Naris Eka Setyawati — Hip Hop As A Reflection Of American Values: A Semiotics Analysis On Save The Last Dance And Step Up Movies
HIP HOP AS A REFLECTION OF AMERICAN VALUES: A SEMIOTICS ANALYSIS ON SAVE THE LAST DANCE AND STEP UP MOVIES
Naris Eka Setyawati [email protected]
Abstract
This study examines seven movies that are based on characters created by Duane Adler. They are two Save the Last Dance and five Step Up movies. This discussion is a library research which is conducted within the framework of American Studies approach under the scope of history, social, and culture. This research uses Barthes’ semiotics theory on myth to analyze the depiction of American phenomena in the movies. The objectives of this study are to examine the portrayal of Hip Hop in United States of America and to analyze the reflection of American values through movies. The discussions on the topic reveal that Hip Hop becomes the source for movies’ narratives. It is manifested in hip hop related scenes of the movies. They portray signs of rebellion and juvenile delinquency in the first order-semiological system. These portrayals reflect American values of rebellion and freedom. Moreover, life struggle and American belief in the land of opportunity play the signs in Barthes’ second order-semiological system. The American values reflected through the discussions are competitiveness, hard work, determined, optimism, and materialism.
Keywords: Hip Hop, hip hop, popular culture, semiotics, American values
Introduction color to the American culture is seen from Hip Hop. United States of America with its predicate The development of Hip Hop in America of the “melting pot” society and its cannot be separated from the history of the promising “land of opportunity” attracts country. Hip Hop was a subculture but it is immigrants to come to this land. They already acknowledged as a culture now. It hope for betterment by seizing opportunity was not popular among larger society in for their rights to achieve success and the 1960’s. However, entertainment happiness in the middle of industry sees it as a profitable product to multiculturalism. explore.
The immigrants have created America as it Save the Last Dance and Step Up movies is today. They have contributed for the are some of profitable movies that portray development of American culture. It Hip Hop in the narratives. Most of the includes African American as one of the movies used in this research gained biggest populations in America. One of financial success with box office earnings African American contribution in giving of more than $35 million in America
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(www.imdb.com). The success of these societies. Neglected in the ghetto, dance movies shows audiences’ interest in minorities in the South Bronx area watching such kind of movie. Despite their developed breakin, emceein, deejayin, and interest in the dance movies, they usually graffiti art. They grew stronger as block take the depiction of Hip Hop for granted. parties were popular in the 1960s and In fact, the producers create a product 1970s. which reflects the society and introduce The block parties’ phenomena created four values (Nachbar, 1992, p. 6). There is an basic elements that marked the existence of interwoven relation of popular culture Hip Hop—coined by Lovebug Starski and product and the society. Afrika Bambaataa popularizes it (www.zulunation. com). The parties that Regarding the explanation, this research were held by blocking the street were writer sees the relation of Hip Hop in mostly held by DJ Kool Herc, American society and hip hop as product Grandmaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaataa. of popular culture. This relation leads to They are some Hip Hop pioneers who are awareness toward the portrayal of Hip Hop mostly former gang members (Watkins, in American dance movies. This study is 2005, p. 22). However, these pioneers used done to highlight social issues through block parties to change the negative thing American popular movies. To be more to a positive one (Watkins, 2005, p. 23). specific, it is to examine the depiction of Hip Hop in United States of America to Block parties were not just a place where reveal the reflection of American values. youngsters performed creativities. The parties along with Hip Hop were used as Hip Hop in the United States of America ways to “channel the anger of young people in the South Bronx away from gang Unaware of the fact that Hip Hop is a fighting” (Lipsitz, 1994, p. x). It is hoped culture, some people take the term “hip that African and Latino descent could get hop” and other related terms to it for away from the negativity—gang violence, granted. However, this research drug abuse, self hate, violence—that was distinguishes some terms related to the plaguing our streets (Bambaataa, culture and the product of popular culture. www.zulunation.com). The main goal of The people who are related to Hip Hop as Hip Hop was to keep the youngsters away a culture will be called as hiphoppa. Hip from the gang life and change the Bronx Hop elements are emceein-the utterance in neighborhood to be more positive one. music area, deejayin-the act of manipulating sound, graffiti art-the art of The positive purpose shows Hip Hop symbol writing, and breakin-the dance. flexibility to adjust itself to the Whereas hip hop, hip hopper, rap, DJ, development of American society. This graffiti and break dance are used to ability causes its elements to gradually mention something related to the products improve. Motley and Henderson (2008) of popular culture. stated that, “the elements “can be combined by limitless factors to create Hip Hop early existence has a close culture and community” (p. 246). relation to American marginalized Knowledge holds emceein, graffiti art,
30 Naris Eka Setyawati — Hip Hop As A Reflection Of American Values: A Semiotics Analysis On Save The Last Dance And Step Up Movies
