Upon reading Dustin Kidd’s article Harry Potter and the Functions of Popular Culture, and then speaking of the levels of popular culture (such as creating norms, maintain boundaries, developing rituals, innovation and social change) during class, I couldn’t help but think of the popular television series Sex & the City. After reading my colleague Elona’s post on Jersey Shore and thinking of how the characters actions influence and affect the youth of today, again, my mind wandered to the girls of Sex & the City. Beginning in 1998 and running until 2004, the series followed the lives of four best friends Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda. Throughout the show, characters got married, had children, worked, traveled, and partied (to name a few), however, the most prevalent theme on the show lies in the title – sex. Sex & the City opened new doors for women and sexuality. It has been argued that the show is an example of the progress in women’s rights (as the characters frankly talk of their sexual exploits) and that is has positively raised awareness about sexually transmitted diseases and safe sex. However, the real issue lies not in the characters promiscuity (really, they are all adults and can make their own decisions), but rather the young audience that view the series. According to a 2008 study by the American Journal of Pediatrics, “Teens who were exposed to high levels of television sexual content (90th percentile) were twice as likely to experience a pregnancy in the subsequent 3 years, compared with those with lower levels of exposure (10th percentile)”. Sitcoms such as Sex & the City glamorize sex and belittle important issues such (the obvious) sex, promiscuity and, most frightfully, abortions (please see link below). Also in 2008, ABC covered a story on a girl who believes that Sex & the City caused her to have sex at 14. Has Sex & the City developed norms, boundaries, rituals, innovation and social change? The answers to all are yes. Cosmopolitans are one of the most popular drinks to be ordered, women compare their relationships to those of the Carrie & Co., the term ‘Mr. Big’ and calling someone a ‘Samantha’ are understood without explanation, fashion has been influenced tremendously and women are not afraid to be open about their sexuality, and as Samantha would put it ‘have sex like a man’. However, can the show be deemed a positive popular culture innovation? Does it really push the boundaries of women’s rights and promote healthy sexuality? What do you think?
- K
- K
Sex & the City Bad Influence on Lohan
"Sex and the City" Charity Auction Criticized for Abortion Donation
"Sex and the City" Charity Auction Criticized for Abortion Donation
