Tonight, I caught up on a few more episodes.... and I am not impressed, nor am I pleased with one particular story line. Unfortunately for me, that story line is overshadowing all the great music and great lessons on standing up for yourself and anti-bullying and all that good stuff.Because Glee has decided to tackle Eating Disorders, and they're doing it in a way that is incredibly disturbing to me. No one, under any circumstance, should ever encourage someone to engage in eating disordered behaviors. The joke about binging and purging was not only not funny, it was also dangerous. No one in their right mind chooses to have an eating disorder, be it bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, or EDNOS, they are nothing to sing about.
Millions of people world wide suffer from life threatening eating disorders, many which go untreated. As someone recovering from one, I can promise you, eating disorders are nothing to joke about. Glee, as a show that draws fans from all age groups, made in my mind, a very poor choice. This is one fan who just crossed over, because Glee, you finally crossed the line.
I have only watched a few episodes of Glee, ever. I enjoyed the music, but the stories never interested me too much. That being said, I know they have tackled important issues in the past. I am sorry to hear that they are handling the issue of eating disorders so poorly. With such a wide influence, it's disappointing that they chose to make a joke of such a deadly problem. :-(
ReplyDeleteHi Tamara,
DeleteYeah, I like the music as well, I love how they "clean up" the lyrics of the pop songs actually. I just wish they could at least use a little tact in hitting this subject, the way they have with other touchy subjects. This is actually the worst they've done. Not funny nor fun. I know a few letters have been written to Fox, I just might have to add another one!
Amen to this! I haven't seen the episode in which the 'joke' is featured but agree that EDs shouldn't ever be discussed in such an inappropriate and insensitive manner. Especially on a show that is as popular as Glee! xo
ReplyDeleteOh Kylie, trust me, this is not an episode that needs watching, at least when you're in the recovery stage I'm in. I was so bothered by the joking references in relation to EDs... it was very bothersome, and I hope Glee remedies it next episode?
DeleteI completely agree. I myself am recovering from an eating disorder and it has taken me a long time to come the short distance that I have. Watching those episodes where there is the ed storyline(there are multiple-so far!)are horrible. As you said, no one chooses to have an eating disorder, and Glee is not discussing the downsides to an ed other than "I wouldn't want to kiss a girl with puke on her breath." For all those girls & guys out there that are struggling with their body image, I hope this isn't the one thing that pushes them over the edge.
ReplyDeleteI really was mad at the producers for the latest episode. EDs are no joke, and recovery is a challenging process. Their reference to a minor downside was so inappropriate, the whole show should be given a stern talking to!
DeleteI think what you all are missing is that 1. they brought the subject up as a joke to ease the viewers into it, and 2. that this is something that is very real... I too have been struggling with an eating disorder for 8 years; i agree that it is no joke. However it is very real and a lot of the "role models" that young people are looking up to have these problems. I for one think it is fantastic that glee is bringing this subject into the fore front and making people see that it isn't only the obese girls dealing with it, or girls with nose, baby weight, etc issues. It's all sorts of different girls trying to fit an unrealistic image that society has given them. I hope that this character helps people reconsider what they are going to give up before going down the horrific road that is an eating disorder!
ReplyDeleteShay, you bring up a very interesting perspective. I will admit that I was tempted to not post your comment. However, you brought up some valid points, and while I may not agree with everything you wrote about the show, I appreciate your comment and your perspective. Helped me see things a little differently!
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