deejayin, and breakin together Music industry shifted Hip Hop as culture (Bambaataa: www.zulunation. com). to hip hop or rap. It applied a business model that only promoted the most Hip Hop’s creative contributions in music, commercial one. The most marketable dance, art, poetry, and fashion has themes of hip hop are dominated by influenced entertainment world within the violent, rebellious and highly sexual past 20 years (Bambaataa, www. content (Adaso, 2007, p. 6). Music video zulunation.com). It makes Hip Hop to be exposes pictures of sexuality, luxurious more popular and change it from life, alcoholic consumption, gang fighting, subculture to culture. Brent D. Glass, and drug dealing. director of the National Museum of Hip Hop through hip hop transforms its American History, believes that “hip-hop focus from creativity to marketable —the music, dance, and art—is now an industry. It made Hip Hop to be connected important part of American culture.”1 to negative image and became “underrepresented in mass media as the The struggle to be called as a culture can commodities of gangster, ghetto, violence, be traced back through the development of drug dealer, and misogyny” (Hart, 2009, p. Hip Hop’s popularity. It was first 10). Regardless to the phenomena, hip hop popularized by the works of emcees and became one of the economic staples of the deejays that flourished through radio. The music industry in 1990s (Cruz, 1999, p. success of Hip Hop on the radio made 888). Entertainment industry takes any music industry try to extend its profitable chances for the sake of profit. The profit business through visual media. In the does not only come from music videos but 1980s, MTV telecasted black music video also from the extension of the business to and gained huge popularity of American movie on television and in cinema. society. Richardson (2002) believed that this phenomenon “is widely viewed as a Hip Hop through audio visual media has turning point in hip-hop and rap music come to the stage of popular culture since video access to mainstream media” (p. it is “…widely shared among the 183). population” (Mukerji and Schudson, 1991, p. 3). As Storey stated that, “[its] widely The success of black music video in 1980 favored or well liked by many people” (as led Hip Hop to become hip hop, emceein cited in Edensor, 2002, p. 14) make the to rap, deejayin to DJ, graffiti art to industry to produce hip hop related movies graffiti, and breakin to break dance. The until the new millennium. Among the online media that the Zulu Nation has popular movies during 2001 to 2014, there managed strengthen it by saying “from the are several popular dance movies which 80’s on, the Rap industry and media have based on characters created by Duane helped to make the terms “Hip Hop” and Adler. Their popularity can be seen from “Rap” synonymous, leaving out the other the series of the movies started from Save elements included in the culture”. the Last Dance (2001), Save the Last Dance (2006), Step Up (2006), Step Up: the Streets (2008), Step Up 3D (2010), 1 Retrieved from Step Up: Revolution (2012), and Step Up: http://americanhistory.si.edu/
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All In (2014). Thus, most of them gained In the sphere of American society, the financial success with box-office earnings phenomenon of Hip Hop is also seen from of more than $ 35 million the United States positive and negative perceptions. Some alone (www.imdb. com). see it as the practice of freedom that gives positive effect to the society. Others think The movies which based on characters that it closely relates to bad things. The created by Duane Adler are chosen as the depiction of Hip Hop in the Save the Last objects of this study. The writer sees Dance and Step Up movies can explore possibility of these popular culture’s these two perspectives in the society. This products in giving point of view toward phenomenon can be seen in these artifacts American society and culture that reflects since movies may reflect the society and American values. These movies do not introduce values (Nachbar, 1992, p. 6). only produce profitable amount of money for the makers but also provide sources for Considering the depiction of Hip Hop in this research writer. movies, negativity is more related to it. It happens because mainstream media Hip Hop as Signifier of American exposes more to it (Hart, 2009: 10). The Liberty exposure is more to violent and rebellious as they are the most marketable themes In some studies, the term liberty and (Adaso, 2007: 6). Regarding these freedom are used interchangeably. phenomena, the hip hop theme that is However, this study distinguishes them portrayed in Save the Last Dance and Step based on the relationship of three charters Up movies follows the view of the of freedom. Those three documents are the marketable aspects. The violent, rebellious United States’ Declaration of behavior and glorifying gangster life are Independence, Constitution, and Bill of portrayed in the movies (Adaso, 2007, p. Rights. The correlation between the three 6). American documents shows that liberty covers freedom. Through liberty, The first Save the Last Dance portrays the Americans can exercise freedom. The phenomena of gang life through the freedom includes freedom of expression depiction of Malakai. He gets involve on that covers freedom of speech (Paul, drug dealing, gun owning, and gang 2011). fighting (the Last Dance, 2001: 00:45:20- 45:54; 01:33:40-36:57). Similar portrayal In practicing freedom, good character of on gang life can be seen through PJ in Step the society is needed. Responsibility Up. It portrays in the scene when PJ shot toward the practice of freedom is Skinny because he stole PJ’s car (Step Up, important otherwise it can result to 2006: 01:23:10-01:26:29). These things disorder and chaos (Paul, 2011). These confront law and are regarded as “wrong.” problems can happen since the practice of They are usually done by youngsters and freedom can turn to whether positive or are called as juvenile delinquency— negative. represents behavior that run counter to law and opposed to those of the dominant social order (Matza, 1999: 712).
