The return of ‘Sex and the City’ on Netflix has created a stir of anticipation among fans, but it also poses potential challenges for Gen Z viewers. The iconic New York sitcom, which originally premiered in 1998 and ended in 2004, is now available for streaming, introducing a new generation to the racy and sexed-up exploits of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda.
However, as a member of Gen Z myself, I can’t help but wonder if my fellow Zoomers are prepared to travel back in time to an era when cultural appropriation and offensive jokes were more widely accepted. The series casually drops the name of a young Donald Trump in its premiere episode, and if viewers continue watching into Season 2, they’ll see Trump himself making a cameo appearance.
For many Gen Zers who were too young to remember Trump’s pre-presidential days, seeing him being ogled in a sitcom can be quite shocking. It’s not just Trump’s presence that may raise eyebrows; there are several other moments throughout the series that are likely to be met with criticism in today’s more politically correct climate.
One such moment is when Samantha Jones wears an afro wig to a party, a move that would likely be seen as cultural appropriation today. Additionally, Carrie describes her jewelry as “ghetto gold,” and Samantha dates a black man while stating, “I don’t see color. I see conquests.” These instances may not sit well with Gen Z viewers who are more attuned to issues of cultural sensitivity and racial equality.
It’s not just the characters’ actions that have sparked controversy among Zoomers; there are also calls to cancel Carrie Bradshaw herself. Some Gen Z viewers have taken to social media to express their discomfort with Carrie’s behavior and views. The show has been deemed “problematic” and criticized for not aging well. Charlotte York’s view on female independence, which suggests that women should rely on men, is seen as regressive and out of touch with today’s ideals of gender equality.
Furthermore, the series’ portrayal of bisexuality has also come under fire. In a Season 3 episode, Carrie breaks up with a boyfriend because he is bisexual, claiming that she doesn’t believe bisexuality exists and that it’s merely a stopover on the way to being gay. Her friends, Miranda and Charlotte, further perpetuate negative stereotypes about bisexuality, calling it “greedy” and urging people to “pick a side and stay there.” This depiction is sure to receive backlash from a generation that values and embraces fluidity in sexual orientation.
The show’s setting, New York City, also plays a role in the politically incorrect moments of the series. Samantha’s remarks about living in a neighborhood that’s “trendy by day and tranny by night” in reference to transgender prostitutes in the Meatpacking District is likely to raise eyebrows and invite criticism.
While it’s undeniable that ‘Sex and the City’ may have its problematic moments, it’s important to appreciate it within its cultural context. The show gained enormous popularity for its candid and honest portrayal of the female experience in a post-sexual revolution world. It spoke truths that resonated with many women, even if some of those truths are now seen as crude or offensive.
There is a fear that ‘Sex and the City’ may face the same fate as other shows that have been selectively edited or censored due to their outdated content. However, it’s argued that it’s better to have a show that may be edgy, provocative, and offensive than one that is overly woke, preachy, and boring.
In conclusion, the return of ‘Sex and the City’ on Netflix has sparked excitement among fans but also raised concerns among Gen Z viewers. The series’ portrayal of cultural appropriation, offensive jokes, and outdated views on sexuality and gender roles may clash with the sensibilities of today’s generation. However, it’s essential to view the show within its cultural context and appreciate the candidness and honesty it brought to the female experience. Whether or not ‘Sex and the City’ will be canceled or face censorship remains to be seen, but for now, it serves as a reminder of how societal norms and sensitivities have evolved over time.
