I just can't stand Sex and the City...

[DerekG]

I will devour almost any HBO series (The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Oz, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Wire, Carnivale), but I can't understand the appeal of a program revolving around four self-absorbed, shallow, nymphomanics. Please don't take this to be sexist--an even worse HBO program was the abysmal Mind of a Married Man (which centered on a worthless ass of a man), but that didn't last long, thank God.

I was complaining about this show to a friend today and a nearby girl got offended by my remarks. She called it "empowering"--I told her she should try reading a book on Mother Jones, Emma Goldman or Sanger if she wanted to delve into the mind of a fierce, empowering woman.

Please don't tell me Carrie Bradshaw is an inspiring role model for the modern woman!

[Brucey]

1. I can't stand it either, but understand how some women

find it empowering. It's about time women felt they were independent and could do whatever they want. It's too bad that it has to be shallow, self-indulgent stuff. Oh well.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

2. I agree...and don't consider your comments to be sexist in the least

in fact, the show appeals to sexism by operating under the pretense of a sort of faux feminism while appealing to the more voyeuristic.

[SweetZombieJesus]

3. I once decided not to go on a second date with a girl because she owned

the VHS box set of this show. Shallow? Maybe, but not nearly as shallow as that show.

[LynneSin]

46. Cross me off your dating list

I own all 4 seasons on DVD.

And I'm proud of it too!

[flamingyouth]

4. I like it - I just think it's funny and raunchy

but I understand what you're saying too. And I will never tell you that any of them are role models (tho I think my husband has a secret crush on Samantha - he's such a pervert).

I like it best when it's at its most ridiculous, not when it's sad or trying to make a point.

At our house, we're always hooting and hollering, "How the frick can these women afford these clothes, live in these apartments, go out *constantly* and, with the exception of Miranda, hardly ever work?!?!"

Oh well.

[LynneSin]

47. They all work - anyone who watches the show regularly can tell you that

Samatha is a top PR exec who has been shown on the job plenty of times. One of my favorite episodes was where a potential customer didn't want to hire her because she was a woman (and her reputation). However, Sam got the job because she stood up to the guy and reminded him that if she were a Man who slept around that man would have been given the jobs and they'd be smoking cigars talking about their conquests.

Carrie is working every week. Remember the whole show is based on the column she writes for her paper. Plus she writes for Vogue (which she started doing late season 4) and she put out a book (season 5).

Charlotte managed an Art Gallery and many episodes have been at her Art Gallery. However, after she got married the first time she quit her job in order to focus on getting pregnant. However, it turns out she can't get pregnant and she has had one of the most touching story lines of the last 2 years.

[sistersofmercy]

5. It's just funny.

As a woman, I don't find it empowering but I do find humor in the fact that it makes some men uncomfortable. Some men get it, some don't! Woman of our generation have for the most part shunned the traditional roles we are suppose to play. Overall that is the theme of the show, the sex stuff is a sideline really for humor's sake.

[LTR]

6. Aw heck!

Men just watch it for the sex.

Didn't you know that? :)

[seamarq]

13. Not all men...

Gay men watch it for the shoes...

[Dogmudgeon]

10. "I do find humor in the fact that it makes some men uncomfortable"

Oh, I get it now.

Sex In The City is just Spike TV for chicks!

--bkl

[Fight_n_back]

7. Then move to the country

where it is easier to do it outside.

[Paragon]

8. It's a total fake

The life of single women as written by gay men. Puh-LEEZ!

[soleft]

9. I'm going to miss it

It cracks me up.

[Deja Q]

11. I love sex, but I don't care much for the city...

Too much crime and violence from all sects. Just looking at a skyscraper; well that's corporate crime all neatly packaged. And as for those alleys, you won't spot me in one anytime soon!

[stanwyck]

12. I think men are intimidated

by the frank sex talk by women. I enjoy the show. I don't expect it to be realistic. It's voyeurism...completely. Including all the sex talk. The empowering part is that the women talk about sexual situations which happen....but rarely are discussed. As for the women being nymphomaniacs...I think you're giving yourself away, there. They like sex. Most women do. You seem to have a problem with that. Don't your male friends talk about sex? Ever? Are they perverts? Or normal, healthy men? Why shouldn't Carrie be inspiring? She's intelligent and successful. She has friends and is happy. You don't have to like the show....but your dismissing the women as nymphomaniacs indicates you might find their lustiness intimidating. Maybe you're a guy who prefers the quiet, submissive type. Try Pat Robertson's network.

[George_Bonanza]

14. I disagree

I am pleasantly disgusted by the antics of the American Pie boys. I'd call them perverts, sex maniacs... Doesn't mean I hate them, it's just a fact. I never watched Sex and the City except for little blurbs. I can't stand it because I simply don't find the women attractive, especially that skinny redhead. It works both ways. I don't watch to watch an average looking man acting like he's all that and talking about sex all the time.

[noiretextatique]

17. and i'd only describe one as a nympho

the samantha character. the others really aren't...and, i love the show.

