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The movie “No Strings Attached” may appear to be the typical romantic comedy when watching from an outsider’s perspective; but in reality, the message being portrayed illustrates the insecurities of a young female and therefore the normative ideas about this film are denied. This implication sends a negative image to young women, and gives them false ideals about relationships.

After Emma and Adam begin to abandon the idea of having casual sex they decide that they want to try dating. Their first date took place on Valentines Day. In the beginning of their date Emma shows her insecurities:

I made you a Valentines Day card- Emma

What? - Adam (laughing)

It’s perfect. Will you read it for me? –Adam

You give me premature ventricular contractions – Emma (reading card)

I’m assuming that’s a good thing – Adam

You make my heart skip a beat – Emma

Aww – Adam

Don’t make fun of me! – Emma

In this scene Emma puts herself out there even though she is unsure of the outcome, and Adam immediately shuts down her attempt at displaying emotion. Because their relationship has previously consisted of just sex, Emma’s insecurities increase. She does not know how to be Adam’s girlfriend because she has been seen as an object to him in all prior occurrences. There is no foundation for the relationship. The previous time spent together had no purpose for either party, other than physical pleasure. Society has grown to accept the idea of casual sex, but in most instances being ‘sex buddies’ does not work for anyone in the general population. It is almost impossible to partake in this activity over and over again without developing some sort of emotional attachment.

third person

A middle-aged man with a briefcase weaves through the endless stream of people. The young mother stops to tend to her weeping child, who sits uncomfortably in his stroller. An elderly man holds the door for his soul mate as she enters their favorite restaurant. Many students walk to and from their classes carrying the burden of a long week of school on their backs. Diversity floods the streets of Ann Arbor, but it also surges its ideals into any other place that society will allow.

What would a world without diverse people be like? Dull, drab, and dreary images would surround its entirety. Maya Angelo once said, “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength”.  Beauty lies in the fact that God made each person unique, and strength occurs when these unique identities combine to make positive change.

Diversity stems hatred. If more people accepted the diversities among one another the world would be a much better place to live in. The United States takes pride in the term ‘melting pot’. The country has been extremely successful in overcoming obstacles throughout history, and will continue to be successful; so long as the acceptance of diversity remains. 

the end of a beginning

The persistent sound of high-pitched screeching has never sounded sweeter. A mother speaks those inevitable, cliché words without thought, “She’s beautiful”. The product of nine long months is mounted in the air for all to see, like a work of art on display in a magnificent gallery. A tall, slender man clothed in light blue cotton from head to toe holds the image of precious new life firmly in the grasp of his giant hands. As part of tradition, the eager new father cuts the attachment that has served as the primary bond in this miracle of a process. The last sigh of relief exits her mouth, as exhaustion weighs down on the woman who is sprawled out on the hospital bed. “One…two…three…four…five…six. Almost there! Seven…eight…nine…ten. That’s perfect!”  The man who will soon assume the role of a father grasps his wife’s clammy hand in an effort to fulfill his current role as her main source of support. He whispers eloquent words of comfort into her ear. “Ok. It’s time to start pushing,” says the obstetrician. The doctor checks her level of dilation after what seems like an eternity. The hands on the clock could not move any slower if they tried. A family waits eagerly in the designated area, as the couple settles into their room. So much love already exists for this person whose life has yet to begin. Questions of “will she have my nose?” and “what color do you think her hair will be?” echo throughout the lobby as members of the family begin to arrive. After being wheeled in, the couple is greeted at the front desk by a friendly, young nurse on staff. The silver, 2010 Pontiac G6 halts to an abrupt stop as they pull into the parking lot. Racing through stop signs and red lights allows the couple to arrive in a matter of minutes. They pile into the car (which will soon be traded in for the latest mini-van) and throw their packed belongings into the back seat. Exiting the house turns into a surprisingly easy task, seeing how they have prepared for this moment throughout the previous week. In a matter of seconds an exhausted man, and an uncomfortable woman grab their bags of clothes, kiss the dog goodbye, and shut off the lights. A wide-eyed expression passes over the father-to-be as he looks down at the puddle on his mattress. “Hey babe! I think she’s coming!” All is quiet throughout the interior and exterior. Serenity fills the house that sits in the middle of a suburb. The clock reads ‘4:08 AM’.