I saw my high school on the local television news today. Apparently, the drama boosters are putting on a production of the Broadway musical, "Rent" and now a group of 'concerned' parents are-in the words of the oh-so-unbiased NBC news affiliate- "fighting back". They are going to the local board and demanding that the production of the play be stopped because they believe that it promotes and glamorizes drug use, homosexuality, and irresponsible behavior.
Umm, have these people seen "Rent" ? I happen to like it myself, but I also think it would be pretty easy to prove that it doesn't in fact promote any of those things. Hell, the junkie girlfriend almost freezes to death, the rocker catches HIV from sharing needles, and the drag queen dies of AIDS. When you break it down it's probably the most moralistic musical on Broadyway. Its just missing the part where they all start alienating their friends and family by trying to talk to them about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
All kidding aside though, this whole thing really pisses me off. I mean these kids have obviously worked hard and put their heart into this show and now they're being forced to defend themselves against adults who obviously haven't even read the edited script much less seen the actual musical or film. It's silly, it's pointless, and it's just plain mean-spirited.
To all you crazy cry babies who are responsible: If you're so dead set on believing that "Rent" is going to confuse and scar your child, then do what I always did every year come "South Pacific" time-Don't by a ticket! It's not a difficult solution and it doesn't involve obliterating other people's hard work.