Okay, so this post might make you think twice about me but, yes, I have a guilty pleasure....I watch "Glee". I sit there and think as a grown women and a college professor why am I so hooked on watching these high school students singing like it's high school musical three or something...(which I could never make it through each time my niece visits!)
I bring up my secret tv watching because an interesting relationship is being explored on this show regarding a young man coming out. The fear and threats of violence and uncomfortable feelings that it is forcing others to explore about themmselves is quite interesting to see on a television show. I don't know if I have ever seen any show actually tackle this issue as a part of an ensemble...we see all the high school romance of the preteen shows found on Disney, etc. But, this show takes of the real issues of high school students, like pregnancy, homelessness, homosexuality, obesity, etc.
I like that this issue is being explored honestly without trying to exploit it for entertainment or hide it but, to frankly look at it as a real issue that exists in today's youth in high schools. I like the idea of teaching acceptance by exploring through his experiences the pain and other issues that he goes through in high school on a daily basis. The show is silly and full of singing but, to see real characters and real issues of high school students gives me hope that we are moving towards acceptance and tolerance for others.
My best friend in high school was out in middle school, and even though I was not friends with him then, the whole school knew who he was simply because he was gay. He was always made fun of and always talked about, even by those who didn't know him. He is the sweetest, most caring guy I have ever met, and once I got to know him, I was so upset at the pain he had to go through.
ReplyDeleteI think it is imperative that television and other media explore these issues because of the media's hold on the public. Media plays such an important role in how we look at things, even if we are not aware of it. Ellen DeGeneres, for example, came out in 1997 and incorporated that into her sitcom at the time. This was a huge step both in her public life and for television in general as it was the first sitcom to feature a gay female lead. I hope shows like Glee continue to show characters that are gay coming out as a sign of strength to those in similar situations as well to educate those who are unaware of the pain they may experience in an effort to bring more acceptance.
I'm glad Glee (I've never seen the show) is addressing the topic. I remember many years ago All My Children had an entire season devoted to Erica Kane's daughter coming out as a lesbian and getting married. I think there's another soap now addressing a gender queer issue, the problem is mostly women watch soaps and I think a lot more of the prejudice come from men...at least it's a start.
ReplyDeleteI have been involved in various aspects of coaching color guard at a local high school for about 6 years. Throughout that time I've come across a couple high school young men and women who had come out. High school was miserable for them, although particularly difficult for the young men. Our culture leans towards gender queer 'phobic' but lesbians seem to be more accepted than gay men. Going back to an earlier post discussion, there were classmates uncomfortable with seeing a same sex male couple holding hands and displaying affection. Would you have had the same reaction if you saw two women instead? I've been exposed to same sex couples for a number of years through friends and acquaintenances. I've seen same sex married couples (male and female) have the same disagreements as heterosexual couples. I remember a conversation I had with a friend of mine who said his husband was driving him nuts always leaving dirty dishes around the house, didn't pick up after himself, etc. His comment to me "These men!" I felt like I was having a conversation with one of my girlfriends. He too had a hard time in high school but became more comfortable in his own skin through college. With a group of true friends who don't judge to help them get through high school I think more often than not GLB find happiness in college and after.