Stargazing

“Now it’s gonna be in all the photos. Everyone’s gonna ask, why does Christine look different?”

The biggest difference between Christine and Moon is that Christine is expected to conform while Moon is allowed to be her unique self. For example, all Christine’s mother can focus on during Christine’s performance is her open collar, which in her view ruins all the photos. Christine’s very small attempt to be different is shamed, inhibiting her from forming an identity of her own.

“That’s the lady I saw singing to her plants once. Of course she would name her kid ‘Moon.’”

Christine’s friend illustrates how society can be judgmental and shaming. He makes fun of Moon’s mother and casts her and Moon’s uniqueness in a negative light. This leads Christine to develop immediate preconceived notions about the Lins.

“But we don’t KNOW these people! What if they don’t like us? What if we don’t like THEM?”

Christine doesn’t know anything about Moon other than the fact that her mother sounds strange, Moon is apparently prone to violence, and her family is struggling financially. When Christine hears that Moon will be moving into the spare unit, she is struck with fear and apprehension. As part of her narrative arc, Christine will move from judgment to acceptance and love.