Glee Stereotypes Essay

When you think of a TV show that you watch, is there a portrayal of a high school character in it? You most likely can say yes to that answer no matter what show you listed off. Even if this high school character is in one episode or if they are the main character, this show probably uses stereotypes of high schoolers when presenting this character. Even shows that are centered around high schools fall victim to this, like the popular musical drama/comedy show Glee. While Glee initially reinforces stereotypes of high schoolers, it eventually subverts these stereotypes through extensive character growth and development. The four stereotypes that will be analyzed in this essay are jocks, popular girls, nerds, and queer characters. After these

It lasted for six seasons, ending in 2015. The show revolves around a high school Spanish teacher, Mr. Will Schuester, who takes over the glee club of William McKinley High School in an attempt to return it to its former glory. The original glee club that Mr. Schuester recruits consists of only eight members. The club has a very diverse group of students, including the star quarterback, a girl who dreams of being a Broadway star, a gay boy, and a shy Korean girl who craves popularity. The first couple of seasons center around the glee club preparing for and competing in the show choir competition circuit while dealing with social issues like queerness, teenage pregnancy, and acceptance. The last three seasons begin following some of the glee club members after graduation, including some making the move to New York, while also staying back and following a new batch of glee club members. The show was very popular, especially among millennials, which was most likely its target audience. I think a lot of the reason it became so culturally significant is because of its portrayal of social issues that are not commonly portrayed on TV, especially on shows that center around high school students. It portrayed

The jock is an athletic boy who it seems like his only personality trait is the sports he plays, usually football and sometimes basketball. Their sport seems to be the only thing they are good at, as they usually struggle with their grades and are mean to others. Many times, they are portrayed as bullies and pick on less popular boys like the “nerds.” Usually, they are not the main characters; they only have supporting roles. Another stereotype portrayed in TV related to this is the popular athletic boy who usually hangs out with the jocks and is usually first seen as a jock as well, but then shows his more emotional, ambitious, and smart side. Jocks can be portrayed as the rulers of the school, and they tend to think they can do whatever they want because they are star athletes (Solem, 2018). There are many examples of these stereotypes in Glee. There is one scene in the first episode that portrays both stereotypes. In this scene, the football players are gathered around a porta-john and tell Finn, the star quarterback, that they have something for him to celebrate him not quitting the football team for the glee club. They have Artie, the paralyzed “nerd” locked in the porta-john and say that they are going to tip him over with Finn’s help. This is an example of the mean jock stereotype. However, Finn refuses to and lets Artie out. Finn is the stereotypical popular athletic boy who is