In lieu of this week's group presentations, I thought I would analyze something a little relevant to my topic: Glee's logo. It's really clever, isn't it? Using your pointer finger and thumb to make an "L" to help spell out Glee. It's like a real-life version of a font, except... oh wait. That's not what that "L" typically stands for.
The “L” shape is typically used by students in middle school (high-schoolers use other methods…) to call someone else a loser. By making a “L” on one’s forehead and staring at someone else, a person can convey his or her thought that the other is a “loser.” The “L” just implies the rest of the letters in the word. But, even though this gesture typically has a negative connotation, the logo transforms its meaning to be more light-hearted and satirical.
Glee is a comedy, and by incorporating the “L” sign into its text, it pokes fun at itself. The main characters of Glee know that they are “losers” and unpopular outcasts, but, instead of lamenting it, they revel in their status. They make the “L” sign to make fun of themselves and take pride that they are different from the rest of the students. Of course, the rest of the letters in the logo add to this nonchalant atmosphere. The letters are all lower-case, and the actual font is very informal (sans serif, to get technical). The text itself is not serious at all, and it further conveys that the show is a comedy. Finally, the background is very simple, it’s just a yellow color gradient. Yellow is a bright color that usually evokes feelings of happiness or contentment and, coupled with the font and “L” sign, it communicates that Glee is just a fun show to watch. It tells the audience that the show doesn’t take itself seriously, that it’s not too fancy or full of drama, and, ultimately, that is definitely worth watching.
