Sex and the City may be a late 90’s to early 2000’s show, but it’s still relevant in today’s society. It resonates with women all across the world, spanning over different age groups, due to its prevalent themes on female sexuality and empowerment. Since it aired during a time when female sexual expression was even more taboo than it is in our present society, we often hear criticism from men both from our close community and online. I’ve heard men close to me say it’s just a show about “sluts” who like to “fuck”, as if expressing sexual desire were a sinful act. Aren’t there, like, a million shows about men who like to “fuck” around? Why aren’t they called belittling words like “sluts”? Then, online, I’ve seen men give the show bad reviews just because they don’t like the idea of seeing women expressing their sexuality like a man would. Truth is, Sex and the City is so much more than a show about sex. Here are four reason you should watch this iconic show:
- Its free expression of female sexuality
In Sex and the City, there are four female protagonists who are not afraid to both act on their sexuality and talk about their sexual encounters. The spectators are witness to their different and unique lives, where their careers and aspirations go alongside their sexual experiences without a problem. The show also portrays how they meet up a couple of times a week and talk about their current relationships, and current sexual encounters. Their sexuality is not treated as something that needs to be private or hidden, rather as a part of their lives that holds an important place in their public lives. The show treats female sexuality as a natural phenomenon that is an innate part of women’s lives, just as much as in men’s ones. There is no shame in their enjoyment of sex, no hidden “moral” message about how women are supposed to act to appeal to men and please our patriarchal society. These are simply four successful women who are not afraid to be sexual, and therefore, themselves.
- Its realistic portrayal of female friendship
Sex and the City portrays female friendship in a way that’s complex yet natural. These four women have very distinct personalities, but they all find a way to understand and support each other. Even when there are moments where they can’t seem to see past their own biases and prejudices, at the end of the day they try their best to comprehend the other’s position and views. They might not agree on a few topics, like abortion or one night stands, but they don’t let their clashing ideals get in the way of their friendship. Rather, they are there for each other whenever needed, no matter if they’re opposed to the situation. For example, there’s one episode where one of the women sees one of her friends performing oral sex by accident. She openly judges her friend for engaging in such an act publicly, opening the topic of “slut shaming”. At the end of the episode, after her friend confronts her and reveals she’s not afraid to express her sexuality openly, she understands that while she would never do it, she doesn’t have the right to judge another person for doing it. Female friendship is portrayed as a companionship and not as competition.
- Its depiction of strong female characters
Sex and the City presents strong female characters who don’t compete against one another. On the contrary, they pick each other up and celebrate each other’s successes. Carrie is a writer who writes a sex column for an important New York newspaper. She enjoys casual sex but wants a serious relationship with a man who appreciates her. Her aspirations don’t include getting married or having children. Samantha is a successful Public Relations agent who has her own agency. She loves casual sex and is opened to new sexual experiences. Her aspirations don’t include getting married, having children, or having a serious relationship. She’s happy with her life as is. Charlotte is an Art Gallery curator and the complete opposite of Samantha. She enjoys sex mostly when she’s in a relationship, is limited to new sexual experiences, and is obsessed with finding the perfect man. Her aspirations include getting married and having children. Lastly, Miranda is a successful lawyer at a prestigious law firm. She enjoys casual sex and wants a serious relationship with a man who is not intimidated by her success. Her aspirations, apart from making partner in her law firm, is to have a meaningful relationship that could possibly expand to forming a family.
Despite their different career paths, sexual expressions, and aspirations, the show places them as equals. Neither one of them is labeled as too “prudish” or too “slutty”. Sex and the City presents different types of women without judgement or prejudice. It sends a very clear message: not all women are the same and that’s okay. Part of feminism is accepting the choices and lifestyles of other females, regardless of whether it’s not in accordance with your own life.
- Its honest depiction of all kinds of relationships
Sex and the City depicts all kinds of relationships in a realistic manner. Whether they’re toxic or healthy, casual or serious, the show has them all, and isn’t afraid to portray both the beautiful and the ugly in these relationships. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the positive and negative effects of these relationships and the emotional turmoil the characters face. While there’s no beauty in toxic relationships, the show demonstrates how these female characters get intertwined in them and how they decide to set themselves free. For a show that aired during the 90’s, it represents diversity within its relationships. There are gay couples, lesbian couples, and characters who are bisexual. Sexuality is demonstrated through all its beautiful forms.
Sex and the City shows free women who aren’t afraid to express their sexuality and enjoy sex, no matter what society says. It’s also a show that isn’t afraid to depict the reality of relationships, friendships, sex, as well as the hardships of womanhood. Not to mention it’s entertaining, funny, relatable, and stylish. It’s a bingeable show I’ve watched a couple of times and never get tired of. Sort of like a comfort show. I’m rewatching it right now with my boyfriend, which proves we’re in more progressive times and that there are men who are open to indulge in topics of female sexuality with ease. If you’re looking for a show that doesn’t shy away from reality and is open when it comes to female sexuality, then this is the show for you. Enjoy!