“Glee”-ful Lessons

Posted on | June 11, 2010 | 4 Comments

Über-popular television show Glee ended its much-talked-about first season this week. As a former chorus and orchestra geek, I fell in love with this show right from the start, especially once I heard the joyous strains of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” at the end of the first episode.

Glee is billed as a comedy show and, for the most part, it certainly is. There are witty quips and comical characters, all designed to illicit a laugh.

But beneath all the glitz, glitter and glamour, there is a sweet, heartwarming, even sincere show with a lot of heart. I know there are some reviewers and critics out there who think that Glee tends to hit people over the head with its “lessons,” but even when it’s being over the top, I still love this show.

Here are just a few of the things I’ve learned from, in my opinion, one of the best shows on television:

1. Be yourself – whoever that is – and don’t feel you have to compromise who you are just to fit someone else’s idea of who you should be. Pretty doesn’t come in just one color, shape or size. The world would be a very boring place if we were all the same.
2. Sometimes, “those losers” can turn out to be the best friends you will ever have. Don’t judge someone before you have the chance to get to know them – you may end up surprising yourself with what you learn.
3. Slushies are not life-threatening, but it’s still not nice to throw one in someone’s face. Remember the Golden Rule: if you don’t want a slushie facial yourself, then don’t give one to someone else.
4. That whole “sticks and stones” thing – yeah, it’s a total lie. Words can hurt – just ask Sue “I have Florence Henderson’s Hair” Sylvester. Sometimes, taking a moment to think before you speak can make a big difference.
5. Speaking of Sue Sylvester, Jane Lynch is awesome. She’s a funny, scene-stealing comic-gold genius and she deserves lots of awards. Or maybe just a really big trophy.
6. Lying doesn’t work, especially when lying about the paternity of your unborn child. Hiding a relationship doesn’t work either, especially when it involves a backstabbing member of the rival team. These are scenarios that only work on soap operas. In real life, honesty is the best policy, if only because it’s easier than trying to keep track of all the lies you tell.
7. There is absolutely nothing wrong with randomly breaking into song. Just make sure you have a band and some backup singers to support you so you don’t end up looking stupid.
8. It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about having fun in the process. If you’re so focused on the end, you’re going to miss everything that happens along the way.
9. Never, ever give up on your dreams. A lot of people might try to stop you (watch out for psychopathic cheerleading coaches and bitter has-been alums, in particular), but no matter how crazy your dreams are, keep reaching for them. Let’s be honest (see #6) – you might not achieve your dream, but if you give up without even trying, you’ll regret what might have been. You owe it to yourself to try. And who knows? You may end up someplace you never imagined.
10. Last, but certainly not least, there is nothing – nothing! – you cannot fix with a Journey medley.

Okay – your turn. What have you learned from pop culture?

[Photo Credit: Google Image Search]

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