The film features an effeminate character, Archie, who endures significant ridicule and a brutal physical assault by townspeople. This depiction aligns with harmful stereotypes and presents a punitive outcome for perceived non-conformity. The narrative portrays this violence as part of the town's overall depravity without offering a counterbalancing critique or affirming the character's dignity, resulting in a net negative impact.

The film portrays the town's ostensibly Christian community as deeply hypocritical, racist, and violent. Their professed faith is consistently contrasted with their cruel actions and mob mentality, with the narrative condemning their moral corruption rather than offering any positive counter-portrayal.