It can be controversial, hilarious, and informative. Those of us in MIT 2100 (Political Economy of Media) know that Professor Burston strongly believes that it could usher in a new era of a renewed public sphere.

It’s that ever-popular, never-endingly topical show called Glee, and it has gained a massive, worldwide following as well as critical praise for its representations of ethnic and sexual diversity. Several Glee characters are Jewish and the show often highlights its own diversity with episodes that deal with issues like sexual orientation, faith, and able-bodiedness. While it is extremely entertaining, Glee also sheds light on important issues that people deal with every day of their lives.

Today, the Glee cast released a Christmas album — wait, a Christmas album? Doesn’t this directly contradict the religious diversity that Glee is so often commended for?  Continue reading →