32 Naris Eka Setyawati — Hip Hop As A Reflection Of American Values: A Semiotics Analysis On Save The Last Dance And Step Up Movies
individual based on how they look since The narratives of breaking the law also can fashion symbolizes the self as the cultural be seen in Step Up: The Streets. It reveals extension of oneself (as cited in Baxter and vandalism—includes breaking, destroying Marina, 2008, p. 105). It implies that an public facilities, and painting graffiti on a individual’s characteristic can be property that does not belong to the artist determined based on his appearance and (by National Crime Prevention Council, p. his attitude toward the appearance. 2). All of those vandalism are portrayed when 410 Crew broke, destroyed, and Dance as a strong element of Hip Hop can write graffiti on MSA’s dance studio (Step also be another aspect that is considered to Up: The Streets, 2008, 01:04:00-01:05:08). represent rebellion. This view can be The rebellious vein inherent in Hip Hop traced back to the time when breakin was culture (Forman and Neal, 2004, p. 342) still a street form that, in the eyes of the also can be seen when 410 vandalizes a authorities, too closely resembled stylized subway train and a station (Step Up: The gang fighting (Perkins, 1996, p. 60). This Streets, 2008: 00:00:41-03:56). gang fighting thing resembles rebellious Rebellious action is not only connected to behavior. violating law but also in the form of The phenomenon of rebellion that is seen violating moral value in the society. It can through dance is portrayed in Save the be seen in Save the Last Dance through Last Dance. It tells about Sara, a ballerina, Chenille. She is described to be a student who secretly choreographs for hip hop beat who has already had a baby. This condition (Save the Last Dance, 2006, 00:53:41- surprises Sara, a white girl who has just 00:54:29). Other portrayal is seen in moved in to ghetto (Save the Last Dance, Tyler’s rehearsal scene when he calls ballet 2001, 00:25:10). This discrepancy of point as boring and stiff (Step Up: The Street, of view toward unwed mother shows that 2006, 00:32:10-00:32:28). Similar the portrayal in the movie indicates portrayal on unexciting ballet movement violation of moral value of larger society. can be seen in Chase’s narration on the MSA audition scene (Step Up: The Street, Another form of rebellious is portrayed 2008, 00:16:09-00:16:20). Thus, Emily through the depiction of breaking the rule. mentions her ballet movement “kinda The portrayal can be seen from the boring” (Step Up: Revolution, 2012, narrative of the second Save the Last 00:21:25). Ballet movement feels stiff and Dance. It happens when Mrs. Delacroix boring for hiphoppers since the dance in warns Marcus because of his inappropriate hip hop involves a quick wit on a physical clothing in ballet rehearsal (Save the Last level (Huntington, 2007, p. 40). Break Dance, 2001, 00:11:23-00:11:45). The dance requires quick thinking and action characteristics of being obedience and toward the beat and toward other rebellion is measured from how someone opponents’ movement especially in dance behaves toward the way he dresses up. battle.
