Music--the means for the messages found in GLEE

I am writing in response to the project on Glee. First I want to say props to whoever did the youtube piece! I am a Glee-watcher myself and thought it was a great recap of the show, and it particularly showcased the MUSICAL aspect of the show, which unfortunately seems to be completely left out of the analysis part of the project! In the Circuit of culture, there is the “production” section. What is so important about Glee is that the show (and all of it’s themes, characters and controversies) are made possible through the means of music. In the powerpoint, there are references to how popular the show is and its appeal to people of all ages. The producers of Glee are genius. They set out to produce a show that would appeal to ALL audiences. Young, old, gay, straight, men and women. The themes and messages embedded in the show are either controversial (such as gay rights, teen pregnancy and divorce), or completely stereotypical (high school love, jocks v. geeks, etc). These issues in themselves would not appeal to a very wide audience, but the goal of the show is to reach as many people as possible. What is something that appeals to all audiences? Music, of course! Music is truly a universal language and can cross any boundaries between groups of people. The music in Glee is fun to watch and listen to and really puts you in a good mood and gives you a feeling of solidarity. There is something about watching a group of people put on a truly great performance that makes you connect to them want to be part of the experience. The music of Glee allows for the messages and propaganda of the show to be accepted—or at the very least, heard— by the audience. Without the music, Glee would not be nearly as successful as it is. It would simply be a controversial soap opera that would likely have gone off the air after its first season. Music affects everyone, and you could do a whole project on the role that music plays in our culture. But the main point of music is that good music connects people and appeals to all. The music sucks people into becoming Gleeks, and once they are caught up in the show, they are then bombarded with political and cultural messages (some of these messages come from the song choices, themselves), but it is too late for people to back out…they are already hooked! The producers are brilliant. Week after week millions tune in. And as long as they keep putting in a few hit songs, the producers of Glee have the power to promote whatever messages they so please to millions.