The proposed return of Gilmore Girls for a limited run on Netflix spurred cutesie hysteria this week. Droves of high-pitched fans welcomed the return of a whimsical fantasy land that oozes idiosyncratic charm. Nothing could possibly go wrong in sleepy small town Stars Hollow – aside from the textbook littering of racial stereotypes, classist ideology and terrible, terrible role models.
These disturbing aspects are neatly hidden in plain sight by a democratic undercurrent whose intentions are apparently in the right place.
First on the fat stack of problems in the original series is casual racism. The only black character for seven seasons is a snooty, irritable snob who serves as a comic backdrop to the main stage plots. He is distinctly unlikeable and speaks with an exaggerated French accent.
Rory’s best friend Lane is second-generation Korean, but she is celebrated for wanting to discard her roots and fit into white teen society (plays rock and roll, kisses boys, etc). They’re both one-dimensional caricatures, less real and less relatable than the main characters.
Rory’s grandparents are wealthy elites who further a disturbing classism: it’s fine though, it can be funny! Emily chronically nags, insults and fires her serving staff, while Richard doubts if they can pronounce the messages he has asked them to relay (“He’ll have to use upwards of six syllables for this one. I wish him luck.” Ha ha!) Rory insidiously supplements this culture by never learning the names of people serving her, in any location. She may classify them as being cute if they are male, but identity is irrelevant.
After the overdone “Get it girl!” promotion of Lorelai as a single mother, she fails entirely as a role model. She is a narcissistic and self-absorbed entity who expects special treatment from everyone. She nearly fails to notice that Rory is impulsive and avoids difficult confrontations.
Hopefully, the above snag list will be considered before the long-awaited eighth season. What could be more cute and fun than social equality?
