4 Reasons Why All Is Good About Sex And The City

Fifteen years ago, with its last episode, Sex and the City gave a whole new definition to female solidarity. The four central characters, with their mystique, layers, and flaws, took the audience by storm. Interestingly, the most captivating aspect of the show has been the stark difference in the personalities of the central figures. In fact, it is through these subtle and distinctive shades of personalities that the conventional black and white equation of the characters has been discarded.

While the underlying flaws in the series such as the privileged white woman scenario, disturbing consumerism and classism, or the unrealistic bar of adulthood and dating cannot be overlooked, it can also not be denied that the show has been an integral part of the popular culture. 

Here are some of the good things about the show and the captivating themes which made it all the more special

1. “Maybe we can be each other’s soul mates and then we can let men be just these great, nice guys to have fun with”

Well, any discussion about Sex and the City is incomplete without a mention of the bond which Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda share. With quotes as strong as these, the 6 season series rarely misses an opportunity to encapsulate the significance of the female friendship in a patriarchal world. Nonetheless, their equation never climbs up the pedestal of glorification.

Not only do they explicitly discuss their sexual life, but they also put forth their opinion sans any reluctance.

Four single women in the city of New York do not only have a recurrent thought-provoking dialogue on relationships but they also never hesitate to disagree with each other on certain subjects and reach the stage of the conflict. For instance, Samantha, who never skips a chance to explore and express her sexuality, many a time, finds herself in a fix with the conventional outlook of Charlotte. Throughout the series, their relationship even undergoes a lot of ups and down. However, these intricacies and imperfections within their relationship make it even more relatable. The conflict, in turn, brings growth in their character.

2. “When men attempt bold gestures, generally it’s considered romantic. When women do it, it’s often considered desperate or psycho.”

Like a breath of fresh air, the series is entirely based on the female perspective. Carrie Bradshaw, as a columnist, is shown to be working through a different article in every episode. In fact, the female narration by Bradshaw even has an engaging pattern throughout the show. Interestingly, each episode begins with a question on the subject of sex and relationships and thereafter, the episode plot is built upon the particular subject through the experiences of the narrator and her friends.

Furthermore, a major chunk of the show focuses on the insides of the conversation of the group. Be it in the form of a restaurant table conversation, or a walk-down-the-street conversation, the diverse audience is strategically made a part of their discussions. Not only do they explicitly discuss their sexual life, but they also put forth their opinion sans any reluctance. This, in turn, provides a glimpse into the feminine perspective on relationships, sex, and society in general. 

3. “Plus the sense of power is such a turn on, maybe you’re on your knees, but you got him by the balls.”

As a welcoming move, the series boldly dichotomizes love and sex and the characters have their own preferences regarding the two aspects. While Samantha is a self-claimed try-sexual, Carrie looks for the “ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can’t live without each other” love. Miranda is more skeptical when it comes to relationships and men while Charlotte, on the contrary, seeks the conventional knight in the shining armour sort of love.

Albeit the central women in the show constantly seek stability in terms of relationship (Samantha being an exception, always), they are decisive and explicit when it comes to their sexual life.

However, these personality types, once constructed, are unabashedly shattered when Charlotte actually becomes open to the idea of a threesome, Miranda trusts Steve enough to move to Brooklyn with him, or when Samantha gets in a long term and monogamous relationship with Smith.

Also read: 5 Reasons Why I Binge-Watch The Sitcom Mom And You Should Too

Furthermore, it is quite interesting to see how sex is associated with power. Albeit the central women in the show constantly seek stability in terms of relationship (Samantha being an exception, always), they are decisive and explicit when it comes to their sexual life. From masturbation to one night stands, the show explores a wide arena.

4. “If Louis was right, and you get only one great love, New York may just be mine.”

Undeniably, one of the significant themes of Sex and the City is Carrie’s relationship with New York. This only asserts the significance which a city holds in the life of any woman or individual for that matter. As a part of a city, you see yourself as a part of a lifestyle and embrace it with all its fashions and flaws, thereby becoming more accepting of life. 

In the series, the city does not only become a crucial space, but also a spectator of the development and growth of the characters. Throughout the show, we see that the character of Carrie Bradshaw has a profound sense of belongingness towards the city of New York, which does not only constantly empower her, but also provides her with an identity. 

Also read: Why I Am Not So Fond Of F.R.I.E.N.D.S Anymore

All in all, despite the aforesaid fissures, Sex and the City has provided some spectacular characters, ideas and quotes to the world. The show questions and addresses some Big (no pun intended) issues and continues to hold a special place among its audience, even fifteen years post its last episode.

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