"Feminism Without Feminists: Gender, Race and Popular Culture"

     This article discusses the sociology of Sex and the City, including the praise and scrutiny that came with the show.  SATC was applauded for having four women as its main characters.  However, it was also scrutinized for being about four heterosexual, middle-class white women.  The author of this article, Linda Jin Kim, focused on secondary sources, such as reviews of the show, to help her understand the views on the show.  Kim researched these sources to look at how the series interpreted gender roles and feminism in the U.S.. 
     Kim describes the basics of the show.  SATC revolves around four single women who get together weekly to discuss what has been happening in their lives.  The four main characters are all very successful women in their respective fields.  "SATC has been praised for its feminist elements, such as showcasing female friendship, privileging female subjectivity, challenging dominant narratives, and encouraging frank talk about female sexuality" ("Feminism Without Feminists:  Gender, Race and Popular Culture").  However, SATC also produced hegemonic narratives.  Many situations revolving around different races and genders were handled poorly for a show that challenged so many norms.
     There are many mixed reviews about SATC.  Some praise the show for how it has empowered women.  SATC gave females a new sense of identity they might not have had before.  The series' many norm breaking themes included sexual empowerment, too. Some critics have said that SATC has shown women it is okay to be in charge.  However, other critics have said the show still "privileges a masculine gaze" during many scenes ("Feminism Without Feminists:  Gender, Race and Popular Culture").
     This article opened my eyes to this show in a way I never looked at it before.  I used to strictly think this was just a show for women to enjoy watching.  I never thought of the impact it could have on the way one looks at social norms and gender roles in society.  Although some critics may have some problems with the show, one cannot argue that SATC did not take some steps forward in breaking out of these norms.