Fresh off the finale of its first season, a bevy of chart-topping soundtracks and a mini concert tour, musical comedy "Glee" is nothing short of a sensation. But don't confuse "Glee" with the squeaky-clean, fairy-tale High School Musical.
A satire of stereotypes, "Glee" doesn't shy away from a darker side of high school. Some of the issues "Glee" focuses on are surprisingly serious for a show that bills itself as a comedy. Its risque topics even led Time magazine to ask, "Is ‘Glee' anti-Christian?" Sure, the peppy "Glee" kids sing and dance, covering everything from Journey to Lady Gaga; but their behavior is often crass, making us wonder—how much is too much?
No, we don't have to agree with everything we see on television, but can we expect the rest of the world to conform to standards it clearly has no regard for? Still, leaders can use the show's treatment of teen pregnancy and homosexuality for healthy dialogue and teaching moments. And its heartwarming celebration of individuality sends
an important message that kids shouldn't feel pressure to conform. An unabashed leftist, "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy tells Entertainment Weekly that he's adding a Christian character to the show next season. "When people hear we're going to do that, they will expect that we're making fun of her," says Murphy. "We're not. The show is about inclusiveness and about giving voices to a lot of people."
Sound off: How do you and your kids feel about "Glee"?
