S-Town as Setting
The title of the “S-Town” podcast says it all. When I first heard about this podcast and the themes it would focus on, I thought “S-Town” would be an abbreviation for “suicide-town.” After listening to more and more of the podcast, I discovered that “S-Town” stands for “Shit Town.” Is the rural town of Woodstock, Alabama really terrible enough to be named “Shit Town?” To me, the setting of “S-Town” as it takes place in such a particular location, stands out throughout the entirety of the podcast. What does this name reveal not only about the state of Alabama, but also about the grander image of the United States as a setting? In “S-Town,” the setting becomes a particular character. If the real individuals present in “S-Town” had not lived and inhabited Woodstock, Alabama, would these eerie events have ever taken place? One particular reason I feel the setting becomes such a paramount character, per se, is via McLemore’s ongoing rants thought the podcast. McLemore, in great detail, explains his feelings to the listeners on grander topics present in American society and culture, particularly relevant to rural American culture, such as climate change, financial struggles, community figures such as policemen, etc. Additionally, I feel, place such as Woodstock, Alabama, can be considered a bubble — literally feeling like a trap where one can not escape. An inescapable maze. Perhaps, that is why the audience sees and experiences McLemore’s fully flawed, voyeuristic tendencies throughout his character — not only is he trapped physically, but perhaps this physical trap then mentally encapsulates him, as well. Lastly, I find it fascinating that “S-Town” takes place in such a unique setting as the controversy of life after death comes about, as well. A majority of media and film representations of horror scenes, especially deaths, murders and suicides, take place in the rural country, or a setting similar to Woodstock, Alabama. Is this ironic? This then brings about the question of what happens to twisted individuals, such as McLemore, whom die in this particular part of America? Who finds them? Who helps them? Who honors them? Who tells their story?
