glee

As a Gleek, I was always under the impression that the show is aimed at young adults, or at least older teens around the same age as those portrayed. I know it has upbeat musical numbers that grabs the attention of a younger audience, but I did not for one second believe the show was aimed at children and "tweens". Well apparently, other people believed it was and have been letting their 11-12 year old children watch. It seems these same parents are concerned that the show is too "racy" for their children.

I have a few issues with this recent burst of outrage from parents in the US. For starters, the show has never pretended to be innocent. It has dealt with the issues of teen pregnancy, eating disorders, losing one's virginity, sexual experimentation amongst girls, and drinking - right from the start. The adult characters in the show are far from perfect role models, and they never have been. So why the controversy now?

Spoilers ahead, you have been warned.

The issue has resurfaced after the two most recent episodes of Glee that aired in the US, "Sexy" and "Original Songs". In latest episode, two teenage boys kiss onscreen and start a relationship. Considering these characters have been gay for a long time now, you would think parents would have seen this coming. Same for the two girls who are developing feelings for one another which surfaced in "Sexy". These girls have been "fooling around"since the beginning of the show so it shouldn't be surprising that the storyline for the two of them is developing further.

I understand that there are many parents out there who don't want to raise their children believing that homosexual relationships are normal, or ok, usually for religious reasons. I also reaslise that the most vehement criticisms have been voiced in the bible belt of the US. However these very same parents need to understand that there are those of us out there that do want children to be raised to believe homosexuality is perfectly ok. Having studied psychology, I am well aware that homosexuality is not a lifestyle choice, but a physiological fact, and I am keenly aware after studying social psychology the kind of detrimental effects trying to cope with discrimination and rejection from loved ones can cause. It's heartbreaking.

The main character of the onscreen relationship, Kurt, has been openly gay since season 1, and has suffered incredible abuse because of it. I really carry a great amount of respect for Chris Colfer and his tender and upbeat portrayal of Kurt. Surely younger viewers have an understanding that Kurt is gay and wants to find happiness with someone special. Not to mention his battle with discrimination and bullying mirror's that of so many people in real life. Doesn't this kind of outrage belittle the strength a lot of teens out there take from this character?

Glee really is not a show aimed at kids, nor has it pretended to pander to religious or politcal groups. I wouldn't expect it to start changing now. Personally, I believe that parents should take greater responsibility for what their children watch on television if they are really that concerned. My parents wouldn't let me watch Neighbours or Home and Away till I was at least 15 for two reasons: they considered the shows too "grown up" for me, and they weren't ready to answer all my questions about the issues the shows depicted. Even Degrassi and Heartbreak High were banned. It must have been tough for them too, because I was always very vocal in my desire to watch some banned tv shows, but just because a show is causing a buzz and is the latest thing does not mean it is suitable for children and young teenagers.

On the flip side, there are parents out there who take advantage of the show's themes and use it as an opening to discuss these issues with their children. I feel that is a healthy attitude, provided you are prepared to answer all questions raised with complete honesty and openess.

On a final note, the issues that Glee dramatise are out there in the real world. Step outside your door and see a gay couple holding hands, or a teenage girl who is heavily pregnant. People may not like these realities, but that does not make them any less real. If you don't want your kids watching Will Schuester attempting to manipulate Sue Syvlester by seducing her, or you don't want them to see a tender Klaine moment, then don't let them watch it. Buy them the CDs if they like the songs that much. Instead of being outraged, let's take some responsibility.

But yes, I do love Glee, and when I have kids one day, they can watch it too - once they hit their teens and are ready to ask questions.