I am going to admit that I am a total faggot for Glee. The musical hit series from the man that brought the world Popular, is my latest obsession. Sometimes after a weekend of macho men in chaps, you just need to cuddle up with some ice cream and enjoy some straight up camp. In particular, the recent Madonna tribute episode peeked my interest. Even those not familiar with the show have probably encountered the internet meme of Jane Lynch doing a shot for shot remake and cover of Madonna’s Vogue.
It was clever on a level beyond the basic premise of “frumpy possibly gay cheerleading coach pays homage to pop icon”. Just below the surface is the incredibly witty and hilarious basis of this. Middle aged white woman uses the talents and culture of queers and people of color for her own means. Kurt and Mercedes even say it themselves, hes gay, shes black they create culture. Madonna took the culture of queer black people and created a commercial product which helped fuel her fame machine. And now you have an homage to Madonna quietly winking at us. Its not every day you have a cultural phenomenon, that can actually offer social commentary, laughs and heart all in one episode. Let alone with catchy wall to wall musical numbers!
To watch Jane Lynch’s Sue Sylvester’s Vogue HERE.
