Someone please explain High School Musical to me

coasterqueen wrote: I do not get it. I do not get the hype so I really need someone to explain this to me. I feel like I'm missing something. I've caught bits and pieces of the thing, but isn't it a "tween" type of movie/show? I see a lot of 4 and 5 year olds here on the board who really like it and so I guess my perception of the thing isn't right. Kylie has mentioned that she knows about it, but Dh and I told her it was not appropriate for her age and she didn't complain about it or ask to watch it again. Same with Hannah Montana. Is it a tween show or now?

lisar replied: Lexi loves them both. I dont get it either.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: It's about 2 kids who audition for the lead role in the high school musical. It's a bunch of singing and dancing, but nothing inappropriate. It's not a cartoon, but I think it's rated G or PG.

Maddie just saw it for the first time a couple of months ago. I would say 5 is too young, but it just depends on the maturity of the child. Maddie wouldn't have cared about it at that age. She was still into cartoons and such.

Hannah Montana is the same way. It's harmless. It's about a girl following her dreams to become a singer and it teaches some life lessons (like most sitcoms). It touches on friendships and the relationship with your parents, etc.

Hillbilly Housewife replied: As you probably know... i teach music... and one of the types of classes i teach is vocal lessons. it seems like EVERY SINGLE GIRL between 7 and 14 that I teach, are wanting to do songs from this stupid movie.

I'd say it's for tweens, yes....

coasterqueen replied: I figured they had to be harmless shows, but they are tween shows. I guess I just got the impression that Kylie would want to do "tween" things after watching those shows and I'm not ready for her to grow up faster than her age, just yet. I want her to want high school stuff in highschool, not preschool.

5littleladies replied: My older two love both High School Musical and Hannah Montana-I don't get it either. Brianna is 5 and she gets into it a little bit but only because her older sisters like it. I don't let her have any merchandise for either because I think she is too young-not that it's harmful in any way, I just want her to be able to be a little girl for as long as she wants and I feel that so many things out there today make kids think they need to grow up too fast. She doesn't complain-Barbie and Strawberry Shortcake satisfies her just fine for now.

jcc64 replied: I really think there is nothing inappropriate in that movie for a 5 yo to see. As mentioned- it's a follow-your-dreams/high school crush movie involving the star of the basketball team and a brainiac new-comer to the school. It's about breaking outside of social stereotypes- the athlete secretly loves to sing, as does the girl who's in the academic olympics, but their friends are threatened by their new interests. It's about ignoring peer pressure and being yourself. There are alot of different kids represented- multi-culturally, but also body types. When was the last time you saw a fat girl represented as anything other than the class clown. Here- she's accepted like everyone else. Realistic- no- but it's nice to see it represented anyway, particularly in contrast to all the other damaging media stereotypes are girls see. The music and dancing are great fun, and I can see why it's so popular.
Should I be on Disney's payroll or what?!

luvmykids replied: Kylie loves both, and like Aimee said, they're harmless. Kylie already wanted to have make up etc long before she saw either of them, I haven't seen where either of the shows have increased it. I think a lot of five yo girls are at the age where they start noticing and admiring teenagers whether it's on tv or at the grocery store.

jcc64 replied: Btw, in this neck of the woods, it's not really a tween thing- it's a 5-8 thing. Once you get to be 9 or 10, it's really not cool to be into HSM, at least not publicly.

Kaitlin'smom replied: Kaitlin loves it, I think she just in general likes musicals. Its kinda simple and cute. I do think it has more younger to tweens kinda audience. I persoanlly dont see anything wrong with it, its rated G.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: It's not really "high school stuff". I would say it's more 5th or 6th grade. Maddie didn't come away from the TV wanting to wear makeup or date a boy or anything. She still thinks that's gross. I would say that's all developmental and they come to that point when they are ready. I really don't believe that a show is going to make them want it quicker.

But I see where you are coming from. There are just some things we don't want our children introduced to until a certain age. And I do agree that 5 is too young. Like I said, I wouldn't have allowed it at that age, either.

coasterqueen replied:
While that all may be true, kids do what they see others doing --including what we are doing. I guess I'm starting to be more aware of things only because Kylie comes home from school telling us about boys kissing her, wanting to marry her, etc. Where in the world are they getting this stuff??? Shows along the lines of the clothes out there for 5 year olds is outrageous, IMO. I guess why I see it as a tween show or a "highschool" thing is because they are those age grouped kids, the setting is highschool so I just didn't see it appropriate for Kylie.

