Coming Out, Coming of Age, and Coming On a Bit Strong: The Balancing Act of " Drama"

Coming Out, Coming of Age, and Coming On a Bit Strong: 
The Balancing Act of Drama


    Raina Telgemeier's book Drama is a novel that explores the lives of middle schoolers and their journey of discovering their true selves amidst putting on false identities in the school play performance. While that sounds good in theory, there are many factors in which this book strikes controversy; particularly its discussion of sexuality. However, while that seems to be the "hot topic" of Drama, and is widely promoted as a book that promotes inclusivity and discussions of sexuality, I think that there is a greater dance Telgemeier is performing. I think the book is dancing the line between good and bad, maybe as every novel does. Many of the characters contain realistic, middle school-like qualities, but also unrealistic ones. Additionally, while Telgemeier is introducing important conversations around sexuality and gender, I think she dips too hard into the region of stereotyping many different groups of people. 

I’ll admit it, I was a theatre kid in middle school. To be honest, a lot of this was accurate to some extent. For example the rush of auditioning, the mix of good, and not-so-good, kids. The stress of the stage crew. The caddy romances (that always end poorly)… that rings true to middle school. But can you TELL ME WHYYY these SEVENTH GRADERS are building full sets on their own without teacher supervision, let alone a full cannon… all I know is in seventh grade I couldn’t use scissors without permission. Even though I think it’s great for these students to have the independence they do, I think their maturity level is a little high and unrealistic for 4-8th graders. However, I do understand that if Telgemeier can introduce maturity and independence in a book, I’m all for that, but I definitely do not think that for students in fourth grade, this would be accurate (i.e. 9-10 year olds). 

    I agree that the way that Drama handled sexuality was appropriate and progressive. Telgemeier presented it in a casual way that was respectfully accepted (as it should be). However, as we discussed in class, there are stereotypes about sexuality in this book that, while they may be accurate, give an incorrect representation of not only LGBTQ people but also stereotypes people in the performing arts. However, this is not the primary issue of stereotyping I had with the book. Rather, I had big issues with the Asian stereotyping in Drama. Specifically with Jesse and Justin, the two main Asian characters in the graphic novel. Justin comes out as gay to Callie but makes it clear that his father isn't very accepting. Even though Jesse and Justin’s father push “hard work and study” on his sons, he still lets Justin join the play. In comparison to Jesse, who makes it clear his father has different expectations for him. Even though both of the brothers end up being gay/bi, which suggests many positive things about the LGBTQ+ community, but also makes it seem like there can't be a main Asian character that isn't queer. Additionally, many other Asian stereotypes appear for example, both the characters take their friends out for Boba. I understand that Telgemeier is trying to break these stereotypes by representing Asian characters in Drama, the LGBTQ community, and providing Asian representation but I think she’s overdone it. Yes, representation is good, but is all representation good? Is it possible she is trying to do too much? I think so. 

    Graphic novels are so important because the ability to have images in the book begins to bind ideas of what certain things look like to readers, but this is good and bad. Images innately present one perspective; that of the illustrator. However, graphic novels can be very important in helping young readers to understand visual social cues. I think graphic novels can be very beneficial but also have limitations when it comes to reading and presenting ideas to younger audiences. It’s interesting to think about how even though Telgemeier uses a graphic novel so it can be easier understood by younger audiences, especially when introducing important conversations, the medium also makes the ideas limiting because she is superimposing her own stereotypes into the work not only verbally through text but also visually. 

Nothing is perfect, and I get that everything has its flaws and I would agree that Drama does a good job of presenting complex issues and important issues to younger audiences, and I commend Telgemeier for that. 

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