So I began watching Glee. I know! I know! A bit slow on the whole youth culture thing here. It has been running since 2009 in the States, just another indication of how behind we in South Africa might be (or should I say me?). Yes, I can hear all the DSTV people saying, “I have been watching it for a while dude!” and don’t talk about all the illegal watchers (we know who we are!).
So, what were my first impressions when watching this?
Well, youth culture! That is what I was thinking. Even though we may be far removed from the States and even the rest of the world, we are certainly not far removed when it comes to youth culture. I could easily identify with much of what was happening on Glee with that of our youth in SA.
- Peer pressure
- Relationships
- Sexuality & gender confusion
- Drugs
- Sexual abuse
- Broken & dysfunctional families
- Future Goals
- Image & self-esteem
- Bullies
- Marital challenges (in the case of the teacher Mr Schultz)
And all of this in the pilot episode!