I have to say I this article really painted a new picture of the tv series for me. I was an avid watcher and truly did love show. This article really opened a new door for me though. Mostly, the show was entertaining but I didn't realize the underlying issues in the series. I have to admit that I wasn't really always that thrilled to have constant issues of the patriarchal standpoint and was always hoping to have an "uhah" moment when issues were so stereotypical of women (that's why Miranda was my favorite - although she obsessed over men, she realized she was doing it and tried to be more independent). But, honestly as Natalie said in another post I was happy with the diversity of race, gender issues thinking that it was broadening the tv spectrum - when really it was still advertising stereotypical thinking. It's refreshing to see these laid out in the article and realize what I was watching really was just a bunch of boxed-in ideas. Although, I will probably still love the show for its entertainment value, I now think if I ever watched it again I could pin-point the stereotypical views of the show.
Laura
I think shows like "Sex and the City" demonstrate how the entertainment aspect of media often masks the underlying issues which are often issues of race, class, and gender. But I was thinking, what show could you name that doesn't have a single issue of any of these topics? I can't think of one. Then I was wondering what a show or movie would be like if it didn't have a single stereotypical view. It seems that these very stereotypical views that we analyze and critique are what makes a show or movie entertaining. (Which is unfortunate). But I'll admit there are some stereotypes that love watching, such as the "funny fat guy". Tommy Boy is my favorite movie because I am obsessed with Chris Farley. I watched a documentary of his life recently and it talked about how he felt like he had to live up to the "funny fat guy" stereotype 24/7 which put a lot of pressure on him and his career that eventually took a fatal turn. If Chris Farley was overweight and played serious roles, there's no way he would of had the same fan base as he did. It would be really interesting to see how media can still make entertainment while staying clear of stereotypical views than can many types be offensive.
Just wanted to make a quick Chris Farley related note--(not to be considered my post for the day). But the Matt Foley character he did on SNL was based on his high school football coach, Joel Maturi--who is the Gopher's Athletic Director currently.
**the more you know**