Another Glee-rant
Was discussing Glee with a friend. I ended up ranting. Thought I'd save my rant for future reference.
Glee is…problematic. It’s like one giant contradiction I hate, but can’t stay away from.
First season they lured me in by having an incredibly complex arch that literally spanned the entire season, each little event built on the next and created something surprisingly emotional out of comedy and glitz. However as season 2 rolled on all those things that were problematic, but that I could turn a blind eye on in the first season, became so much more noticeable.
And as a queer the show kinda has me steaming. The whole cowardice of an openly out gay man creating the role of Kurt (which is perhaps the least subversive character on television right now) while at the same time going on record to say there will only be one gay character on New Directions and that there’s no chance of the Brittana happening cause “it isn’t that kinda show”. I don’t just find that offensive, I find it hateful.
Furthermore each female character is made to revolve around a male one. Female friendship doesn’t exist. When the background dancers created some on their own behalf the writers even made sure to destroy it, and force them back into orbit around one of the male characters. The Power of Madonna touched on something that the show is actually struggling with, the guys on the show treat the girls despicably disrespectful. And when I say guys, I don’t just mean the characters, but the writers as well. There’s no complexity to the female characters, they’re simply heartless whores or passive madonnas.
Also there’s Kurt, which I have big problems with. Not only is he a tired stereotype, but is just as much of a victimizer as a victim. I can’t seem to see the role model people keep raving about.
But then it gets to me. The actors are talented singers and dancers and the choreography of some of the numbers is simply brilliant. And there is power in music, there really is. I find myself swept up into the artificial emotions their performances release and I find myself back on YouTube repeatedly watching my favourites way too many times.
And then there’s Brittana, which manages to get to me as well. I’m a sucker for natural chemistry, something they possess a galore. Plus I still think their story is one that needs to be told. It’s interesting and painful, and emotionally true. And I’m too much of an optimist to truly let go of those fatigued traces of hope surfing the wave of my concious.
Perhaps I hate it so because I know what Ryan Murphy can do. I was a fan of Popular. And next to it, it becomes clear that Glee really is nothing but a capitalistic venture perpetuating a cultural conservatism. I know that. Then why can’t I stay away?
Now I’ve raved more than enough. So no more from me, but I’d really enjoy to know what you think and feel though.
Glee is…problematic. It’s like one giant contradiction I hate, but can’t stay away from.
First season they lured me in by having an incredibly complex arch that literally spanned the entire season, each little event built on the next and created something surprisingly emotional out of comedy and glitz. However as season 2 rolled on all those things that were problematic, but that I could turn a blind eye on in the first season, became so much more noticeable.
And as a queer the show kinda has me steaming. The whole cowardice of an openly out gay man creating the role of Kurt (which is perhaps the least subversive character on television right now) while at the same time going on record to say there will only be one gay character on New Directions and that there’s no chance of the Brittana happening cause “it isn’t that kinda show”. I don’t just find that offensive, I find it hateful.
Furthermore each female character is made to revolve around a male one. Female friendship doesn’t exist. When the background dancers created some on their own behalf the writers even made sure to destroy it, and force them back into orbit around one of the male characters. The Power of Madonna touched on something that the show is actually struggling with, the guys on the show treat the girls despicably disrespectful. And when I say guys, I don’t just mean the characters, but the writers as well. There’s no complexity to the female characters, they’re simply heartless whores or passive madonnas.
Also there’s Kurt, which I have big problems with. Not only is he a tired stereotype, but is just as much of a victimizer as a victim. I can’t seem to see the role model people keep raving about.
But then it gets to me. The actors are talented singers and dancers and the choreography of some of the numbers is simply brilliant. And there is power in music, there really is. I find myself swept up into the artificial emotions their performances release and I find myself back on YouTube repeatedly watching my favourites way too many times.
And then there’s Brittana, which manages to get to me as well. I’m a sucker for natural chemistry, something they possess a galore. Plus I still think their story is one that needs to be told. It’s interesting and painful, and emotionally true. And I’m too much of an optimist to truly let go of those fatigued traces of hope surfing the wave of my concious.
Perhaps I hate it so because I know what Ryan Murphy can do. I was a fan of Popular. And next to it, it becomes clear that Glee really is nothing but a capitalistic venture perpetuating a cultural conservatism. I know that. Then why can’t I stay away?
Now I’ve raved more than enough. So no more from me, but I’d really enjoy to know what you think and feel though.