I am going to go against the grain of blog posting today. I will withhold comment on bin Laden...maybe silence is the most appropriate thing to practice in times like these.
I do, however, have a bit of a reflection on the television show "Glee." I was in show choir while in high school, so I (sad confession...I think I lose a "man point" or something for this) occasionally watch the show to see how they are treating show choirs. The show, to me, is at its best when they focus on singing and dancing...all the fun stuff. But all too often, its narrative is full of sermonic moralizing. Each week there are overt messages about: acceptance, being an outcast, and most of all homosexuality. Usually, the characters in "Glee" are forced to deal with social issues via Mr. Schu's "lesson of the week." His lessons go like this: there is a perceived problem, usually intolerance or self-image issues, then Mr. Schu gets the kids to sing songs or reflect on singers who in some way address the issue.
My other confession: I do not like the show when it focuses on moral issues instead of singing/dancing/tomfoolery! It is difficult for me to parse through significant and challenging issues in the easy, glib way that "Glee" does so often. There is no ethical rigor whatsoever to be found in the way it deals with issues. In fact, most issues are painted in over-simplistic dualisms...that in truth, can be easily deconstructed and refuted. But sadly, "Glee" is just a soap-box for several issues; it is interested in making moral claims, but not interested in real moral inquiry. This is sad...and when it does this, the show is absolutely un-remarkable.
To throw one more stone, I want to share a list of singers/influences who have helped the students in the "lessons of the week" to get into touch with a better life. These lessons have had to do with self-acceptance, homosexuality, taking control over ones body, sex, and self-image.
Britney Spears
Lady Ga Ga
Madonna
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Um...great moral teachers, huh?!
I agree. I was in show choirs for the better part of a decade and enjoyed the show when I watched it... There was just too much flat moralism. And then they depicted high schoolers doing sexually provocative dances to provocative lyrics in shows for their parents. Right, Lolita, you are a wonderful moral guide..?
ReplyDeleteVery true. It's because of this that I can't stand the show anymore. I was a fan at the beginning, but when it came to the problems between Mr. Schu and his wife, I think the show took a huge wrong turn. They wanted you to want him to cheat on his wife.
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