June 9, 2008

Thanks for nothing, Samantha Jones

Why is it that some people still think that fighting stereotypes with stereotypes is okay?

It’s not that I’m offended or shocked by this woman’s perspective. You know, part of it is probably true. What I do have a problem with is that her discomfort in the female stereotype created by Sex and the City is so strong that she feels the need to divert the negative associations to another group in order to pretend that women couldn’t possibly be so promiscuous, fashion-focused, and otherwise out of line with how she has led her own life.

(Yes, I am frustrated and making assumptions. Please excuse me for potentially attacking the person rather than the argument which I know I should not do. If it makes it better, I do regularly enjoy her columns in the paper)

In reality, she and I are fighting the same argument. If we met in person, I’m sure we could talk ourselves in circles only to come to the inclusion that it SUCKS to be the victim of stereotypes under any circumstances. My point, is that her frustration with the portrayal of women in Sex and the City is completely valid, but it should be expressed in a way that isn’t just passing the buck over to some other group of people in an equally baseless way.

Let’s all try to ease off on the sweeping statements and lumping millions of people together based on assumptions. Sex and the City is a caricature of a lifestyle led by many men and women of all kinds. Shall we just take that for what it is, have a laugh, and move on? ‘Cause that would make me happier than a one night stand and a pair of Manolos.

Publishing in a huff.

[Edit: Comment reply from the author has cleared some things up. Jumping to conclusions is easy when tired and reading a ten-line post that seems to say more than it says. Leaving this posted because it's stuff I still wanted to say. I still don't agree with the sweeping statements, but I do retract much of the attitude of this post. You know, my own way of living up to stereotypes.]

{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }

ed April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm
ÄsK AliCë April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

UJ, you're great – I would read your blog if you had one.

Of course, we adore you Ben and would never want you to stop blogging so quit acting jealous ;>

It's like when you get a second puppy and the love just gets bigger

I think I need some wine for that cheese

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Anonymous April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

You can find a tiny Tim Horton’s kiosk in a coffee shop near Trafalgar Square. No, it is not nearly as good as the “real thing”, BUT at least you can say you sat in Trafalgar Square with a Tim’s before you leave. (If you haven’t left already).

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Heather Rose April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

Glorious! Symbiotic relationships are so nice, aren’t they?

And calm yourself Ben(I so want to add -jamin). You know you can never be replaced. ^__^

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Elle Bee April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

I understand your apprehension to start a blog of your own.

Personally, I think you and Ben work very well together. I like the set up you have going on and look forward to your posts (maybe you could make it a bit more often, hrm?).

Thanks Ben, for giving this lovely lady a voice on your rollercoaster.

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MsDarkstar April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

You’re right, UJ… having a blog as engaging as Ben’s is a lot of work and it’s something I aspire to.

Thanks for sharing the Life in London stories! Wishing you the best on the new phase of your life!

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Kate April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

I like the way you write. Very much.

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JenBun April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

Nymph!

I want MOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE!!! :D

Also? I have always wanted to move to London. I just may do it one of these days… and, if I do, you better believe I will be BEGGING Benny for your email! :)

Thanks, UJ! (P.S. Also didn’t realize Aldo is a Canadian company. EVERYTHING is hot up there– shoes, men, hockey– except the weather! WOOT!)

OK, I’m done.

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Dolce April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

Aldo??? Sweet Jeezus!!! I can afford those. And it’s the one article of clothing I can buy with out regrets in 3 months!

Thank you Union Jane for making me very happy.

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Lyla Lou April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

I love UJ posts! Now I want to ride the tube. Do they say that in London, ride the tube? That just sounds weird.

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sandi April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

Union Jane- I love your writing. I would most definitely be a follower! Keep it up, You don’t have to post everyday, Start slow and see what happens.

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Ben April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

Ooh. Union Jane. Oooh. Please start a blog. Ooh. We love you. Ooh.

SUCK IT.

She doesn’t have a blog so you’re all stuck with me!

Ingrates…

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Jesse April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

i love union jane. you should get a blog.

i’m also looking into moving into the UK on a working holiday type deal. How did you do it? I have looked into it but it seems to be really complicated and also expensive. What was the type of visa you got?

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S. April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

I’d read your blog =)

But until then…i suppose being a guest poster over here will have to suffice!

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cassette45 April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

Concerning Q8 –
Everytime I read a UJ post I want to comment, but I don't. Too intimidated, I suppose. You're as articulate & funny as Ben. Plus, I (red-faced) admit I was totally inspired by & jealous of your move to London. It's my dream to get back there. Good luck with your move to Toronto. I hope you'll still guest post!

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Kellie April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

I’m so jealous that you saw Kiera! She is the one girl I would be a lesbian w/ if I were gay. Did that make sense? Basically I think she is gorgeous!

Good luck on your next move!

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Áine Caitríona April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

I’d read your blog, too. And not just because you were one of the inspirations for Oi Gov’nah! Week at Smell The Glove…

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ablogofherown.wordpress.com April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

You are so right about twice in one night sex!
(The fact that I open with this speaks volumes about me, hah.)

Keep posting, I’ll read!

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Kyla Bea April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

I love the UJ posts – and I like that they’re @ NOR. Good luck on the move to TO!

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Jossie Posie April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

I’ve thought about moving to London for a while…now I’m starting to think twice about it :-(

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Kylie April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

I think you should totally keep posting @ NOR!! Or start your own…I would read for sure!! Either way, I luv reading your posts. (And Ben’s) Good luck in your next move. Hope all goes smoothly!

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peterdewolf April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

Based on this post alone, I would absolutely read your blog. I might even add you to my Google Reader. (That would make us married in some countries.)

I must also say that I fully support any country that hands out a “Rear of the Year” award.

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Matt April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

I think you’re writing is great. Post some more. Start your own blog.

I’d read it.

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onewandering April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

Nymph! Ask Ben for his least-favorite day of the month to post! ;)

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Maxie April 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm

I’d be upset if I didn’t meet Hugh Grant if I lived in London… I’m not even sure if he lives there, but I always associate him with England. haha

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