[DerekG]

25. Don't give me that Robertson crap...

I blasted the equally pathetic Mind of a Married Man series.

P.S. I was raised by a mother who was (and remains) the strongest, most dignified, most intelligent human being I have known. Even at 28, she didn't act like those four flighty narcissists. I respect women who act like women, and not like 13 year olds playing dress-up. And that goes double for the legions of macho assholes parading around like they were back in High School gym class.

[catpower2000]

36. Hmm...

Did your mother ever just have a good lay? I mean, it's kind of gross thinking about your mother that way--which is why maybe you shouldn't compare TV show characters to your mother.

I think it's highly possible that, in between being strong, dignified, and intelligent, your mom really liked to fuck. Sorry if that strikes you as "undignified", but it's really not. Loving and reveling in sex, especially for a woman, shows that societal mores don't define her, and she is both bigger than and not afraid of what people will say or think.

Cat

[DerekG]

39. Don't give me that...

It's human nature to pursue and enjoy sex. What I do find perplexing is for a show revolving around four upper-class strumpets to engage in hour discussions each morning on the value of anal sex and for its audience to proclaim it inspiring. To hear these women talk about anything of substance is to suddenly gaze upon a solar eclipse.

Carrie Bradshaw may be a liberating role model for you, but I'm inspired by the kind of women, whether real or fictional, who radiate a fierceness and keen awareness to the world around them. You know, a woman who ACTUALLY CARES that over a quarter of our nation's children lives below the poverty line. Or the women who disrobed in opposition to Bush's bloodbath in Iraq. Carrie Bradshaw, adorned in her $500 shoes and awash in vapidity, would probably think Mother Jones was a blues singer.

If you watch Sex and the City for fun, that's great.

But if you think the show is representative of a new kind of feminism...?

[catpower2000]

40. I wouldn't say it's representative, no...

Nor would I say it's particularly important. I enjoy the show, as a light comedy.

I think it is revolutionary only in the fact that it is completely unapologetic about its focus--sex. And in particular--sex as experienced and discussed by women. That's it. That's the whole show. Have you ever seen another show on TV about just women and sex? No, it doesn't exist.

Let me give you another example--Queer as Folk. Here is a show that is also about just two things--gay men and sex. Sex as experienced and discussed by gay men. (There's minor plot development, just as there is in SATC, but we all know why we're actually watching.) Have you ever seen another show on TV about just gay men and sex? No, it doesn't exist.

Here's my point. Sometimes we have to swing the pendulum too far in the other direction on order to undo stuff from the past. Would I like to see a show that revels in female characters who are complex, intelligent, well-developed, AND revel in sex? Yes, I would. But I'll take SATC in the meantime.

Cat

[DerekG]

50. My apologies, cat...

I was referring only to those who found some kind of inspirational message in the program. I wouldn't disparage anyone for their entertainment choices.

[LynneSin]

45. But if Howard Stern talks about anal sex every morning on his radio show

then we call in pure genius.

I mean, I suppose maybe us ladies should go back to serving man, knitting booties and popping babies out everyday!

[mac56]

49. Who calls Howard Stern "pure genius"?

Nobody I know.

[TXlib]

52. You know,

"Serving Man" is a cookbook.

I mean, I suppose maybe us ladies should go back to serving man, knitting booties and popping babies out everyday!

[DrGonzoLives]

53. No, that's "To Serve Man"

n/m

[Hell Hath No Fury]

15. I've been a huge fan of the show...

and will miss it greatly when it goes off the air. I found in the characters many reflections of myself.

Personally, I've always felt that the REAL "love affair" in that show is between the four gals -- the guys are just like some really special Manolos. ;)

[Pepper]

16. It IS a ridiculous show...

and I enjoy it very much :)

Sometimes I need something light to laugh at after a week of stressing about money, bills, work, and the depressing state of affairs this country is in right now.

[stanwyck]

28. exactly!

don't know why the men feel so threatened by it. We're inundated with imbecilic males on television. Arrested adolescence is pervasive. SATC is escapism..but it also has an edge. I enjoy it, too.

[populistmom]

18. It's funny at times

However, for me its lost it. These women are so unevolved. I mean, they're 35-40 years old and have similar conversations with each other I remember having at 17. Grow up and stop playing games with men!
What particularly comes to mind was one where Miranda had this epiphany when she realized if a man didn't call her back after they went out, it just meant he wasn't "into her" as opposed to obsessing about it like she used to. Well, fucking, DUH!

[shanti]

19. well

i'm a woman, are you? more women than men like this show, but i have to say, my best guy friend LOVES SATC. he's the only one, tho.

[mitchum]

20. If real womwn were really like those shallow twits...

misogyny would be VERY justified

[stanwyck]

21. I'm so thankful you men

aren't as shallow as those men on The Man Show, Tough Crowd (w/Colin Quinn), Monday Night Football, the WWF, or NASCAR. Wait, some of you are.

