HBO’s hit series, “Sex and the City,” has returned for its highly anticipated Season 2 of the reboot, “And Just Like That…”. As fans eagerly tune in to catch up with their favorite characters, many have taken the opportunity to revisit the entire series, including the original show and the movies. However, upon rewatching, some viewers couldn’t help but cringe at the problematic moments that made it to the final cut.
One BuzzFeed Community member was inspired to compile a list of the most problematic moments from the “Sex and the City” universe. The submissions shed light on instances of slut-shaming, cultural insensitivity, and discrimination. It is important to note that some of the submissions touch on sensitive topics such as sexual assault, gay hate, and racism.
One of the moments that stood out was when Carrie, the show’s protagonist, slut-shamed her friend Samantha for giving a blowjob to a man in her office. This came as a surprise considering Samantha had always supported Carrie unconditionally, even during her questionable decisions when it came to men.
Another problematic moment occurred when the girls traveled to Abu Dhabi and engaged in culturally insensitive behavior, such as wearing niqabs to escape a perceived threat. This portrayal perpetuated stereotypes and lacked cultural sensitivity.
The list also highlighted instances where characters failed to accept and support each other’s sexual journeys. Miranda’s exploration of her sexuality with Che was met with judgment and cruelty from Charlotte and Carrie, making her feel guilty about her choices.
Racial insensitivity was also addressed in the list. When Lisa, a Black character, asked Miranda for a cup of wine, Anthony referred to her as the “Black Charlotte” instead of using her actual name. This incident highlighted the need for more respectful and inclusive language.
The lack of support for Samantha’s exploration of her sexuality with a woman named Maria was another problematic moment. Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte were unsupportive, failing to embrace Samantha’s journey.
Sexism was also a recurring issue in the series. When Miranda faced difficulties buying an apartment due to a sexist broker, Charlotte suggested it was her fault for being an independent woman. This perpetuated harmful stereotypes and undermined Miranda’s agency.
The show’s attempt to address gender fluidity through the character Rock fell short. The writing around this topic felt forced, leading to a cringeworthy conversation initiated by Charlotte. This missed opportunity to handle the subject with sensitivity was disappointing for many viewers.
In another instance, the show brushed off the issue of consent when Carrie learned that Barkley, a womanizer, had been secretly videotaping his sexual experiences with models. The lack of accountability for such behavior sent a troubling message.
Body shaming was also present in the series. When Samantha gained weight after moving to LA, her friends held an intervention where they essentially fat-shamed her. This portrayal perpetuated harmful stereotypes and contributed to a culture of body negativity.
Lastly, Samantha’s breakup with Maria due to their discussions about feelings perpetuated a stereotype about woman-loving-woman relationships. This portrayal undermined the complexity and depth of such relationships.
As fans continue to enjoy the new season of “And Just Like That…” and reflect on the series as a whole, it is important to acknowledge and learn from these problematic moments. By addressing these issues, we can strive for more inclusive and respectful storytelling in the future.t her personal assistant, Louise, take the blame for a mistake she made, and then fired her without any remorse:
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9. When the show consistently portrayed bisexuality as a phase or experimentation, rather than a valid sexual orientation:
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10. When the show failed to address the lack of diversity and representation in its main cast, and only introduced BIPOC characters as supporting roles or love interests:
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It’s clear that Sex and the City has had its fair share of problematic moments throughout its run. While it’s important to acknowledge and learn from these mistakes, it’s also crucial to hold the show accountable for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and narratives. As fans eagerly await the second season of And Just Like That…, let’s hope that the creators have taken these criticisms to heart and will strive to do better in their storytelling.
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How do harmful stereotypes about bisexuality portrayed in “Sex and the City” impact the LGBTQ+ community?
D harmful stereotypes about bisexuality. The moment suggested that being in a same-sex relationship was less meaningful or legitimate compared to heterosexual relationships, undermining the LGBTQ+ community.
Overall, these problematic moments from “Sex and the City” serve as reminders that even beloved shows can have flaws and reinforce harmful stereotypes. As viewers rewatch the series in anticipation of the reboot, it is important to engage in critical conversations about the show’s portrayal of sensitive topics. By acknowledging these problematic moments, we can work towards more inclusive and respectful media representations in the future.
