Psychology
Sexuality in the Movies: No Strings Attached (2011)
Introduction
Sexual behavior raises several questions about a person’s personality. Every person may express similarities or variation of sexual behaviors depending on their personal preferences and that of their partner. Sexuality encompasses a particular behavior. However, sexual behaviors are nevertheless highly influenced by factors such as the mainstream media. In this regard, sexuality in the media will be discussed to explore the portrayal of sexuality and analyze the actions depicted by the characters in the movie. For this discussion, the 2011 movie entitled “ No Strings Attached” will be the subject of analysis determining the message that the movie is sending and identify the kind of behavior and attitudes that the characters portray in relation to sexuality. Looking at the exampled movie, the mainstream media reflects the kind of attitude and behavior that the Americans adapt in their perceptions of sexuality.
Type of Sexual Behavior in the Movie
The movie itself delivers a narrative that constitutes a curious examination of modern sexual mores with a question of whether a man and a woman could embark on a purely sexual relationship with any emotional attachment. In the movie, the lead characters Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher) are in a mutual agreement to engage in sexual relationship in which a distinct sexual behavior can be observed. Although there is very limited variability of sexual acts in the movie, it can be observed that the characters are engaged in vaginal intercourse. On the other hand, the characters seemed to display sexual fondness with one another as seen in the frequency of their sexual moments that happens in several of places other than the usual bedroom settings. However, the characters Emma and Adam demonstrate responsible behavior in sex due to their use of protective measures such as the use of condom.
In addition, the characters encompass an unusual attitude towards sex that others may consider as excessive. The frequency of their sexual intercourse can assumed to be attributed to excessive sexual desires or state of hyper-sexuality, the two characters depicts excessive attitude as observed in their reactions and expression of excitement from sexual invitations of one another. Hyper-sexuality is a behavior described by psychological experts as men and women having a strong sexual appetite (Kaplan and Krueger, 2010). It is a category that belongs to the coding of sexual disturbances that were not specified among other sexual disorders in the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V as cited in Kaplan and Krueger, 2010; Kafka, 2010).
Embedded Message in the Movie
Earlier there was a question mentioned that left audiences of the movie to ask and that is whether a man and a woman could be sexually engage in the absence of any emotional attachment. The answer to that question describes the message that the movie itself tends to deliver. First, hyper-sexuality is acceptable as long as the sexual activities were done with a constant partner. Meaning, the same individuals are engaged in the sexual acts regardless of how often they do it. Secondly, the movie defines the meaning of sexual exploration as indicative norms of human nature. Lastly, the movie gives a meaning that sex is fun, but should be done responsibly, as observed in the movie cautiousness is a must by means of ensuring protection before the intercourse. On the other hand, the movie might also insinuate a different kind of attitude and behavior towards sex. For example, the values of relationship, family as well as the morals of intimacy can be tainted by the wrong notion of sexuality constituting an idea that casual sex is acceptable. In addition, excessiveness to such has a greater effect leading to potential psychological problem identified in DSM-V as hyper-sexuality.
Personal Assessment
On a more personal note, the movie reflects a percentage of Americans that engages in the same type of sexuality. As young Americans are highly exposed to mainstream media, it is not surprising that adolescents and young adults are likely to have adopted the same kind of sexual engagement. Sexual talks are increasingly frequent in TV shows and together with movies with sexual themes such as the one example herewith, large percentage of Americans have developed the same behavior and attitude towards sex (Brown, 2002). In fact, the unprecedented popularity of the Internet as a new media outlet encompasses the same effect to the Americans due to the reason that sex is also one of the most highly searched topic over the Internet (Brown, 2002). The apparent variability of sexuality in America today can be attributed to the factors such as long exposures to the mainstream media where sex is a thematic best seller. Furthermore, the depiction of sexuality and sexual behaviors in the movies is a demonstration of an unrecognized problem. The contemporary culture, media dominance and liberal thinking fosters a type of perception about sex that average individuals are not aware that is already related to a particular behavioral problem. The movie has an underlying attribution to a sexual problem hidden beneath the charms of the actors that people do not easily recognize and the modern culture accepts. However, excessiveness and obsessiveness to sex as the movie and the media depicts is something that people should be made aware to be a seed that can grow into a psychological concern.
Conclusion
Sexuality in the media is a common theme that the contemporaries highly accept as a thematic entertainment piece. However, the apparent exposure to excessive acts of sexuality is a psychological concern that people know very little about could affect behavior and attitudes.
References
Brown, J. D. (2002). Mass media influences on sexuality. Journal of Sex Research, 39(1), 42-45. doi:10.1080/00224490209552118
Kafka, M. P. (2010). Hypersexual Disorder: A Proposed Diagnosis for DSM-V. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 39(2), 377-400.. doi:10.1007/s10508-009-9574-7
Kaplan, M. S., & Krueger, R. B. (2010). Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment of Hypersexuality. Journal of Sex Research, 47(2), 181–198. doi:10.1080/00224491003592863
