Time is a funny thing.

I recently acquired myself one of those funny things called a relationship, and it raised a few questions for me. After being single for eight months and fully enjoying the freedom of ‘singledom’ I figured a relationship could fit into my world. And as they say these things tend to come at a time when you least expect them, however it did make me think a lot about timing. My last relationship happened when time was something I had a lot of. Nowadays it is an entirely different story. Even as a single person I found myself becoming a bit of a juggler, with my uni course, my job, working on the newspaper and my blog and not to mention trying to have a semblance of a social life time is a precious commodity.  And now I have a boyfriend to factor into my already bursting schedule, and that just sounds beautifully romantic doesn’t it, fitting someone in. Well at least my boyfriend isn’t the traditionally romantic type, I’m sure he’ll survive.

The average student is considered lazy and is more often found in bed than in a lecture, but for a lot of us are not fortunate enough to be able make this a daily occurrence. I’d kill for an extra day in bed every now and then, especially with my distinct lack of ability to put together a regular sleep pattern.

Somehow I still manage to have a social life, which just goes to show that you can fit anything into your schedule if you want it badly enough. So why do we constantly make excuses, we are too busy, too tired and just too plain lazy to fit everything into our day. To be honest we all have the time, but we are master wasters of it. We are procrastinators and excuse makers, and everything can wait until tomorrow; problem is when tomorrow comes around there’s always another one.

When I think about the amount of time I waste lying horizontal in my bed watching endless reruns of Friends and Gilmore Girls I realise that perhaps I am not as busy as I first thought I was. However, we all need some horizontal time and we should never punish ourselves for needing some. I just wish I could have a built in Mum to get me out of my bed after my lazy time is over, then maybe my lazy hour wouldn’t keep turning into a lazy day. It really is far too easy to waste a whole day watching our favourite TV series from the beginning or having a Lord of the Rings marathon that leaves you cross eyed. So maybe we just need to have a little reality check and realise that all those excuses we make are just that, excuses. Particularly when a few days of social reclusion turns even the most talented social butterfly into a social reject. Conversation becomes an impossible feat after the only words you have spoken in a week are to the pizza delivery guy.

Time is a fickle thing, it doesn’t pause for us to appreciate a sunset, and it doesn’t rewind when we want to erase that moment of pure cringe, and it certainly won’t fast forward when we want to get that family gathering out of the way. So, it’s time for us to focus on where the time does go. Therefore maybe I should actually start thinking about listening to my Mum’s advice and focus on the little things. It may be an annoyingly cheesy, over used saying but sometimes I am glad that it exists. It reminds me that my time may feel all used up, and there will be days when all I want to do is lie in bed and not move, and that’s fine. But sometimes I need to make the most of a free moment and enjoy something that I usually let pass me by. I feel so insightful and all that shit, but there we go. We are simply hardwired to live in the fast lane and sometimes we need to take a turn into the slow one, take a step back and rearrange our lives a little.

Are we too desensitised to violence?

Have you ever seen somebody die? Most of you will say no, but this could be considered to be largely untrue. Think about every film or TV series you have ever watched, how many have you seen die whilst watching something like that? Countless I'm sure. Now most of you will write this off as ridiculous, and that it's fake so obviously it doesn't count. Looking at the scientific facts then this is true, people in film aren't really dying, but their deaths are certainly, usually, more gruesome than anything we'll ever see in real life. Is that normal? Because I don't think it is. Why do we enjoy watching people get ripped apart in horror films so much?

Granted I understand that films, horror films in particular, are designed to cause an adrenalin rush in their audience and that people being massacred in them is simply part of that, completely understandable. But have we gone too far? Is it normal to enjoy watching a film where people die? To laugh at their demises', to mock their stupidity, is that even sane? Surely it would be more conventional for us to react with empathy instead of mockery, but over time we have become so used to the violence that it is merely funny instead of shocking. Hence the desperation of filmmakers to do something even more shocking for their next attempt, but there is only so far they can go, surely?

