Remember that feeling when your friend’s world is imploding, but all you can think about is your own drama? For Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, that drama often revolved around one man: Mr. Big. The now-iconic “Big is moving to Paris” meme, though never actually uttered in the show, perfectly encapsulates Carrie’s self-centered nature and the turbulent relationship that captivated audiences for six seasons.
More Than Just Manolo Blahniks: Sex and the City’s Enduring Legacy
Nearly 26 years after its premiere, Sex and the City still resonates, sparking endless debates and inspiring a new generation of meme creators. But why?
“People get really into referencing media where they can imagine themselves in that world,” explains Sylvia Sierra, Associate Professor of Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Syracuse University. The show’s relatable characters, outlandish storylines, and quintessentially New York City backdrop provide a rich playground for meme generation.
And when it comes to meme-worthy material, few things hit the mark quite like Carrie’s reactions to Big’s every move.
“Big Is Moving to Paris”: A Meme Is Born
Picture this: The world is ending. An earthquake just rocked New York City, or maybe a solar eclipse plunged the city into darkness. But amidst the chaos, one thing remains constant: Carrie Bradshaw’s singular focus on her relationship with Big.
The “Big is moving to Paris” meme plays out this scenario with hilarious accuracy. It typically features a conversation between Carrie and her friends, culminating in Carrie’s earth-shattering announcement: “Big is moving to Paris.”
The meme’s humor lies in its absurdity. Carrie’s pronouncements about Big, often delivered with dramatic flair, highlight her self-absorption and the all-consuming nature of their on-again, off-again relationship.
Decoding the Meme: Why We Can’t Stop Talking About Carrie and Big
While the “Big is moving to Paris” meme is undeniably funny, it also speaks to a deeper cultural conversation.
“People use memes to circumscribe the boundaries of what is acceptable and isn’t acceptable,” says Sierra. By poking fun at Carrie’s over-the-top reactions and Big’s emotionally distant behavior, the meme implicitly criticizes these relationship patterns.
As Katherine Morgan, a writer and avid Sex and the City fan, observes, “The meme rejects Big’s hold over Carrie…[and] presents an ideology that’s not acceptable.”
Furthermore, the enduring fascination with Carrie and Big reflects broader societal anxieties surrounding love, relationships, and the elusive “happily ever after.” As Professor Joke Hermes of Inholland University points out, “It’s an ongoing discussion about how we think about men and women today and whether we’re still invested in thinking about femininity and masculinity as total opposites.”
Embracing the Chaos: Carrie Bradshaw, Relatable Icon?
While Carrie Bradshaw is often criticized for her self-centeredness and questionable relationship choices, some fans find her appealing precisely because of her flaws.
“It’s freeing to have a model for being loud and wrong,” says Sienna Axe, a young woman who proudly identifies as “Big is moving to Paris” on social media. “Sometimes you have to be a little bit loud and wrong and say what you think so your friends can correct you.”
In an era where authenticity and vulnerability are highly valued, Carrie’s messy journey resonates. She reminds us that it’s okay to make mistakes, to be a work in progress, and to stumble through life’s complexities in search of love and self-discovery.
So, the next time you see “Big is moving to Paris” popping up on your social media feed, take a moment to appreciate the layers of meaning embedded within this seemingly simple meme. It’s a testament to the enduring power of Sex and the City, a show that continues to spark conversations about love, relationships, and the complexities of being human.