Too each their own, I'm not downing anyone for their choice. I just thought maybe I wasn't seeing something in the movie I should. Apparently there is since I haven't gotten on the band wagon of fans here.

coasterqueen replied:
That would all be great for Kylie to see a show with meaning like that, diversity, etc, but I would like her to see one that is more her age group - kids her own age in the movie, I guess is what i'm saying.

mckayleesmom replied: McKaylee is to young for them.....She likes the THOUGHT of Hannah Montana and HSM, but she really can't sit through an episode or watch the movie....She only watches the singing parts and then leaves or wants me to change the channel.

MommyToAshley replied: I agree, there's nothing inappropriate about either show. Ashley loves both HSM and Hanna Montana. I think HSM, it's more about the music than anything else. Ashley likes the first one better than the second one for this reason. And, it does have some good lessons in it about following your dreams and it's ok to be different (you don't have to follow the stereotypes).

Same thing goes for Hanna Montana... nothing inappropriate in the songs or the show. In fact, there's some reinforcement of good values in some of the songs/shows. The other day, Ashley was upset because she made a mistake, and I told it was ok... we all make mistakes and noone is perfect and then she starts singing a Hanna Montana song about this very thing. I'd rather her listen to Hanna Montana than some of the other music out there.

I don't know too many tweens that watch the show. It may have teens in it, but it seems to appeal to a younger audience. I'd suggest you watch the movie all the way through before making up your mind.

jcc64 replied: Ita, Dee Dee.
And about kids having age appropriate role models- I understand it in theory- but in my experience, kids are always looking to "trade up"- emulate kids who are older than they are. And I think Disney was acutely aware of the fact that younger kids would be watching, which is why it's so sanitized and "safe" and extraordinarily unrealistic where the lives of high school students are concerned.

coasterqueen replied:
I guess that's where I'm different than most because my girls role models right now are Disney Princesses or other cartoons they watch. They aren't trying to "trade up" because they don't know of anything else out there. Like I said, Kylie has heard of HM and HSM and has mentioned them, but knows they are not appropriate for her age. She asked us when they would be and we explained when she's older, but right now she's 5 years old and should watch things more driven for her age. As far as music go, it's the same thing. She's not listening to the radio anyways, just cd's we buy her and they are usually Lori Burkner or of that nature. The same type of music they are teaching her in school. When she's in the car with us and listening to the radio it's oldies.

Jackie012007 replied: UGH. My friend's daughters (5, 3, 3, and 1.5) are OBSESSED with HSM. They have a karaoke machine and they sing all the songs on it. It drives me NUTS. I dunno what all the fuss is about.

julesmom replied: My dd is 5 and in Kindergarten. She likes Hanna Montana, more for the music then the show. She'll start to watch it, sing the opening song, then she finds something else to do. All the girls in her class are into HM.

She hasn't mentioned High School Musical yet.

My dd is still into princesses and Disney and babydolls, but she in the minority. Keep in mind, her teacher is also recommending she repeat K bc she's on the young side. Young as in 'she still plays with baby dolls'.

Society wants kids to grow up so fast nowadays.
Don't even get me started on the clothing for girls size 6 and up.

Jamison'smama replied: Jamison didn't see the movie when it first came out but someone gave her the CD for her birthday and then a Gabriella barbie and she was hooked. She LOVES to perform and so both HSM and Hannah Montana appeal to that aspect of her. She certainly picks up a few things from them but nothing I have found to be inappropriate---kids pick up things from every show they watch. I'm at fault too--we love to sing the music from both HSM and HM.

MommyToAshley replied:
You certainly have every right to choose what your children watch, but you stated that you formed your own opinion without watching the entire movie. So, I urge you to watch the HSM movie in it's entirety and you'll probably agree that there's nothing age inappropriate. I think people often make assumptions that because there is a teen in the movie then it must be inappropriate for younger audiences. Just the same as when people make assumptions that just because a show is a cartoon, then it is ok for younger audiences. But, there are a few cartoons that I won't let Ashley watch because I don't like the messages they convey. This movie has nothing but positive messages and good role models. I see nothing wrong with having positive role models of all ages. But, this is just my opinion. And, no I am not on Disney's payroll either.

ETA: Ashley still likes princesses too... she's running around in a Sleeping Beauty dress as I type. So, it's not like HSM took away the kid in her, it's just another interest among many. Ashley's one of the few kids in her class that still likes Dora... she's versatile, I guess.

Maddie&EthansMom replied:
I couldn't agree more. The movie could just as easily be about elementary aged kids, IMO.