I enjoy a good ‘slasher’ film as much as the next person, but there are still factors of the violence that really bother me (like broken bones, don't even get me started on people breaking bones), but the traditional gut tearing and stabbings in films never phase me. And I know others who are completely immune to any type of violence in films, and, like me, often find it funny. Granted a lot of horror films are designed to be comic as well as making you jump, and even those designed to scare tend to ridicule the horror genre. We are a generation that has become almost entirely desensitised to violence, is this really a problem?

If we go back thirty years and think about when horror films first came into being with such films as Driller Killer and The Evil Dead hitting the shelves with some serious impact, then we can start to see the differences in our perception of horror. When classic horrors like The Evil Dead came into being they were intensely shocking, and provoked many organisations to rise up and try and ban them, just what every modern horror film would kill for nowadays. Every horror film director is searching for that shock and awe factor that will earn them a place in the hall of fame, and back in the day it was far easier to shock when the audience had never seen someone torn apart by zombies before. These classics were branded the 'video nasties', and they earnt their place in cult history and are still adored by many of us film geeks today. But, I can guarantee you that the majority of us don't find them scary; we just either admire their cinematic genius or laugh at the ridiculousness of the special effects. With the growth of special effects spiralling upwards the need to shock is becoming more and more apparent, and it is struggling to keep up with our expectations.

Which is surely all part of the growing problem with our desensitisation to violence; because as the want for horror films grow so do our expectations. If a film comes out with poor special effects today it is ridiculed and torn apart by reviewers, if we can see the edge of a mask or we think the fake blood isn't real enough then it just isn't good enough. Our appetites are insatiable, films are being spurned out endlessly and every year something new has to be thought of, something scarier, something bigger, always something better.

So are we ever going to be scared of blood again? Unless you have a weak stomach I think most of us aren't fussed by the idea of a little blood in a film or in real life, because we have always seen worse, there is always going to be something scarier on that elusive silver screen. Should we be wary? I think so.

I'm never going to agree with those who blame serial killers actions on films, particularly when my favourite film was accused of inspiring a murderer (Natural Born Killers). But, I do think that if our expectations to continue to grow as they are we are going to hit a ceiling very quickly. How real can we actually get until we get to the real thing? I believe it could seriously impact the way the horror industry works, for if they can't create the effects that meet the requirements of the hungry fans what else are they going to but collapse. If we always expect more when will we be happy?

Moreover, as much as I don't think that a film could ever cause someone to commit a murder or beat up someone up, no matter how much they try and convince the judge that was the case, it could have a serious effect on how we emotionally react to things. I have found that very little bothers me in terms of violence, and this has transitioned to real life when I've seen friends seriously injure themselves, it just doesn't scare me. Although this may be useful for staying calm in a potentially threatening situation it does concern me when I think more about it, are we just too saturated with all the gore? Do we need to limit our intake of violent films? Not necessarily, but I think it is important to be aware of how little reaction we have when faced with gore in films.

However, I do think that the biggest impact of our desensitisation will be on the film industry itself, as it struggles to keep up with our expectations and desires. For every time it succeeds in shocking us we instantly want something more, our needs are never fully met as we always want something bigger and better, which could surely have a negative impact on how successful the horror film industry will be. So maybe we all need to sit back and smell the blood we’ve already got on our screens, it’s pretty good, so cut them some slack.

Celebrity Culture, is truly poisonous?

Sometimes I truly despair at my generations, and our societies, complete obsession with celebrity culture and all of its factions. In the past I have found myself addicted to celebrity magazines, but after some serious culling I started to try and focus more on the news that has the potential to directly affect me. Then I wondered whether my interest in celebrity gossip warranted such a cull, is it truly a bad thing to find interest in others lives? Granted, some have an unnecessary addiction to finding every pap snap of their favourite celebrity. But not all of us are that engrossed in the lives of those in the more favoured areas of the world, like the ever-elusive Hollywood. Is it natural to find an interest in the lives of those who star in the films and the TV shows we are addicted to? Is it unhealthy, or impractical? Should it be frowned upon?