Simmel explained the situation of rebellion The discussion shows actions and by saying that, “clothes can serve as expressions of youngsters in the movies triggers”. It triggers identification of an that expose rebellion. This rebellious
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behavior is achieved through the depiction change the assimilation to be integration. of hip hop related scenes regardless to the This is the time when those people become knowledge beyond the portrayals. The the agent of social revolution and mark the rebellion plays the role of sign in Barthes’ existence of multiculturalism (Anderson, language meaning. Concerning historical 2012, p. 192, Owen, 2005, p. 2). One of knowledge on social and cultural, another the products of what multiculturalism level of understanding meaning can be achieved is Hip Hop. It is “the future of achieved (Barthes, 1991, p. 116, Edgar- language and culture in the multicultural Hunt, et al, 2010, p. 70, and Stam, et al, society” (Hoch, 1993, p. xvii). 1992, p. 225). It happens because experiences in the American history can be The explanation on American experience the starting point to understand the in the sixties shows that Americans faced phenomena in movies (Adi, 2003, p. 242). social challenges. One of them is the problem of being a single parent in a It is known that Hip Hop was born in the teenage year. The understanding on unwed late sixties. It was the time when mother portrayed in the first Save the Last Americans challenge many traditions as Dance is seen as the result of historical the legacy of counterculture. Anderson event in the sixties. Chenille’s portrayal of states that juvenile problems such as rebellion is part of practices freedom from delinquency, crime, violence, and unwed an old value. It shows an attempt to mothers are more likely to be seen in this liberate from older generation’s sexual era rather than in the previous generation. mores that glorify Puritan values It can be seen that youngsters of this era, (Anderson, 2012, p. 122). It reveals social especially seen in ghetto, began to express condition in the society that youngster was their own values. It is seen as cultural rebel no longer wanted to be bond to the value by elder generation (Anderson, 2012, pp. of preserving sexual intercourse for 50-185). However, the cultural rebel marriage. fought for something more than violation to the old value. They tried to liberate The freedom that teenager believed to be themselves from the domination of the liberation, is part of the rejection on the majority. idea of society’s assimilation. It reveals the failure to preserve the dominant’s place in The groups who fought for rights were the the melting pot image. Thus, it helps to see minorities such as African and Mexican multiculturalism in American society. American (Hirschman, 1983, p. 416). It Process to gain freedom in the happens because they were put aside by multicultural society is reflected in the dominant. They “were not considered rebellion. to be fitted to the melting process” of the melting pot (Abrahams, 1971, p. 119). The There are some more rebellious behaviors peak of this discontentment happened in in the movies that can be discussed. The the sixties when the minorities rebelled to first Save the Last Dance portrays juvenile be free from the domination. Civil rights delinquency through Malakai, the first movement marks this demand. Through Step Up movie through PJ, and the Step this movement, the minorities wanted to Up: The Streets through 410 Crew. The
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portrayal in the movies leads to grasp There is no surprise that the gang members rebellion image. It happens because they who got involve to the gang activities did are obviously displayed in the movies as an action that violated rules and laws. actions that breaking the rules and laws. Fighting among gang members were However, these depictions give common thing to happen in ghetto opportunity to grasp another meaning (Watkins, 2005, p. 22). It did not only regarding the social condition in the involve physical contact but also involved sixties. shooting. It makes sense that those people owned guns whether to attack others or The sixties was the time when American even to protect themselves. society faced social revolution. It was a result of minorities in questioning the The historical background reveals an melting pot image. African American as attempt to gain freedom from dominant’s one of minorities group other than limitation. The portrayals of breaking the Mexican American was the prominent one laws as glorifying gangster life through who fought for their rights. The dominant Malakai and PJ demonstrate the only society regarded their attempt as rebellion. option that was provided. The gangster life However, the younger generations became an effort to be free from economic regarded this effort to achieve social boundary. It happens as they are minorities change. who have no access to the economic assimilation. The social change in the sixties is the result of discontentment of those Vandalism illustrates through 410 Crew is minorities who were neglected and isolated seen as liberation reaction toward to the ghetto. They were not considered to inadequacy on public facilities’ access. be able to blend in to the advancement of This phenomenon is part of the unequal their life. They were forced to live in the distribution of assimilation for minority place where economic growth was hard to because socioeconomically advancement achieve. Furthermore, self expression was was limited. Vandalism is also part of trifle thing to be respected. Accordingly, it minorities’ effort to defend what they have. was a place where hostility most likely to 410 Crew assumes that The Streets belongs happen. to ghetto society. They wanted to preserve their freedom of expression through artistic The way of life in ghetto shows an effort to expression in The Streets Competition. be liberated from economic condition that was suppressed by the dominant. The artistic expression includes fashion. It Youngsters started to create groups known is portrayed through Marcus in the second as gang that gave them access to gain Save the Last Dance. However, this artistic income. The gang division created conflict expression is portrayed through clothing of territory to earn a living. It then led the conflict. Marcus is labeled by his lecturer gangs to defend on their possession by as a rebel because he wears trousers that marking their territory with their artistic are inappropriate in ballet rehearsal. His expression. being rebel is determined based on his appearance since fashion symbolizes the
