Double Edged Sword

Wow, it's amazing how fast we recognize the double-edged sword... So you know that show I talking about? The one that I love? Yep, that's it...Parks and Recreation... Well, I've been watching it A LOT lately as I'm getting ready for the last season to air in October, but as I watched an episode yesterday, I realized that there were some things I don't like about it and think may have a profound effect on those who watch it. The culture of dating is a big part of the show, and like most shows these days, there's one or two characters that are kind of sex-crazed, such as Meredith on "The Office" and Daniel from "Ugly Betty." In parks those characters are Tom and Donna, but recently it became a red flag to me when a relaxed attitude of sex was shown in an episode. It shouldn't bother me as it is probably normal for today's adults to have casual sex with a few different partners (or at least, that's what movies and T.V. have cultivated me to think anyway...), but there was a particular scene that blatantly put across the message: Sex means nothing but pleasure--so who cares! Sleep with anyone and everyone, as long as you're getting what you want. As long as it makes you feel better. That strong dialogue and message really hit me and I realized that all the sexual references, although small, were really adding up to create the same meaning that strong sequence had. It made me think of the info processing theory (although they are plenty of theories that could be used to see this). As I watch this episode, I create a memory of this scene, I think about the message that casual sex is harmless especially as I continually watch the show, later I may see a similar situation which in turn activates my memories of the scene, and then I reflect on what I think of casual sex and then go ahead to agree it's harmless or continue to believe it can be harmful. It's almost as if it's excitation transfer theory too as the message throughout the show is portrayed when characters mislabel theirs feelings of friendship or love to mean that they should have sex with the person who may have helped them feel better for one moment. Getting back to the first theory, I have to interpret what this message means to me and if I believe that just because I have a nice moment with a stranger that it's okay to take things further with them. I'm very strong in my personal values and beliefs, but I've noticed that the more I engage in this show, they more I rationalize their behavior and reflect more on how it may be appropriate for young adults to do this today. However, like this blog, it has helped me reflect on the message, realize things similar to it may happen today and know so I can help others who may be experiencing it and guard myself from temptation.