[mitchum]

22. But those neanderthals do get blasted for their idiocy....

while Carrie and the fab gaggle are given a pass

[BuddhaGirl]

23. My husband and I adore SATC

Samantha's our favorite character...she's such a perv. The show really pushes the envelope and imho that's a good thing!

[Lindsey]

24. I love this show

and I don't think it's shallow. Every show has a theme (that ends up being Carrie's column) and I think the questions are actually thought provoking - (I'm single and a lesbian but the themes are universal. Things like "can anyone really be just friends with an ex" comes up in my life and my friends lives (male, female, gay, straight)- These are the types of topics explored in the show. The love IS actually between the women and N.Y city.

[sandnsea]

26. I love it!

It's about time there was a show that portrays the sexual side of women. I don't know why people are so freaked out about women having sex and talking about it. We've gone from the homemakers, Lucy & Laura, to the working girls, Mary & Rhoda; and now we've got the funny girls who actually have sex. It only took 50 years to get there.

[annagull]

27. sorry, but Mikael Barishnicov and SJP

were so beautiful together, stop hating it and take it for the romantic soul that it has been, lately, Men don't like it, but that is expected in a world where there is a Spike TV,, like every channel doesn't cater to a young male audience. I hate to tell those guys, but we women buy the shit, ok?

[emad]

29. Join the club....

They remind me of four old tarts that used to live in the same block as me, who were eventually busted for doing something that was 'an affront to human decency' or some such thing.

My sixteen year old son watched a couple of episodes and then complained that it was totally fake, unrealistic and demeaning to men, 'because the women never take their bras off in bed' and Carrie looks like all her clothes come from the local jumble sale...

[MaineDem]

30. ""demeaning to men, 'because the women never take their bras off in bed' "

What? I hope he was kidding.

[LynneSin]

32. SJP has a clause that she won't be shown topless

All the other women have taken their bras off plenty of times. So the joke is about how SJP even sleeps with a bra on her.

[emad]

33. He's sixteen, full of that wonderful pubescent male folklore that

specialises in the deep, almost encyclopaedic knowledge of women.....which says: "all girls take their bras off in bed when they make love...."
I sympathise. Always bra in bed = looks phoney

[smirkymonkey]

42. Yes, just as phony as filming

love scenes where the woman is totally exposed and the man is always partially or completely dressed.

I think it's a power thing - the person who is completely undressed is more vulnerable that the person who is covered. I don't think men care much for the reversal of roles.

[LynneSin]

31. I read Mother Jones and I LOVE Sex and the City!!!!!!

Because they tell about the problems us women face out there ESPECIALLY us 30-something women. I like the fact that (outside of Charlotte) that these women feel that marriage isn't the only option on the platter.

Let's put it this way - you're not going to see this stuff on crappy shows like "Everyone Tolerates Raymond"

[latebloomer]

34. It's a confection!

It's like a lemon mousse- delicious, insubstantial and not too fattening. It's delightful, diverting, completely unrealistic-- Samantha in particular borders on cartoon character--and yes--how does Carrie afford that wardrobe while spending 20 minutes a day typing? My husband gets annoyed at its inconsistencies, and I tell him, lighten up, it's just FUN!!

[underpants]

35. Not funny and that redheaded woman

ugh!

I know she's a left winger but she just doesn't do it for me.

In this week's episode I hear Kim Catrall might get boinked.

[soleft]

37. that red headed woman's name is Cynthia Nixon

She didn't always have red hair, she's been acting for a long time

http://www.dreamstarlets.com/features/!bios/cynthia_nixon22.jpg

She has BA from Barnard College and has appeared in two Broadway hits directed by Mike Nichols.

[mac56]

38. Watched one episode.

Thought it was lame. Didn't care about any of the characters.

Exactly the same reaction I had to "The Drew Carey Show".

I realize, though, that I'm not the target audience for either. Watch what you like. Knock yourself out.

[pippin]

41. It's a step backwards

for women . . .all tits, hormones and no brains, but then sex sells.

[DrGonzoLives]

43. All it is

is almost-soft-core-pornography.

But, hey, if women think that being shallow and chasing down ment that are no good for you is "empowering," that's there business.

[noonwitch]

44. What, you don't like "Sluts in the City"

I accidentally referred to it that way at a family gathering, and now they all call the show "Sluts in the City". I don't like it either, it's just a glossier version of "Melrose Place".

[noiretextatique]

54. WHY are they "sluts?"

really? the only character who seems to be promiscuous is the samantha character. the others really aren't. what is sooooo 'slutty' about women having sex...with men? just curious...cause i don't see all the "sluts."

[Uzybone]

48. I hardly watch the show

hardly watch any shows....maybe when I have time to catch it on i-control. I think its a pretty good show. Not to be taken seriously, after all its ONLY TV.

[Rich Hunt]

51. Neither can I

...although I think the last season was less annoying than some of the others.

It's just that I can't relate to their lifestyle, and their lifestyle is what drives everything else in the show. I don't see why I should give a shit about a bunch of dumb yuppie shoe fetishists.

I'd like to see a low-rent Sex and the City - maybe it would annoy me less.