It is often considered, by those with an overriding interest in world news instead of high society, that our largely celebrity obsessed culture heavily impacts us and taints the minds of the younger, rising generation. With a heavy reliance on social media our society has swiftly changed in the last thirty years, with people seeing celebrity as a career, not just an addition to specific career choices. Social media has developed into a form of communication between celebrities and their fan base. Therefore I understand the frustration of some celebrities having their lives intruded upon, but why do some invite it in or their social media accounts? And how much does this impact on our generations, and the future generations?

For one it definitely gives rise to the online stalker. Who will more than likely never face justice for any length of aggressive action due to the anonymity of the internet. Many have a compulsive need to know every move of the idealised versions of their favourite celebrity. Media is used to twist the images of every celebrity until their loyal fans are pushed to truly believe in them, hence the power of there following in advertising. It’s scarily easy to find out every detail of an actor’s life. Therefore I do pity celebrities from the point of view of the way the paparazzi stalk them in order to snap that one photo of their cellulite to lord over the public. If that isn’t unhealthy I don’t know what is. We live in a society where more often than not people’s belief in their romanticised celebs is stronger than any religious faith they may have.

Do you find that a little scary? I didn’t until I started thinking about how many times I’ve Googled a celebrity, or how much time I spend obsessing over celebrities that I realised how embedded in your life this society is. Every faction of our lives is saturated with every move of the famous people that top our social hierarchy. I long for a day when people harbour more interest in the social, political and economical issues of our present instead of whose dating whom in the celebrity world.

Not to say that an interest in celebrity culture makes an individual unintelligent or ignorant, but it leaves me to question whether our addiction will damage generations after our own. Will they completely lose interest in the politics and society that will shape our future? This is particularly demonstrated through the rise of the YouTuber celebrity, with millions taking to You Tube to get their entertainment fix it’s unsurprising that events such as Vid Con and Summer in the City are fuelling the rise of the ‘internet famous’. A new generation of celebrity who are taking the potential of the Internet to whole new levels, manipulating their influence for many a good cause. They have proved that to be a successful musician, filmmaker, or YouTuber does not necessarily need the input of a major corporation in order to succeed. Portraying the potential that celebrity culture has in advancing the invention and innovation of whole new careers that could lead to the evolution of the media industry.

So perhaps an interest in celebrity gossip isn’t so bad, as long as you aren’t stalking his or her every twitter post, and front page sell out story I don’t think anyone’s going to begrudge you your little fascination.  I’m just a little apprehensive of the potential of those who could take advantage of the millions of fans who watch them, and manipulate this new found media based society in a significantly negative way. But, in the same context positive changes could be effective in promoting positive treatment of social media and an awareness of the world around us. The problem with the growth of the Internet, and social medias ability to reach a wider audience is the thin line between the positive use of it, and the abuse of it. It is nigh on impossible to control, much like people’s addiction to celebrity. How can we control something that can’t be measured? I just wish that the addiction to celebs wasn’t always considered to be so ugly. It certainly doesn’t make a person unintelligent, but I also believe that a person should at least attempt to maintain an interest in the issues that also affect their society as a whole, not just the celebrities at the top of it.

Where did all the strong women go?!

Strong female role models have always been difficult to find in today’s industry, particularly when the airy-fairy damsel in distress has dominated the silver screen for decades. True female role models do rely upon the beholder, particularly when every individual admires specific traits. But, for my own preference I must admit that I would do anything to see a woman kick ass without any apologies, and without a man taking all the credit.

As a child I was raised on classics like the Fox and the Hound, and 101 Dalmatians. Luckily the helpless damsels that override princess films never indoctrinated me. Granted Disney is finally starting to embrace the strong women with recent Disney flicks, such as Tangled and Brave, becoming roaring successes when portraying the strength of will of women as their most beautiful feature. It’s high time that this focal lesson stretched across the entire film industry. So perhaps it may be seen that some Disney films are finally embracing the beauty of a strong, independent woman without the need for a dominating romantic thread, as is displayed in the triumphant Brave. However, recent imagery of Merida for her Disney feature contrasts the powerful young woman portrayed in the film, and harshly reverses the positive influence that the film encourages. Why couldn’t they just leave her as she was?! All I want is a fairytale without a man to cloud the picture, portraying as message that says that you don’t need a man to keep you happy.

