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!

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