Just wondering what you think she will get from this movie that she wouldn't get from say, Cinderella or Beauty and The Beast.

coasterqueen replied:
Yes, you are correct - I based my assumption off of bits and pieces. I don't deny that it may have a positive message to convey - matter of fact if it does and Kylie was older -- more of the tween age I'd let her watch it because it's more age appropriate. I just think she can get those messages from more shows targeted for her age. IF this movie/show is for a 5 year old, why didn't they have younger kids in the movie or base it on lower grade or middle grade? If it was truly for their age group I would say they could have based it that way.

Again, I'm not saying anyone is wrong for wanting their kids to see it, etc. I was just trying to figure out the hype and why I'm in a minority for seeing it not age appropriate. I'm not all quite understanding of this whole role model bit, either. Wasn't one of the girls in the movie/show in the news recently for sex pics on the internet? Same for Hanna Montana how they are showing her image changing more like how Britney went from innocent to not-so-innocent. Same as Jamie Spears on Zoey 101. Which to me seems similar to the HSM show.

As far as cartoons, you are right. There are several cartoons Kylie and Megan are not allowed to watch because they don't convey good messages. She gets upset at me when I won't let her watch them but I explain to her even though they are cartoons they are cartoons for older kids.

When she is of tween years and getting closer to high school I will watch the movie and determine then if it's appropriate for her age at that time. Right now, like I said - she's in preschool - I don't see any reason for her to watch a show/movie about high school kids whether it sends a good message or not. She's 5, not 12 or 13.

coasterqueen replied:
Because Kylie understands that they are cartoons, not real life people. When she sees things about real life people it's harder to explain to her about what's appropriate for her age, etc. And I couldn't agree more - if the show was about elementary kids I'd let her watch it in a heart beat. I just don't think she needs to be idolizing teenage kids like that. Like I said before, what happens when they idolize them so much and those kids are the ones running around getting pregnant, etc? Not much of a role model then? How do you explain that one to your child?

MommyToAshley replied:
I still don't get what you think is inappropriate? It's because they are teens? What about the princess movies, the main characters are even older and based on older themes... falling in love and getting married? A person being outcasted, the fight scenes with a beast, giving someone a poison apple because you are jealous ... I would think you find that even more age inappropriate? All these kids are doing is making a High School Musical. I'm not trying to argue with you, just trying to understand what you find inappropriate.

coasterqueen replied:
Because they are real-life people that she would be idolizing - the same people that are out there making sex pics on the internet, or getting pregnant, or wearing clothes that I don't find appropriate for my child to wear.

I don't think Cinderella or other Disney characters are ever going to disappoint her in that way to where I have to explain to her why they are smeared in the news for doing more adult-like things they shouldn't be doing

MommyToAshley replied: I'm not quite sure what pictures or clothes you are talking about... I'm simply talking about HSM and Hanna Montana show. I don't think anyone in the show or the movie dresses inappropriately, at least not that I can think of off-hand. But, like I said earlier, you are entitled to your opinion. We just have to make the decisions we feel is right for our own families, and I respect you and your decision.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Ahhh...okay. Well, Maddie doesn't watch the news, read tabloid magazines nor do we tell her things like this so she would never be aware of what they do outside of the television show. They are still fictitional characters to her, I guess. She doesn't idolize the celebrity at all. She just likes the movie. I don't even think she knows their individual names. If she did, that's where my parenting would come in...just like with everything else in life. It's all a lesson.

MommyToAshley replied:
Ok, I just reread her message and realized she was talking about the real-life actors. And, I have to agree... Ashley doesn't watch these things either. It's just like when you take your kids to see Cinderella at Disney... are you concerned about what the actress does in real life? Gabriella is just as fictional as Cinderella.

coasterqueen replied:
While my mind may have been made up doesn't mean I can't understand the other side of the coin here. I simply asked because I was curious why there are so many people out there that let their 4 and 5 year olds watch a teenage show, that's all. I wanted to see their point of view. When you make a decision and so many others make a different decision, don't you want to know the other point of view? I know I like to see all sides - usually before I make a decision - but I'm not afraid to reevaluate my decisions and learn all points of view when doing so.

If you google Vanessa Ann Hudgens from HSM, you will see how there were naked photos she had taken of her all over the net. I remember seeing it not only in a magazine awhile back, but on several gossip internet sites. I know Kylie doesn't watch the news or see papers, etc, but kids talk and other kids may be watching those things.

