers.” That’s lofty and fine, but then the site suggests that you can celebrate NUSAW by making a tax-deductible donation to Unmarried America to “help support this information service.” The site is full of fun and interesting statistics, but a donation? Some celebration.
The site suggests employers “Post a news item about Singles Week on your bulletin board or employee newsletter. Have your graphics department create some posters or displays to place around the office during Singles Week.” Wooo, good times.
And “individuals” are encouraged to “Invite your neighbors and friends to your house during Singles Week for a party. What a great opportunity to get together for some fun.” Wow. Advice like that is worth a donation. It would never occur to unmarried Americans to invite friends over.
We celebrate unmarried Americans and their contributions, except for whoever came up with the silly advice, including, ask your members of Congress to “issue a Greeting to Unmarried America for Unmarried and Single Americans Week.” When is Get a Life Week?
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
