The small-town myths 'Gilmore Girls' keeps alive
What's the story
Gilmore Girls is a beloved show, and it is difficult to argue against it. The show paints an idyllic picture of small-town life, focusing on the relationships within the fictional town of Stars Hollow. While it captures the charm and quirks of close-knit communities, it often overlooks some realities about small-town relationships. Here's what Gilmore Girls gets wrong about them.
#1
Overemphasis on gossip culture
In Gilmore Girls, gossip appears to be the cardinal rule of Stars Hollow life. Sure, gossip spreads in small towns, but it is often blown out of proportion for the sake of drama. The reality is, most people are more concerned about privacy and discretion than depicted. The show hints everyone knows everyone's business all the time, but that's not always true in real-life communities where people respect boundaries and personal space.
#2
Unrealistic community events participation
The series often portrays town events where every single resident has a hand in everything. In real small towns, while community events are loved, not everyone shows up for every gathering, owing to personal commitments or different interests. The notion that every resident is as excited for every event as the other is an oversimplification that fails to consider preferences and varying levels of involvement.
#3
Simplified interpersonal conflicts
Conflicts in Gilmore Girls are usually resolved within a matter of episodes, without much long-term damage to relationships. But real-life conflicts can be messier and can take months/years to get resolved due to deeper emotional bonds or past grievances in close-knit communities. The show simplifies this whole dynamic by not diving deep into the grays of solving interpersonal issues over a long time.
#4
Limited representation of diversity
Stars Hollow paints a pretty homogeneous picture with not many diverse faces. Real small towns can be so much more diverse, with people from various backgrounds and experiences, adding to a rich tapestry of life. By not highlighting this diversity enough, Gilmore Girls loses an opportunity to showcase the real complexity of the many rural areas across various regions.