Tag Archives: F-word

The valuable message in “She’s Out of My League”

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Filed under beauty bias

Romantic comedies targeting 18-35 year-olds are invariably raunchy, sexy and overloaded with F-Bombs, but I find most of them hilarious and, more importantly, concluding with a important message that I hope isn’t lost in the muck of rudeness, incivility, and dysfunctional behavior.  In “She’s Out of My League,” adorable Alice Eve develops a liking for Jay Baruchel who plays a scrawny quasi-nerd. His friends and annoying family reinforce his own belief that she is way too good for him.  In the end, his cruelist friend becomes enlighted, discovering that a total babe like Alice can actually overcome Jay’s physical shortcomings and find him attractive because, well, he’s a really nice guy with a sense of humor and humanity. 

It’s the ancient formula–boy wins girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back–but it’s refreshing to see his all his friends, family members and other uncouth clowns pleased that the two are meant for each other.  I know that crassness of the movie is intentionally outrageous just to get a laugh, and much of it is funny, but if you try to duplicate it at home, you’re going to get smacked.

It’s not always the way you look, but the way you speak

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Filed under profanity

At yesterday’s book fair in Chicago (Lit Fest), a man named Gary spotted my book, CUSS CONTROL, and told me an acquaintance of his said he hasn’t been able to find a new girl friend. His former girl friend broke up with him two years ago. Gary told me the guy’s lament included complaints about “women today” and was laced with the F-word. It’s no wonder, Gary told me, that women found him undesirable. I asked Gary if he suggested that his friend try adjusting his attitude and his language. He said no.

I’ve heard similar stories–even people telling me their best friend is foul-mouthed at the wrong place and time. They never offer a bit of constructive criticism. Some people swear so much they aren’t aware that they do it, and who other than a friend should be pointing out that their language is excessive?

As for the negative attitude, that’s usually what prompts the profanity. A person can be smart, good-looking and successful, but if his or her attitude and language are abrasive, others will shy away.
photo by Gooner-Licious