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self as the cultural extension of oneself sixties, “some rebels created music to (Simmel as cited in Baxter and Marina, deliver their values and views (Anderson, 2008, p. 105). 2012, p. 117).” It can be seen that music was created to deliver message. In contrast The different culture that enables someone to rebellion image, this statement gives to be identified in the multicultural society different point of view toward what is blocked by the view on rebellion. This youngsters do. perspective prevents the artistic expression to be seen. The aspect of minority does not A more danceable music influenced fit to the melting pot emphasizes in this youngsters in the ghetto to expand their point of view. Thus, freedom of expression ability in dancing. They increase their that youngster does cannot be obviously capacity to synchronize movement with seen. the beat. They have freedom toward themselves through this process. It can be The rule that makes people see rebellion seen that they are practicing their right to on fashion also applies to other form of perform their talent as expression of artistic expression, dance. Some of the freedom of speech. This right makes those portrayals of rebellion on dance reveal youngsters to be liberated from limitation youngsters’ rejection on the stiff and to their movement. It gives them chance to boring movement of ballet (Step Up, be free from the rigidity and getting away 00:32:15, Step Up: The Streets 00:16:09, from the boundary of their talent. Step Up: Revolution 00:21:25). Those However, their voice cannot be well youngsters try to modify ballet movement delivered as they perform it to the existing to a more danceable tune. A stronger formal rules of movement. attempt to alter the movement can be seen in the second Save the Last Dance. This Similar portrayal on the dance as rebellion movie describes a ballerina who does not is depicted in Step Up: The Streets, Step only modify ballet movement but also Up 3D, and Step: Up Revolution. These choreographs for hip hop music. These three movies describe youngsters’ who depictions are seen as youngsters’ attempts perform their dance in public facilities of shifting the movement from the existing such as in a park, streets, subway train, and rule. even in an event. Their performances are considered to be disturbance for the Youngsters’ effort to modify and adjust society. However, this phenomenon dance movement to danceable beat was happens for a reason. The history behind it considered as rebellion. The rebellious can explain the reason why. image is embedded in the break dance since its early existence. Perkins (1996) Looking back to when subculture began, stated that break dance “in the eyes of the artistic expression was used as a way for authorities, too closely resembled stylized youngsters to be recognized. They want to gang fighting (p. 60).” Furthermore, the be acknowledged by larger society, yet emergence of music also influence dance’s there was no facility to support their image. Music was used as a way to depict capacity. As a consequence, subculture like social condition by the minority. In the Hip Hop was born on the street through
36 Naris Eka Setyawati — Hip Hop As A Reflection Of American Values: A Semiotics Analysis On Save The Last Dance And Step Up Movies
block party. It is a place where youngsters “that dream of a land in which life should can express their creativity through dance be better and richer and fuller for and music. Moreover, graffiti art was everyone, with opportunity for each expressed on the train so that people could according to ability or achievement (as see their existence. Yet, it was also used by cited in Abid, 2012, p. 1).” It implies that gang members to mark their territory America is a place where people have (Price, 2006, p. 28). These phenomena on chance to have a better, richer, and fuller Hip Hop are depicted in movies in a more life based on their effort to achieve it. rebellious way rather than the artistic expression of practicing freedom. The seed of the “American Dream” has existed long before Adams coined the This discussion reveals that rebellion and term. The foundation for the idea is the juvenile delinquency in the language Declaration of Independence as this meaning is a starting point to achieve document covers fundamental Americans’ deeper meaning. Knowledge beyond the rights (Abid, 2012, p. 1). The rights give representation enables to see the reflection the society chance to pursue their dream. of the phenomenon. Hip Hop phenomenon This pursuing dream is associated with the that can be seen in the movies provides pursuit of happiness in the Constitution. two meanings of Barthes’ myth theory as the following table: Some people say that the pursuit of happiness is a feeling of satisfaction (Graaf and Musikanski, 2011, p. 56; Murray, 1991, p. 240). Some others relate it to financial success. Happiness for some people includes having money, being wealthy, and famous (Abid, 2012, p. 4; Muniroh, 2009, p. 33; Murray, 1991, p. 241; Putranto, 2012). The existence of emotional and material happiness can be It tells that rebellion and juvenile traced back to the early American settlers delinquency as a sign in the language who came to the new world with a hope of meaning has become signifier in the myth a better life. Muhni (2010) categorized the meaning