Lessons from 'Sex and the City' for Modern Women
I don’t know about you, but I remember the profound impact the TV Show, “Sex and the City” had on myself and my friend group as we grew up watching with curiosity. This kinda show didn’t come around very often. It was authentic, fresh, and for many seemed taboo. But our friends grew to anticipate each weekly episode and imagined which archetype they were. I mean… I am not going to lie, it still bothers me to this day that my friends typecast me as the Miranda of the group, but that’s a different story for a different day. Understandably, no one person fits the mold of Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, or Charlotte. We are a fierce combination of these women who pioneered controversial topics with confidence and style. In this blog, we will dive into these archetypes and key lessons for the modern woman.
Who are these characters and their archetypes?
Carrie Bradshaw - The Dreamer and Romantic
Carrie, our beloved protagonist, embodies the archetype of the dreamer and romantic. She's a writer with a vivid imagination, always seeking love and connection. Carrie's passion for love, fashion, and exploring the depths of her own emotions makes her the heart of the show.
Miranda Hobbes - The Rational and Ambitious
Miranda represents the archetype of the rational and ambitious individual. Her logical and practical approach to life is often seen through her career as a successful lawyer. Miranda's intelligence, independence, and her determination to break gender norms make her a formidable force.
Charlotte York - The Traditionalist and Idealist
Charlotte embodies the archetype of the traditionalist and idealist. She yearns for a picture-perfect, fairytale romance and places value on traditional values and societal expectations. Charlotte's unwavering belief in love and her desire for a happily-ever-after often clash with the harsh realities of modern relationships.
Samantha Jones - The Nonconformist and Sensualist.
The infamous Samantha represents the archetype of the nonconformist and sensualist. Known for her bold and unapologetic approach to life, Samantha brings a touch of rebellion, fearlessness, and unabashed sexuality. Her refusal to adhere to societal norms and her zest for experiencing pleasure without limits make her an empowering figure.
Each character in "Sex and the City" contributes a unique personality and perspective, making the show a beautiful combination of diverse archetypes. Together, they embody various aspects of femininity, friendship, and personal growth, showcasing the complexities and triumphs of modern women in an ever-evolving world.
When friends and society begin putting themselves in the shoes of the characters they grow to love, you know that you are making magic.
A few lessons that stuck with me:
Female friendships and support are essential: The show revolved around a close-knit group of female friends, emphasizing the importance of having a strong support system and fostering deep connections with other women. No matter how difficult the situation, these friends stuck together and provided real feedback when their friends were in the wrong.
Sexuality and sexual liberation are empowering: "Sex and the City" celebrated female sexuality and presented women who were open and unapologetic about their needs and desires. It helped break societal taboos and encouraged women to explore their own sexual fulfillment.
Embracing individuality and personal style: The characters on the show had their own unique fashion sense and embraced their individuality. It encouraged individuals to express themselves through style and celebrate their uniqueness. Many times, friend groups try to conform and follow the herd mentality, but not these strong women paving their own paths.
The challenges of modern relationships: "Sex and the City" portrayed the complexities and challenges of modern relationships, including issues like commitment, trust, communication, and the struggles of balancing personal and professional lives. It was refreshing to see a show explore the dynamics in short-term and long-term relationships. People are complex and 3 dimensional and so are the relationships they find themselves in.
Empowerment and independence: The show depicted women who were financially and emotionally independent, encouraging women to pursue their careers and prioritize their own personal growth. It was encouraging at a young age to see other women outside of my family and community successfully going after what they wanted and needed. Not all communities support this kind of mantra, but I think it is their superpower.
Open discussions about taboo topics: The show tackled various taboo topics, including sex, relationships, and societal expectations, normalizing discussions around these sometimes uncomfortable subjects that people tend to shy away from. This allowed me to give myself permission to candidly speak. This was not always encouraged as a kid, but watching these women freely speak felt liberating.
"Sex and the City" reminded us to embrace our individuality, express ourselves through fashion, and chase our dreams while navigating the complexities of modern relationships. Through its diverse archetypes, the show showcased the myriad ways women can thrive in a fast-paced world. As we reflect on the lessons learned, we are reminded that we are not alone in our journey towards self-discovery and can find inspiration in the vibrant and charismatic characters of "Sex and the City." Let us celebrate the show's profound impact and continue to embrace our own unique journeys with confidence, authenticity, and a touch of that fabulousness that made the show unforgettable.
Thriving,
SK Vaughn
