Feminism in Gilmore Girls

Released from 2000 to 2007, Gilmore Girls deals with every minor and major concern about a single mother and her daughter in a small fictional town called Stars Hollow. The show is not a total representation of feminist criticism; however, it differentiates from the usual patriarchal mind and the series. 

The mother, Lorelai, is the head of the household as a mother and a woman, and she dedicates her life to her daughter, Rory. She even gives her name and surname to Rory, which is an abbreviation of the name Lorelai; therefore, Rory doesn’t represent her father in any naming issue. They have free spirits, freedom, and power, so they truly act like themselves without any unnatural acting. Especially the main female characters in the show reveal their every little trait; they can be weak, frustrated, sad, anxious, scared and happy, appreciated, loved, and kind. That’s why they are not depicted as the strongest and most powerful; they have what humans have. 

The townspeople in the show, who are represented as the society in our world, reveal the reality regarding harsh criticism, gossip, and discrimination. Despite the negative effects, Lorelai does defend herself and Rory in every other circumstance. Meanwhile, the men in town have genuine and unique features such as cooking, helping, and even being kind when some men are not. For instance, Luke shows a man can also cook rather than a woman such as Lorelai. She doesn’t know how to cook, unlike the other women in a patriarchal world. 

The outfits are the other significant issue to discuss. With the era's effect, the women in town dress more confidently and naturally. They put on what they would like to put on with their natural aura, such as Lorelai; she isn’t approved by her mother when she’s in her daily outfits because Emily, who dresses like the upper-class people, considers them crazy and inappropriate. However, Lorelai does not even wear any suits at work, so she’s the businesswoman in her interpretation. 

As regards the relationship between Lorelai and Rory, it has a utopian feature, unlike the usual mother-daughter relationship. They share lots of common things as friends because of the age gap between them. So, what they have is such an enviable thing. 

In conclusion, Gilmore Girls refers to the drama and comedy about family and friendship centered around Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory, as a representation of our lives.