regardless knowledge beyond the pursuit into religious hope and the secular portrayal. The meanings in the second part dream (p. 106). are achieved through understanding on The religious hope is especially practiced melting pot, multiculturalism and freedom by the first settlers whose aim was to in American society as the signified. acquire freedom to embrace any religion and belief. However, they also believe in Hip Hop as Signifier of American Life the opportunity “to advance economically One of the most essential driving forces for if one was willing to take the risk to go to the advancement of Americans is their the “New World” (Weaver, 1999, p. 4).” It belief in “American Dream.” It was coined shows that the material goal also became by James Truslow Adams in his book The one of their purposes. It gives influence to Epic of America in 1931. He says that it is Americans to achieve the dream of being
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wealthy and being freed from poverty statement by saying that “both opportunity (Muhni, 2010, pp. 106-109). and success can be gained by all without looking at the status, gender or race” (p. The two categories mentioned above are 33). There is equal chance for everyone to goals in achieving the American Dream. get opportunity and to become successful. Muhni says that “the Americans have a dream in pursuing happiness which is The opportunity will be wasted when often called the American Dream (Muhni, Americans do not have quality to seize it. 2010, p. 106).” It suggests that the There is a chance for everyone to be American Dream covers the act of successful as long as “they were willing to Americans in pursuing happiness. The learn and endure hardship” (Ulinnuha, happiness is “the last goal of the American 2005, p. 66). Moreover, they realize that Dream and the real American Dream is the opportunity exist not only for an individual Pursuit of Happiness (Muniroh, 2009, p. but also others. It forces them to compete 33).” on it. Thus, hard work is required and it requires competitive individual (Potter as The meaning of American Dream cited in Muniroh, 2009, p. 35). transforms from time to time. Some say that it is now depends on each individual The quality to be competitive is needed as concept. However, this recent time, American competition to seize the Americans tend to practice the secular opportunity is intense. It especially dream. It can be seen from the goal that happens when Americans try to reach the they want to achieve. They stuck in the financial success, material comfort and quest of the materialistic ends (Albee as dream of fame (Putranto, 2012). The cited in Abid, 2012, p. 5). The American struggle on the competition has become Dream that Americans practice is now more complex because opportunity exists focusing on acquiring materials. The core not only for an individual but also others. of American Dream emphasizes on It forces American to compete on the property and economic (Kurian, 2001, p. opportunity and be aware of their ability as 98). well as others’. Both individual and collective have to be ready to learn and The practice of focusing on earning endure hardship (Ulinnuha, 2005, p. 66). materials is based on the success stories The portrayals on the effort are depicted in that Americans have achieved known as Save the Last Dance and Step Up movies. the rags-to-riches. It becomes the fundamental materialist version of the The depiction of someone in this case a American Dream (Lemay as cited in dancer’s effort who wants to step level up Ulinnuha, 2005, p. 37). The story makes can be seen in audition. In the scope of Americans to believe that America can dancers’ life, an audition can be mentally, change them from having nothing to have physically, and emotionally tiring (Schupp, everything. However, it can happen under 2015, p. 157). The dancers have to perform a condition. Muhni (2010) said that what they have got in order to fulfill the happiness requires equality in rights (p. requirements to pass an audition. It 107). Muniroh (2009) agreed with this requires hard work since the participants
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have to compete with other talented in the new environment. Dancers’ life is dancers. They have to struggle to show hard for them. Being selected to support a their capacity to be admitted. The dancers’ famous company for campaign even does struggle in audition is portrayed in the first not help them in the dance career. After Save the Last Dance movie. they have finished their contract with the company, they have to join auditions in A dancer’s struggle is seen from Sara who order to earn money. They have to compete struggles to get into Juilliard. Her failure in with a lot of other talented dancers in order the first attempt and her mother’s death to get a job. during the audition brought her down. Nevertheless Derek, a hiphopper from Presenting ability for dancers is also can be Baltimore ghetto, raises her spirit up (Save done in the form of showcase. Showcase the Last Dance, 2006, 00:56:00-00:58:27). requires hard work in order to perfectly He helps Sara to be able to perform the execute the performance to amuse the free form dance for the second audition in audiences. One of the movies that present the same school. the struggle in preparing a perfect showcase is the second Save the Last Another portrayal of determination for an Dance. It is seen when Sara, a prima audition can be seen in Tyler, a hiphopper ballerina, choreographs for both of Miles’ from Baltimore ghetto, of the first Step Up. hip hop performances (Save The Las His decision to be a transferred student in Dance, 2006, 00:53:45, 01:24: 17). She Maryland School of the Art makes him has to manage two hip hop projects in the realize that he has to work hard for the middle of her rehearsal for Giselle concert. chance. He even tries to dance ballet in the Besides, she has to keep her middle of his community service after his choreographing for hip hop beat secret school time. from her ballet lecturer.