Again, I don't have a problem with what anyone else does with their child, but I do like to hear other opinions when making decisions or reevaluating decisions when it comes to my own child.

luvmykids replied:
I think it is geared towards tweens and younger...at 12 Nikka was already over it, and now at 13 she'd rather die than have to watch either HSM or HM

I guess what I'm trying to say is just because it's teens in the movie doesn't mean it's geared towards teens

coasterqueen replied:
Now come on, even if someone plays a fictional character these people our children look up to as role models goes well above and beyond the fictional character. If your child idolized Zoey (Jamie Spears) you don't think your child would wonder how she portrays some squeeky clean good teen, but in real life she's a teen who got pregnant?

coasterqueen replied:
I also find it interesting how many of you say your kids don't read the papers, etc and you don't tell them this stuff so they wouldn't find out. Kylie did NOT watch HSM or any part of it - she found out about it through other kids at school. Your child will find out a LOT from other kids at school that while you may not have told them -- they can still know.

MommyToAshley replied:
I want to apologize... I actually decided that I didn't want to type that part about why you asked and erased it. But, you must have seen it while I was still editing. I didn't really mean that or even want to say it how that sounded.

As for the rest about the real life actress, I answered that in my response above.

I still think you should watch the movie yourself (without the girls) if you want to know it's appeal nd why most parents think it is ok. Again, I'm not saying that you should allow it because most say it is ok, I think you should just watch it before boycotting it.

luvmykids replied:
Mine wouldn't, not at this age. I can honestly say they still don't separate the girl in the show and the girl in real life who plays her. Kylie thinks Hannah Montana is...Hannah Montana. She only watched Zoey a few times but she thinks Zoey is just a girl on a show just like Cinderella is a princess in a movie.

The kids don't watch the news or tabloid shows, etc or read People magazine so they are clueless to the fact that any of these actresses are people irl.

eta: Yes, they do hear a lot at school, but still nothing about any of the real life actresses.

And I'm also not arguing whether or not you "should" allow it, just explaining why I don't have a problem with it. There are lots of things I try to keep them from being exposed to, it just happens that none of them are in the HSM or HM.

coasterqueen replied:
I guess what I'm saying is, at least for me, it's only a matter of time before they do start understanding that. Kids grow up faster than we want them to. I'm just trying to start Kylie off on what I believe is a right foot when it comes to that.

Also, like I said before kids will learn things from other kids you would never imagine they would, especially since it's not discussed in your house, etc. I'm finding that now, and I really didn't want to.

luvmykids replied:
I don't argue that a bit

punkeemunkee'smom replied: I do understand some of your concerns Karen. I guess in some ways Taylor has picked up on the whole teenage 'coolness' factor of Hannah and HSM but no more so than the storylines in Kim Possible-KWIM? I don't want Tay to 'grow-up' any faster than she needs to either. She really loves the music and dancing in HSN and Hannah. Most of the stories (in Hannah) are harmless or provide some sort of lesson. The fact is that the 2 main characters in HSM don't even kiss until the end of the 2nd movie-that is less than the princesses.

coasterqueen replied:
We don't even let Kylie watch Kim Possible. I watched it for the first time yesterday at work (yes, at work ). Dh was the one that originally said she couldn't watch it.

gr33n3y3z replied: We saw it going on in Disney while we walked passed it and I dont understand what the big deal about it is But so many ppl. of all ages were getting into it

Kaitlin'smom replied: TBH Karen I did not understand the hype either till I watched it with kaitlin. you are deffinalty right in the fact our kids will learn about things we might not want them to its frustrating but it happens. If you do get the chance to see it by yourself do so, you might like it and then when your think Kylie is old enough she can see it with you.

jcc64 replied: Well, concerning Vanessa Hudgin's topless internet pics- that is the domain of the tabloids. Corey doesn't read the tabloids, and even if perchance she were to hear about that from a kid on the bus, I would take the valuable opportunity to teach her the difference between fictional characters and the actors that portray them. That what you see on television is NOT reality- it is acting.
With regard to the Disney princesses being somehow more appealing as role models. I am eternally grateful that Corey has moved beyond that stage. I was never comfortable with the messages she was receiving from the typical romantic fairytales: that the girl needs to wait around to be rescued from her miserable existence by a charming prince. It's very retro- and not at all appealing to my sense of what a valuable message is for little girls. I let her watch because she loved them for whatever her reasons were, but personally, they made me want to barf. I'm trying to teach her to be self-reliant, independent, and empowered as a female- that happiness comes from within yourself, not from some guy. There is no such thing as the prince sweeping you off your feet- I want her to know that she's responsible for her own happiness- and that she doesn't need a guy to make her complete. I know that sounds crazy and over-the-top, but that's my value system, it's how my mother raised me, and I've been in a fulfilling relationship with my dh for 27 years now so she must have done something right.