What 'Gilmore Girls' forgot to show about small-town struggles
What's the story
Everybody loves Gilmore Girls and the dreamy world it created in Stars Hollow. Although the show was all about the quirks and charms of a close-knit community, the beloved teen drama often failed to address some harsh realities of living in a small town. Here's what Gilmore Girls may have missed about small-town life, including diversity, economic opportunities, social dynamics, etc.
Diversity
Limited diversity representation
In Gilmore Girls, Stars Hollow is shown as a largely homogeneous community with little representation of diverse cultures and backgrounds. In reality, several small towns across regions are inhabited by people of different ethnicities/cultures. The absence of diversity portrayal in the show doesn't match the real demographic makeup of several small towns today.
Economy
Economic opportunities are scarce
The show also tends to show characters with stable jobs, thriving businesses, without addressing the economic struggles of many small-town residents. In reality, job opportunities may be scarce, resulting in higher unemployment rates compared to cities. Many residents may have to travel long distances for work or depend on seasonal employment to make ends meet.
Social life
Social dynamics can be complex
While Gilmore Girls highlights strong community bonds and friendships, it does tend to overlook the complexities in social dynamics that are present in real-life small towns. Gossip can travel fast because of close-knit relationships, resulting in misunderstandings or conflicts among the residents. Further, newcomers may struggle to find their place within established social circles.
Services
Public services may be limited
Though Stars Hollow seems well-equipped with public services like healthcare facilities and schools, conveniently located nearby, many real-life small towns grapple with issues like limited access to healthcare providers or educational resources (due to budget constraints or geographical isolation). Residents may have to travel long distances for essential services not available locally.