Sex and the City, Waaay Outdated
Let's dismantle 'Sex and the City's' outdated norms and confront the stark realities of a bygone era with unapologetic scrutiny.
A Reality Check ✔
I recently embarked on a journey down memory lane, immersing myself in a marathon of "Sex and the City." Little did I know, I'd uncover its past due behaviors and come face-to-face with the harsh truths of an extinct era. Sure, the series offers a glamorous peek into New York lifestyle with its expensive coffee culture, street strolls in heels, and eclectic fashion statements. But beneath the surface, it's a relic of a bygone era, rife with behaviors that should have been left in the past. Take a look at this glaring examples.
Promiscuity Over Safety
The show's casual approach to sex is as outdated as dial-up internet. While the characters navigate the concrete jungle of NYC, they also navigate a minefield of sexual encounters. But amidst the bed-hopping, where's the emphasis on safe sex? Samantha's fear of an HIV test is a stark reminder of the real-world consequences ignored by the show.
Bringing One-Night-Stands Home
In a city notorious for its fast-paced lifestyle, bringing a stranger home for a night of passion seems like an invitation for danger! Yet, "Sex and the City" glamorizes this reckless behavior without considering the potential risks lurking behind these types of decisions.
In a world where caution should be paramount, the show's portrayal of casual encounters fails to acknowledge the potential consequences, presenting them instead as exciting adventures without consequences. 🚫 Fail!
Sexism in the Workplace
Samantha's struggles in the corporate world highlight the rampant sexism that was, and unfortunately still is, a reality for many women. The notion that she needed a man by her side to gain trust from potential clients is not just insulting, but a stark reminder of the barriers women face in professional settings.
The Cloud of Cigarette Smoke
It's impossible to watch an episode of "Sex and the City" without being engulfed in a cloud of cigarette smoke. While the characters may look chic with a cigarette in hand, the reality is that smoking is a deadly habit that should not be glorified on screen.
Smoking's still a huge deal globally, with about 1.3 billion people lighting up, according to the World Health Organization. But here's the kicker: over 8 million people die each year because of tobacco-related products. And get this, most smokers start puffing before they hit 18. It's not just them either; secondhand smoke is a real risk for non-smokers too. This is a bad problem to still be highlighted on screen.
Materialism as a Measure of Success
From designer clothes to luxury apartments, "Sex and the City" perpetuates the idea that material possessions equate to happiness and success for a woman. In a society striving for more meaningful metrics of achievement, this shallow portrayal falls flat.
Homogeneous Representation
For a show set in one of the most diverse cities in the world, "Sex and the City" lacks meaningful representation. Its predominantly white, affluent cast fails to reflect the rich tapestry of cultures and identities that make up New York City. Not only that, but there is also a heteronormativity as a default. While Samantha's relationship with Maria is a step towards LGBTQ+ representation, it remains a subplot rather than a central theme of the series.
In a more inclusive narrative, LGBTQ+ characters and storylines would be given greater prominence and depth, rather than serving as occasional deviations from the heterosexual norm. Thus, while "Sex and the City" may have made some strides in LGBTQ+ representation, it still falls short of fully embracing diverse love stories in a meaningful way.
Beauty Standards
Alright, let's talk about the beauty standards in "Sex and the City." So, we've got Carrie Bradshaw doing her own thing with those wild curls and bold outfits, right? But even with her unique style, the show still pushes this idea that women need to be flawless and groomed to the max. I mean, come on, no one sleeps wearing a pearl necklace, and not everyone wakes up looking like they stepped out of a magazine shoot.
But let's be real here – feeling like you must fit into a picture-perfect version of femininity, you know, with the skinny bodies, flawless hair, and makeup that never smudges, it's not reality. We no longer want to be a part of a world where every woman has to look like a supermodel to be considered successful. That's some serious mental strain. It's time to ditch this narrow idea of beauty and celebrate all shapes, sizes, and colors. We're all beautiful in our own unique way, and TV shows like "Sex and the City" are past due in this regard.
Misrepresentation of Feminism
Despite its claims of being a feminist show, "Sex and the City" often misses the mark. The characters' pursuit of love and validation from men overshadows any true sense of female empowerment, reducing feminism to a mere accessory in their quest for fulfillment.
Lack of Intersectionality
Intersectional feminism was hardly a blip on the radar during the show's heyday, and it shows. Issues of race, class, and privilege are largely ignored, leaving behind a narrow and exclusionary portrayal of feminism that fails to resonate with a more diverse audience.
Sex and the City Coming to NETFLIX!
Just recently, Netflix announced that all six seasons of this iconic dramedy are making a comeback on April 1, 2024. So, while "Sex and the City" may still hold a nostalgic appeal for some, its outdated portrayal of relationships, gender dynamics, and societal norms cannot be ignored. It's time to embrace narratives that reflect the complexities of modern life with authenticity and inclusivity. So, sure, enjoy the nostalgia trip, but don't forget to keep those critical goggles on. 🤓
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