Sex & the City

Prior to our classes on feminism, I watched and thoroughly enjoyed Sex & the City. However, after Dr. Layne used it as an example during her lecture, I haven't been able to watch it with the same frame of mind. After being made aware of it, I'm astonished by how much a show that is supposed to celebrate female independence feeds into the typical stereotypes that surround women. Literally every episode concerns how these women, who are seemingly strong and independent, desperately try to find male partners in order to complete themselves. The message this show sends is rather troubling; although the characters have successful careers, living space of their own, and can afford all of their own expenses, it is not enough to bring them true happiness. In a nutshell, women are basically being told that no matter what they accomplish, they cannot live a fulfilling life without a man. The fact that Sex & the City is seen as liberating to women is disappointing because it seems as though a large number of women don't understand the freedom they are fighting for.