Exploring the Themes in 'Chewing Gum': A Teen Drama

The series "Chewing Gum," which recently wrapped up on the online platform PREMIER, paints a vivid and profound narrative about first love, friendship, and the myriad challenges faced during adolescence. But the creators have placed their focus not just on romantic escapades and the carefree adventures of youth; they have also spotlighted more serious social issues. The themes tackled in the series raise questions that resonate deeply within modern society. Bullying, abusive relationships, the Adele syndrome, lack of empathy, and the impact of orphanages—these pivotal aspects render "Chewing Gum" not merely a source of entertainment, but an important cultural phenomenon.

Bullying: A Relentless Pursuit

At the heart of the series lies the troubling theme of bullying. This distressing phenomenon, particularly amplified in the age of social media, permeates many facets of life from childhood onwards. In "Chewing Gum," we follow the harrowing journey of Galia, a girl who quickly becomes the target of mockery and cruel treatment from her peers.

The show intricately displays the mechanics of bullying, illustrating how a charismatic leader can galvanize a group of followers who seek out a perceived weakness within their community and unleash a torrent of harassment. Galia epitomizes the typical victim, her story invoking not just sympathy from viewers but also prompting a deeper inquiry into the root causes of this widespread issue. The series nudges us to reflect—how often do we find ourselves as passive bystanders or even unwitting participants in such maltreatment?

Trash Streaming: A Thirst for Attention and the Dangers of Popularity

In the fabric of contemporary culture, trash streaming has emerged as a troubling sign of the erosion of empathy and boundaries in society. Within the narrative of "Chewing Gum," the character Roma embodies this concern, showcasing the extremes to which individuals may go in pursuit of fame. During the initial stages of his "career," he conducts live streams where he is willing to take drastic measures for the sake of viewership. In one particularly unsettling scene, he contemplates jumping out of a window while broadcasting live.

These gripping moments help encourage viewers to recognize the significance of psychological resilience and the support of loved ones for adolescents grappling with the fierce competition for attention in today's world.

The Adele Syndrome: Painful Attachment as a Reflection of Inner Trauma

The Adele syndrome emerges as one of the series' darkest motifs. This disorder, wherein an individual becomes obsessively attached to the object of their affections—often losing control in the process—resonates profoundly through Galia, a girl from an orphanage, deprived of love and care since early childhood, who develops a deep fixation on Roma. She struggles to grasp the concept of boundaries, showing a disturbing disregard for rejection in her desperate efforts to secure his attention.

The creators of the series delicately stress that such disorders often stem from early childhood traumas. Galia stands as a poignant example of how a deficiency of love can metamorphose into an obsessive and destructive attachment.

Abusive Relationships: When Control Replaces Care

The relationship between Galia and Kirill in the series unfolds as a classic model of abusive relationships. Kirill exhibits hyper-control, manipulating Galia and stripping away her freedom and individuality. These scenes unveil the profound underlying causes of such behaviors: a harsh childhood, traumas endured at school, and an inability to articulate one’s emotions.

The topic of abuse becomes particularly salient for teenagers embarking on their first romantic endeavors, often lacking a comprehensive understanding of healthy relationship boundaries.

Absence of Humanity: A Mirror to Contemporary Society

Central to the storyline is the critical inquiry into the absence of humanity. The teenagers portrayed in the series frequently exhibit cruelty towards one another, resorting to mockery without attempting to comprehend the motivations of those around them. This behavior demonstrated by Roma and his friends towards Galia is a stark illustration of dehumanization. They engage in torment without acknowledging the repercussions of their actions.

Such instances serve as a reminder for viewers to cultivate a greater sense of sensitivity and attentiveness towards those in need of support.

The Impact of Orphanages: How Lack of Love Shapes Identity

Galia's narrative highlights the profound effects that orphanages can have on an individual's worldview. Deprived of nurturing and parental love, these children often grow up harboring distrust towards others. Galia is a fragile soul desperately seeking to substitute her yearning for parental affections with the attention of Roma and others.

These facets of the series evoke powerful emotions within viewers, prompting them to consider the fates of those who have faced abandonment from a young age.

Closure: Why "Chewing Gum" is a Necessary Project

The series "Chewing Gum" transcends being just a teenage drama; it serves as a potent tool for discussing and reflecting on numerous social issues. Bullying, abuse, the Adele syndrome, and other themes highlighted within the series resonate with audiences of all ages, striking chords that echo in our hearts. This narrative reminds us that even the most formidable challenges can be overcome when one is willing to introspect and summon the strength for change.