Why Study Pop Culture/Narrative Perspective/Glee

There are many reasons why we should study pop culture. These reasons can vary from the fact that we are exposed to pop culture or to the fact that it gives something for people to study. I think the biggest reason why we study and should study pop culture is because we, the people, decide what pop culture is and why it is that way. Think about it. Why would you be into some of the things you are into? People tell us to watch something and we do it. People are constantly exposing us to new things and then we expose others to it. Next thing we know we are hooked. Below is an example of the show Glee and how the Narrative Perspective can give us insight on to why we get hooked to television shows shows in pop culture

Glee! This television phenomenon has sparked the interest of many people. This musical Dramatic-Comedy has sparked interest of fans all around the Globe. Glee is a show that follows around 12 high school students and their teachers on a “journey” through their lives as they strive to stand out and be special. This show has brought something to the table everyone can enjoy. Relatable Characters, amazing chorography, plot lines ranging from serious concepts, like religion, to fun concepts such as Brittany Spears, spectacular song covers, and overall themes contribute to what has become the shows key to success. Glee is everywhere these days. CDs, DVDs, Clothing Lines, Live Concerts, a book series, and other merchandise have contributed to the hype. For better or for worse, this show is everywhere. Why is such a show popular?

From a Narrative perspective, the show has stories that have narrative coherence and fidelity. Knowing that the show is a musical show, the characters act in a reliable fashion that makes sense to the audience. Such a reliable fashion includes random hallway singing and dancing to already known choreography. Also it is a story about a high school. The story follows these students on adventures such as dating, sex, and popularity. The show also gives value to the message that the arts are important, specifically Music Education. On Occasion the glee club has been seen performing with the Jazz Band and the School Marching Band. This is known as Narrative Fidelity. Walter Fisher, a communication scholar, would say that the show displays Narrative Rationality. To have Narrative Rationality, a story needs both coherence and fidelity.

After looking at Glee from a narrative perspective, it is easy to see why we get hooked. We interpret life through storytelling. If there is one thing Glee does well, it is tell life through stories. And we put value to the stories glee shares with us. Although not everyone enjoys the stories told in Glee, it still hooks up to a large audience. One thing the Narrative Perspective argues is that not all stories are created equal. Obviously the stories of glee aren’t for everyone, but for those who do enjoy it can enjoy it even more knowing why they enjoy it. At least from a narrative perspective that is.