Anyone whom I consider myself exceptionally close to has watched Glee. I’m being so serious, and it’s not because we all share the same crazed fixations.
If you are a fan of the early 2010s phenomenon, you are also familiar with the backlash your adoration of your comfort show invites.
People love to yuck someone’s yum.
Sure, Glee is campy and slightly problematic. There’s singing and dancing and insane, vulgar storylines. It can be a lot.
I think it’s a masterpiece. Other people may think that it’s a travesty.
And you know what? That’s fine.
What I’ve realized recently is that I show everyone in my life Glee not only because it’s important to me, but because I want to see how people treat something that’s important to me.
Will I be mercilessly ridiculed for my taste? Will there be endless mockery of the glee club? Will they be just as bad as the bullies running the hallways of McKinley High?
This is what I call “The Glee Test,” and it boils down to one simple question: Do you respect me enough to respect something that I like? Especially if that something is considered nerdy or weird.
I started this pattern more seriously last fall, when my friends all sat around my laptop to a few episodes, including the season three finale, with me during fall break.
Similarly, the very first time I hung out with my boyfriend, I made him watch Glee. Like, for real, on day one.
Unsurprisingly, they all passed my so-called “Glee Test.” Now, did everyone love the show and convert to Glee-ism? Absolutely not!
Somehow, even the heart-wrenching performance of “Roots Before Branches” was not enough to sway opinions, which I previously thought was impossible. Nevertheless, the mere fact that my friends will sit through an hour of cheesy, musical drama to please me is what I find important.
Truthfully, I don’t think I could be good friends with someone who ridicules or mocks other people’s or my own interests, and a simple watching puts this to the test.
I will be the first to admit that I am annoying when it comes to Glee. In true “gleek” fashion, I am known to frequently ask: “Have you ever heard the Glee version?” The typical “no” then results in a semi-forced listening session wherever we are.
And, with very little prompting on my part, the Glee version is normally accepted as a fair cover of an original song by the new listener. (Of course, in my opinion, the Glee version is far superior…)
Again, the act of indulging me in this obvious “Glee Test” and the opportunity to share something that I love is so meaningful to me. I feel incredibly lucky to surround myself with accepting and supportive friends.
While we may differ in opinions, the respect and openness of these relationships create a safe space for conversation and dissimilar interests, which I feel is indicative of a good friendship.