I am an adult; admittedly not a "teenager" or "tweener". Still it is
hard to avoid all of the hype concerning the debut of the new Disney
movie "High School Musical 2" this Friday on the Disney channel. When
the original High School Musical came out early last year, it became a
hit movie within the industry. Not many people, beforehand, could have
predicted the influence that this movie had all across the United
States. Unlike most movies which when re-aired on television have their
Neilson ratings diminish over time, it was not the case with "High
School Musical." The ratings actually grew with each airing on the
Disney channel. Indeed, just like the "Titanic" movie phenomenon in the
late 1990's when teen aged kids, (girls especially) flocked to the
theater to see Leonardo DiCaprio repeatedly, many kids have watched
"High School Musical" again and again. Disney even began airing the
movie with the song lyrics appearing on the screen so viewers could sing
along to the music. It also allowed the two lead actors of the movie,
(Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, pictured above) to become idols to
adolescent fans all over America. Indeed Efron, appeared in another hit
musical this summer "Hairspray", and I am sure that many 14-18 year old
girls went to the movie just to see Mr. Efron. Another actress in the
movie, Ashley Tisdale, (who is known for her appearance in the Disney
television show "The Suite Life of Zach and Cody") released her debut
solo album. The "High School Musical" CD grossed the most sales of any
album released all of last year in this country. Disney broke the bank
with sales of clothing merchandise, videos, toys, and dolls bought by
"tweener" fans of the movie. High School music programs all across the
United States produced theatrical performances of this movie. Who would
have "thunk it", as the saying goes?
Actually with the power, clout, and influence that the Disney network
has, especially with kids under 14; perhaps it is not so surprising
that the "High School Musical" phenomenon spread like a virus across
this country. Disney is known for producing movies that are suitable for
kids. Parents do not have to worry about their children watching
anything on the network that would prove to be embarrassing; graphic
language, even the hint of sex, racy dialogue, violence, etc., are
strictly off limits, naturally by the network. The original "High School
Musical" theme, which merged the influences of music, sports, dancing,
and a g-rated love story between two high school kids, had a very
important message which everyone can relate to. This message was that if
you have a dream in life, do not allow anything to prevent you from
striving to achieve those dreams. Zac Efron's character was a star
basketball player for his school's team. His father was the team coach
and demanding of his son in his athletic pursuits. But Efron's character
also yearned to sing, and to be in the high school's annual musical
production. The young man was even willing to place his position as a
character in the musical production ahead of his role on the basketball
team; much to the chagrin of his father/coach. I believe the message was
that a person, (a 16 year old high school student in this case) has to
have as much believe in himself, (or herself) and be willing to follow
his, (or her) dreams); without being swayed or influenced selfishly by
others.
As I stated above, it was interesting to note how the original "High
School Musical" movie had such an influence, even amongst high school
students in this country. In an era in which many high school kids
throughout this decade have been known to be fans of rap and hip-hop
music, (along with their profane lyrics and degradation of females), the
USA Today newspaper several weeks ago ran a front page story about the
Disney musical/movie. This article discussed the positive influence that
the movie had generated in America, and how the original CD released
last year had dwarfed the sales of all other rap and similar music of
that genre. Indeed rap albums released during the year 2006 had dropped
substantially as many high school aged kids chose to invest their money
in an album from a Disney movie. I hope that I am not naive in believing
that perhaps teen aged kids are sending a message to the "50-Cent's" of
the world. The message is that many 12-17 year old adolescents are
suddenly being turned off by X-rated rap, foul-mouthed lyrics, and words
to music that portray women as sexual objects; and for these women to
be used and abused by men.
For that I say: Go "High School Musical"!! Even as an adult, I will
probably have my television tuned to the Disney Channel this Friday at 8
pm. - when the "High School Musical 2" movie debuts. I'd watch that
anytime over a rap concert in which the featured artist spews every
swear word known to mankind when performing his/her songs!
