Real Communication An Introduction

If you were trying to imagine a group that clearly reflects the diversity of the

United States, it might look a bit like the cast of Glee. At once a scathing satire of

high school life and a joyful celebration of music, Glee debuted in May 2009 to

rave reviews and an immediate audience following. It was also a charming—and

often troubling—exploration of intercultural and co-cultural communication and

relationships. The diverse characters conformed to stereotypes in many ways—there

was Rachel, the ambitious diva; Kurt, the self-assured and fashionable gay teen; San-

tana, the mean-spirited cheerleader; and Puck, the insensitive jock. But the show also

dealt with real communication issues and challenges in almost every episode, includ-

ing bullying, teen pregnancy, and death and grief (particularly when Cory Monteith,

the actor who played Finn, passed away in 2013). It also explored the way differences

in religious beliefs, personal lifestyles, and social status affect group bonding.

There’s no doubt that individuals from different co-cultures respond well

to seeing people like themselves represented on television. But Glee was never a

sweet take on multiculturalism: Sue Sylvester, cheerleading coach turned prin-

cipal, pointed out the differences between team members and openly, viciously

mocked them. Her mean-spiritedness not only provided the show with zinging

laughs and a definable “bad guy” but also acknowledged the real struggles that

teens from just about every co-culture must face. “That’s real life,” noted Kevin

McHale, who played Artie. “It’s not like, oh, you need to be sensitive. High

school is not always sensitive” (McLean, 2011).

While Sue Sylvester considered the glee club to be the lowest form of high

school life, Jane Lynch (the actress who played Sylvester) has a clear sense of why

the show’s celebration of misfits struck such a chord. “Glee presents this idealised

[sic] world where no matter who you are or how different you are from the

‘norm,’ you’re going to get supported in this glee club,” says Lynch. “And you’re

going to be held up as unique, and you’re going to be loved for it” (McLean,

2011).

chapter

Communication

and Culture

5

Understanding

Culture

Communication and

Cultural Variations

Understanding

Group Affiliations

Intercultural

Communication

Challenges

Improving

Intercultural

Communication

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IN THIS CHAPTER