A hard attempt to succeed in audition is Being determined to work hard on a also depicted in Step Up: Revolution showcase is also portrayed in the Step Up: through Emily who wants to be an Revolution. It is depicted through The Mob apprentice in a contemporary dance Crew’s dance performance to protest the company. Her struggle leads her to join a project of Anderson’s company. They want break dance crew and gets away from her to fight for their community so that the comfort zone to broaden her interpretation company will not destroy their on dance. neighborhood to build hotel and shopping mall. This crew’s showcase is done three A struggle in life also depicted in the Step times before the company wants to hear Up: All In. The portrayal of Sean shows their voice. the struggle for audition by gathering people to form a new crew (Step Up: All The struggle to be recognized is also done In, 2014: 00:17:54-00-32:51). He has to through Competition. It is a place for create his own crew because his friends dancers to compete to be acknowledged, to have left him. It happens because they be the best, and to win prize. They have to have financial problem to support their life put a great effort as the competition is
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harder especially when there is a great The Streets Competition (Step Up: The amount of money to win. The movies that Streets, 2008, 01:22:20-01:30:20). This portray this phenomenon are the third to crew has to face humiliation from 410 the fifth Step Up movies. Crew because they were considered to be outsiders who learn break dance from The Pirates Crew needs to win The World school. It leads them to practice harder to Jam Competition to save their house in prove that they have capacity and get the Step Up 3D. In the process of winning the title to be the best crew in the competition, The Pirates’ leader has to face neighborhood. They do it because the main his best friend and was asked to quit the purpose of the competition is to gain competition. However, he refuses it and respect. keeps on leading the crew in the dance battle to win the 100.000 dollar. The As can be seen in the discussion, movies’ motive in solving financial problem also scene in the form of audition, showcase, can be seen in the Step Up Revolution. and competition becomes the life struggle that dancers have to face. However, these In the forth Step Up, The Mob Crew joins performances reflect more than their YouTube video contest to win a hundred portrayals. It requires knowledge beyond thousand dollar grand prizes to support the portrayals that enables to understand their life as dancers. Their struggle Barthes’ myth meaning (Barthes, 1991, p. includes attempt of dancing that risk them 116; Edgar-Hunt, et al, 2010, p. 70; Stam, to be jailed. They also face obstacle from a et al, 1992, p. 225). There is a relation of business company that wants to reconstruct history to the life struggle that is portrayed their neighborhood. They realize that in the movies. There is something more winning money cannot save their than enduring hardship in life. environment. They finally sacrifice their ego on winning money and turn to protect Further exploration beyond the perspective their neighborhood. is needed to reveal the myth meaning since Hip Hop inspires filmmakers to adopt An attempt for betterment is also presented ‘street’ signifiers (Saunders as cited in in the sixth Step Up movie. It exposes the Blanchard, 1999). Hip Hop plays as a effort of LMNTRIX Crew to win money as source for movie makers to adapt Hip Hop well as three years contract in Las Vegas. related aspects to the movies. The The members of this crew have the depictions of performances portrayed in courage to leave their job for the the movies have their distinctive competition. They dare to take the risk that characteristics that distinguish them from makes them work hard to show their one another. Audition is an opportunity to capacity. All of their energy is focused on demonstrate abilities in an audition the competition. (Schupp, 2015, p. 157). It is a media for those who want to show their capability to When winning money becomes the main be admitted by judges or juries. purpose in the discussion, Step Up: The Street portray different purpose. It can be The audition is portrayed in some of seen on the struggle of The MSA Crew in movies’ scenes such as in the first Save the
40 Naris Eka Setyawati — Hip Hop As A Reflection Of American Values: A Semiotics Analysis On Save The Last Dance And Step Up Movies
Last Dance, Step Up, Step Up: Revolution, on her choreograph, lecturer’s compliment and Step Up: All In. All of those movies on her piece, and the contract that Miles show opportunities for dancer to achieve gets from her choreography. Sara’s what they have been dreaming of. Adams determination to manage all of the stated that the opportunities show the obstacles makes her succeed to pursue her promise that America can give for its dream. citizens (as cited in Abid, 2012, p. 1). Additionally, Americans believe in the Portrayal on opportunity to present equality as “…all men are created dancers’ work also can be seen in the Step equal…” strengthen their willing to pursue Up: Revolution. Through showcases, The happiness. Mob has chance to show that the neighborhood has a lot of potential The movies that portray auditions show individual. Their eagerness to show their dancers’ hard work in pursuing their capacity shows equality for them to dreams. In the first Save the Last Dance, achieve betterment especially for the Sara’s dream leads her to join an audition environment. It can be seen from their to get into Juilliard dance school. Tyler in accomplishment to stop the project