Extended Comments: Deirdre "Glee Episodes, Raby and Grinner"

If it would be sufficient, I would just say "Amen" to Deirdre's blog entry about Glee. Her analysis of the text through the lens of SCWAAMP is spot on.

There is however, something I disagree with Deirdre on. In her entry she write, "There is a lot of focus on problems like bullying and emotional intensity in the teenage years, which is based on real-life problems teens are facing today. However, by representing this issue in the media, in a sense it is perpetuating ideas discussed by Raby such as 'the storm.'" My interpretation of the storm discourse from Raby was a more negative one. That it is a discourse with the focal message that teenage lives are nothing but problems and risks. This is not the discourse, in my opinion, that the creators of Glee are attempting to present - particularly in regards to bullying. I think the discourse being presented in "Never Been Kissed" is one of connectedness, belonging, and hope.

This episode was done in response to the pandemic of young LGBT people committing suicide as a result of bullying. While there are other things going on in the episode, a clear focal point is Kurt's experience as a young gay man at William McKinley High School. These themes are carried over into "Furt" as well. Having been in a similar situation as Kurt, I would have killed for a teacher like Mr. Schuster. Not that he is perfect - not even close - but that he reached out to Kurt when he saw he was being picked on. He reaches out to Kurt, granted not the most helpful way, but he saw what was going on. To often when young LGBT people get picked on in schools teachers and staff just look the other way. As the episode continues there are the slipped in gay jokes and homophobic and heterosexist comments. This wasn't very hard for the writers to come up with, it happens all the time. There is a very clear discourse of heterosexism in society in general and that is portrayed very well here.

The relationship Kurt builds with Blane is a great one. What a great thought to know that you are not alone. That there are others going through the same thing.

Looking at "Furt" the whole blow up with Finn and Kurt sets the stage for one of the final scenes in the episode where Finn sings to Kurt. Trying to think more positively, it shows that people can come around, and that they have to go through their own coming out process when their friends/family come out.

There is hope that those around you will come through. The other members of Glee stick up for Kurt. His parents make a sacrifice to send him to a different school. He learns the joy of falling in love, and being able to stand up for who he is. That is ultimately the best message this show could send - the best discourse it could use. Blane helps Kurt to see how important it is to not let others push you around, to stand up for who you are. It doesn't matter how someone identifies or what their age. This is a message for all people.

Deirdre's response to the overall stereotypical nature and dominant ideology of the show is right on. However, I wonder if using stereotypes is a way of general understanding that the writers can use to push better messages. Even if someone is gay - and a stereotype at that - they still must be treated with dignity and respect.

Thanks for your comments Deirdre always a pleasure to read .