For strong_parameters, the pattern is [to create a params method and require a certain root node and then permit certain values within that node](http://weblog.rubyonrails.org/2012/3/21/strong-parameters/). That said, we don't have to use strong_parameters and even if we want to, we could use wrap_parameters to fake it. I'm less knowledgeable about the new active model serializers but it looks like they use root node by default (although this can be configured).