I would describe my relationship with Carrie Bradshaw similar to how many of her ex-boyfriends would: complicated.

Growing up as a young woman today is already filled with enough pressures, and by simply tuning in to a popular television series, I created more issues for myself.

I was too young to watch ‘Sex and the City’ when it first aired on HBO in 1998, but I followed the cult of young women in my age group who rented the DVDs, and soon enough, I too fell in love. I became infatuated with New York City, the friendships of the four main characters, and with the debate it caused among my girlfriends and I.

The major motion picture was such a hit that a sequel is being released in May 2010. This is bittersweet because, while the pure entertainment is always enjoyable, it is confusing for young females to see these stereotypes and perceptions on the big screen.

As the writer of my clique, my qualms with Sarah Jessica Parker’s character weighed in more than others since I had a realistic vision of a writer’s checkbook. Most working writers could not afford to make purchases like a pair of dazzling Jimmy Choos, high-end lingerie, or designer purses, let alone all at once. I also did not enjoy the fact that my friends, and young women, everywhere considered Carrie a writing icon, and the stereotypes being derived from a ‘fashionista’ existence this would ‘carry’ along. My definition of hard journalism wouldn’t exactly be the monthly issue of Vogue (I’m more of a Newsweek kind of girl).

This idea that Carrie is a columnist living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, purchasing Manolo Blahniks in bulk like she’s shopping for cereal at Costco is simply unrealistic. Yet, it taints the minds of viewers everywhere (who happen to be my own friends, family members and future employers). I definitely give props to Carrie for having the ability to balance her ‘writing talent’ with her knowledge of fashion. However, she does not portray a pragmatic image of a female journalist. It’s not only intimidating that my friends assume that because I want to be a journalist someday, I will be writing about my sex life and wearing $500 shoes on my feet, but it is equally nerve-wracking that newspaper, magazine and book editors hold these expectations as well.

‘Sex and the City’ is a thought-provoking show, in terms of questions that have come up during my own viewing experiences: Is it slutty to sleep around, or does it mean you are in control of your own body (Samantha)? Is it feminist to quit your job when you get married, or are you giving in to ‘the man’ (Charlotte)? Is it fair to raise a child by yourself when the father is willing to be involved (Miranda)? Many issues and concerns that women deal with on a daily basis are brought up in this television series. I can only envision other groups of friends gathered around a TV screen; snacking on whatever goodies they could get their hands on, creating a forum for their own consciousness-raising group similar to my own. It is still important to keep in mind, however, that this show, and these women, are fake, no matter how realistic they seem.

Shana Segbers, a sophomore earth science education major, can enjoy the show for what it is and not take it too seriously. ‘I love the reruns because they’re entertaining, but they show real life situations being played out in blown up proportions to emphasize their point.’ Segbers can recognize the fiction in ‘Sex and the City,’ but it’s a matter of other audiences registering this as well.

It is difficult to place direct blame on one party for the constant struggle between real female writers and Sarah Jessica Parker’s fictional character. Do we look to the writers and producers who created this separate world on HBO, or are the viewers responsible for not being able to separate fact from fantasy? Disregarding passing judgment on both groups, I would rather raise awareness about the fact that no, I cannot run around the five boroughs in six-inch stilettos, but I can still pursue a writing career.

Krystie Yandoli is a sophomore women’s studies major. Her columns appear weekly. She can be reached at klyandol@syr.edu.