The Old Taylor Swift vs the New One: They Are Both Good

It's certainly not the first time I have been talking about what I have been calling the 'old Taylor Swift' (before her album Red) and the 'new Taylor Swift'. I have also made no secret that musically I certainly prefer the old version. I do know of some friends who prefer to the new version though.

The 'New Taylor Swift' also has an inconsistent and weird fashion sense, in my personal view. But I guess that should be irrelevant to how we view a person, isn't it?

But actually, in many ways, the new Taylor Swift is just as good as the old one. In fact, that's because they are actually one and the same. Taylor may have changed her musical style and her fashion style, but she is clearly the same person. She is still herself, and not some other character. This is much more than can be said for many other people in the industry. And that's what's important.

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Glee and Inclusive Family Values

As an outspoken advocate for what I call 'Inclusive Family Values', it is perhaps unsurprising that I do view almost everything through those lenses first and foremost. In fact, some of my friends think it's admirable, whilst others think that it's an outdated way of seeing things. I don't care, as I for one have never subscribed to the 'fashion of the day' personally, as evidenced by my music tastes, which are largely 90s styled.

Glee has been both praised and condemned by various self styled family values advocates. So what do I think of those comments? Well, firstly, those based on homophobic viewpoints will receive no attention from me, as what I support are 'Inclusive Family Values' not 'Fundamentalist Religious Family Values', and there's a big difference there.

Homophobic arguments against Glee aside, the Parents Television Council classifies Glee in the category of shows which "may include gratuitous sex, explicit dialogue, violent content, or obscene language, and is unsuitable for children," and further recommended that it is not suitable for people under 16. Their advisory further states that there is plenty of profanity in the show, where words like "bastard," "bitch," “hell,” and “damn” are used. These are clearly not just referring to the gay themes in the show. To this list, I would add the behaviour of the adults in their relationships in the show, some of which in my opinion borderline on cheating, something clearly not acceptable to be morally.

However, the way I see it is that Glee just reflects reality, and is set in a cultural background where family values simply isn't as strong. It really doesn't go out of its way to promote immoral behaviour, in my view, but simply reflects that it does exist in the big bad world out there. It is therefore my belief that parental guidance is required for younger people, but otherwise it's really not as bad as what the PTC says it is.

There is always two sides to one coin though, so after having looked at the negatives I think it's time to explore the positives. Glee sends a great message to LGBT young people and their families. Just by doing this it is doing our society a great service. Furthermore, it often showcases LGBT people and their relationships in the greater scheme of family relationships. Its storylines reflect an important process currently happening in our society, and I believe one of the most important processes in this history of humankind: traditional family values and LGBT inclusiveness embracing each other. The positives clearly outweigh the negatives in the case of Glee, from what I see.

In conclusion, I believe that Glee is a great thing for Inclusive Family Values overall, and should be embraced by us who share these values. If I were the director I would set the whole show in a more family friendly culture and remove some of the questionable behaviour of some of its characters, but that's just a small negative compared to the important social value it is giving our society.


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Schwarzenegger for President? I Wouldn't Support Him, but Let Him Run!

With President Obama having to step down in 2017, there is again lots of talk about who should be the next US president. Hilary Clinton is an often mentioned name.

There have also recently been reports that Arnold Schwarzenegger may run - but of course only if the constitution is changed to allow him to do so. You see, Schwarzenegger was not born in the US, and that currently disqualifies him.

I personally wouldn't support Schwarzenegger, or most other Republicans for that matter, but I think he should have a right to run. Why shouldn't he?

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Lindsay Lohan's Rehab Centre?

It has been reported that Lindsay Lohan is considering opening her own rehab centre.

It's a great idea, I think. She would have an opportunity to use her experience in a way that would help other people. That's one of the most meaningful things you can do in life, I think.

She would have to really stay out of rehab herself from now on though - or she would have no credibility on this, I think.

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Jennifer Lopez Gets Equality Awards. But for What?

Jennifer Lopez has received the 2013 Ally for Equality Award, in recognition for her support of causes including marriage equality, HIV/AIDS research, and anti-bullying.

But why Jennifer Lopez? In Hollywood, I am pretty sure I can find plenty of people supporting those things. Even more importantly, these things are supported by the vast majority of young people under 35 out there. Jennifer Lopez may support these things, but it doesn't make her unique in any way, I think.

So who should qualify for an Equality Award then? Somebody who is actually helping to change things in a major way. Simply 'supporting' causes is inadequate as it does not create change quickly enough. For example, in many Western nations more than 60% of the population support marriage equality but only 10% or so really care about it. That is sad. That is why politicians who oppose equality still routinely get elected - the latest examples being Angela Merkel in Germany and Tony Abbott in Australia (these literally happened just a few weeks ago, right here in 2013).

Change requires care, and I care. But not enough people care - this needs to be changed. Somebody who changes things in this area would truly deserve an award, I believe.

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Joel McHale: Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber Look Similar

Apparently I am not the only person who thinks Miley and Justin now look similar.

"I love her new haircut, because I can't tell the difference between her and Justin Bieber… they are both very pretty," US television host Joel McHale said recently.

Good observation, I think!

And I think Miley's new style is ugly, for the record. The hair may suit Justin, but it surely doesn't suit Miley. There is no other way to put it, unfortunately.

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