The recent Snow White and the Huntsman provided some hope with the focal point being a woman who can fight her own battles, as well as accepting help from a male counterpart – the perfect balance! For this is the balance that needs to be found, one that does not dismiss the beauty of a happy relationship, but also addresses the power a woman on her own can possess. I for one would love to see more modern retellings of these traditional princesses, give them power, give them soul and make one a damn lesbian, that’d be refreshing!

But alas that would be asking too much wouldn’t it, for so many are fearful of angering the small minorities who would fight tooth and nail to prevent such a thing happening. A lesbian could encourage children to be gay; a violent woman might encourage bad behaviour, unladylike behaviour. Of course that would just be criminal wouldn’t it. I yearn to see the day when an unforgiving, powerful woman takes the stage, a woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone, and doesn’t need a male protector, or even romance to make her life whole.

Herein lies the issue I have with other film franchises that claim to provide a strong, powerful woman who acts as a figurehead for young women to follower. You can find a million and one courageous, strong-willed men dominating the silver screens, so why is it that when a woman comes along with the same characteristics it’s shocking. But alas the world is still trying to come to terms with seeing a gay kiss on screen, perhaps one day we won’t be all a clamour whenever a kickass woman is finally portrayed. But, in the franchises that dominate our screens, and young women’s minds, are any of them truly strong?

Firstly, I’d love to write a whole thesis on why the twilight series acts as a bad influence for women, but let me make this succinct. Bella is not a strong woman. She is depicted as completely unable to make her own decisions, allowing a man to dictate every aspect of her life, from her sex life to her ability to drive. This frustrates me beyond all else, and yes, I have read the books too so I can formulate an opinion. Edward is in all senses of the description, a dangerous man. He is abusive, controlling, and for fuck sake he spends almost the entire franchise trying not to eat her!

How does this promote a strong image for young readers to follow? I for one would not want my future children to view this woman as a role model, very little is given to her as a choice. The entire book and film franchise depicts this poor girl running round after a man who consistently endangers her life, with no regard for her own life. Even Jacob who all but forces himself upon her in the second book and again doggedly (pun intended) pursues her until he finally imprints on her daughter (great undertones of paedophilia there Stephanie Meyers). How in the hell can anyone see these films as providing a strong female role model?! I understand the addiction to these novels, but all they appear to do is portray that a woman cannot be happy without a man controlling her life.

The Hunger Games franchise on the other hand provides and entirely new point of view. It survives the majority of scrutiny in providing a strong female role model, in my opinion. The character of Katniss Everdeen is one of strength and endurance. What I think I find most refreshing about her is her desire not to be the hero, she fights for herself, and her family, not for the world. She is manipulated by those around her, but still appears to hold a resounding power in herself that permeates through both the books and the films. I think what makes her a particularly admirable female role model for myself is her dedication to her family, in particular her sister. These are the attributes I wish others would promote in film, a strong woman who is unafraid to defend herself, who is unapologetic for who she is, and has no shame in fighting for her own life and not for the lives of others. However, as much as I admire the new wave of film franchises that are beginning to promote this new power woman there is one factor that I wish we could do without; the romance.

But, sadly nearly every strong female role model is tainted with this undying love that dominates the storyline of these franchises. Even the new wave of fantasy, with strong female role models, still allows romance to takeover the storyline including the upcoming Mortal Instruments and Beautiful Creatures. It frustrates me that an action film with a male star can have a meaningless romance, or is completely void of it, and is considered successful. But, we are severely lacking in films that concentrate on an authoritative woman who has no qualms with sleeping with whomever she likes. Moreover, being a woman without any need for romance at all, who can fight, master herself and lead others without apologies. Wouldn’t that be a miracle?

Granted I am not condemning the idea of an influential woman who has a significant love in her life, that is an ideal I believe in. But, what I strongly object to is the message that women need to have a man in their life to make their lives worthy. Furthermore the insistence of writers placing these momentarily commanding woman in situations that apparently only a man could save them from. Whereas any male led film can lead its cast without ever needing the help of a woman. I would have done anything for a strong female model whose character could have a man, but didn’t necessarily need one. So why is it that we cannot find one in this day and age?