In chapter 4 of Light In August, the reader hears Byron's account of recent happenings in relation to Miss Burden's murder. Joe Brown, in pursuit of a reward, has told the Sheriff that Joe Christmas is responsible for Miss Burden's death. As a reader, we can pretty much make the assumption, having read to chapter 12, that Christmas is, in fact, Burden's killer. However, when the sheriff hears Brown's story, the only real facts he knows is that Brown was in the burning house, pleading that no one goes upstairs, where Burden's body was found with her head barely connected to her body. He really has no reason to suspect anybody else but Brown committed the crime, and he remembers that, that is until Joe Brown mentions some essential proof. Joe Christmas, previously innocent man, is biracial. This changes everything for the Sheriff and others listening. "I believe you are telling the truth at last"(99) he says. Immediately an entire narrative of Joe Christmas is created. He's a murderer, a liar, and a dangerous man. Nothing has been witnessed to really prove that by the town, but they know for a fact he has those characteristics based on Brown's story. Regardless of his probably nonexistent innocence, he shouldn't be convicted solely based on his race.
In season 4 of Gilmore Girls, episode 1, Rory struggles with the narrative her town has created for her as well. Taylor, owner of the local grocery store and old fashioned soda shoppe, has named Rory the official "Ice Cream Queen" for the opening of the shoppe, without asking her first. Almost exactly like how the sheriff named Christmas the murderer without evidence, only with slightly different consequences. Rory, unlike Christmas, is able to confront her maker and change the narrative created for her. Taylor defends himself, saying "I assumed you would be thrilled, based on your past participation record" Taylor had no evidence for his assumption other than Rory's previous attendance and participation in town affairs. He created a persona for her without her permission. Rory later speaks at the grand opening in a small mental breakdown, saying:"I love this town, I will be back in that ridiculous pilgrim outfit next Thanksgiving, so everybody just get off my back!" Clearly, she's in a much different position in relation to her community than Christmas is.
It's clear that in these small towns, it's almost impossible to create your own persona and have all the residents accept that and treat you based on your actions and not the words of others. However, especially in groups, people will create an identity for you without solid proof. While it's more obvious when it's the possibility of prison over the possibility of a mascot for a cheesy event, this is harmful. It takes away an individuals agency to create their identity.
P.S.- I'm #TeamJess
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