that the first Step Up movie tries to achieve endangers their neighborhood. betterment through audition to become a Furthermore, the dancers’ courage makes transfer student to MSA. Emily in Step them to be acknowledged by getting Up: Revolution pursues her dream through contract for a job. Thus, they do not only audition to be an apprentice for a dance save their environment but also achieve company. Thus, The LMNTRIX in Step happiness. Up: All In joins an audition to be able to be admitted in The Vortex Competition. The other kind of performance is competition. It has become the spirit that All of the dancers see that there are characterizes Americans (Montagu, 1967, opportunities for them. They have equal p. 106). It is driven by the belief in chance to join auditions and become competition to be an opportunity to successful in their attempt. It can possibly succeed not opportunity to fail (Huber, happen if they try hard to achieve their 2013, p. 53). Those who determine to goal as Americans value success from hard pursue happiness have a chance to achieve work (Putranto, 2012). These phenomena it. Effort to achieve happiness has to be are seen through the abilities of the done since American values success from characters in the movies to achieve their hard work (Putranto, 2012). goals to be admitted in the auditions. The attempts in competition have already Showcase is another form of performance described in earlier discussion. They are that gives choreographers the opportunity presented in the movies with the aim to to present their work (Valle, 2014, p. 1). It win money. The secular dream in can be seen in the second Save the Last achieving happiness through financial Dance that shows Sara choreographs for comfort is presented in the movies’ scenes. Miles performances. Her ability in Movies such as Step Up: 3D, Step Up: choreographing is approved by Miles’ trust
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Revolution, and Step Up: All In portray this own stage in entertainment industry. The phenomenon. phenomena of being able to get contract in Vegas can be traced back through the Both of the third and forth Step Up depict Jabbawockeez achievement. dance crews’ attempt to win 100.000 dollar from competitions. However the sources of The Jabbawockeez is the winner of opportunity in those movies are different. America’s Best Dance Crew the first Step Up: 3D’s opportunity comes from The season in 2008. Their success in the World Jam Competition. This kind of competition leads them to be able to debut competition can be understood through the on their own stage in Las Vegas in 2010 existence of world break dance (http://www.jbwkz.com/). This dance crew competition. has their own show PRiSM at Luxor Las Vegas in 2013 (http://www.luxor.com/ Regarding the competition, the depiction entertainment). Thus, this phenomenon of in the movie resembles to world break the existence of opportunity in American dance competition especially the World society is portrayed in the movie. It shows Hip Hop Dance Competition. This the success of dance crew in their pursuit competition is started in 2002 and based in of happiness as The LMNTRIX wins the Los Angeles (www.hiphop competition. international.com). It requires dance crews to battle in the contest to win sum amount Regarding the discussion, it can be said of money. This phenomenon is portrayed that Save the Last Dance and Step Up in the Step Up: 3D to create the depiction movies depict hip hop related scenes of an opportunity. The Pirates whose through performances. They are audition, members have put great effort successfully showcase, and competition that are seize the chance to win the grand prize in depicted as life struggle in dancers’ life the competition. since they have to work hard in facing the performances. However, the hard work is The opportunity in Step Up: Revolution not seen as burden in life in the second comes from viral video contest. This kind order-semiological meaning. It becomes of contest can be found in the internet from the process in their attempt to achieve their various sources with different categories dreams. It is a risk that Americans have to and grand prizes. This viral video contest face in pursuing happiness. This is depicted in the movie as viral video perspective is achieved regarding the belief contest on YouTube. Even though The in America as the land of opportunity and Mob dance crew in the movie does not win the existence of equality to seize the the grand prize, they successfully get a job chance. According to Barthes’ myth theory, contract. it can be summed up as follow:
The competition to win a contract in Las Vegas is described in Step Up: All In. It shows another source of opportunity to achieve a dream. It is seen as a grand dream for dancers to be able to have their
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that emphasizes on knowledge of American experience suggests value of freedom.
American values are also can be seen from the depiction of hip hop related scenes in the audition, showcase, and competition. Through the discussion of dancers’ hard life, American values of competitive, hard work and determination are achieved. Conclusion Thus, understanding in the belief in the land of opportunity and equality in The discussions can be concluded in this American experience help to reveals part of study. It can be seen that Barthes’ American values of optimism and semiotics has guided this study. His myth materialism. theory is more meaningful to be analyzed under the umbrella of American Studies Bibliography approach. It is because knowledge from other studies is required as American Abid, Sabrina A. The Pursuit of Studies theorist Robert Sklar said. Happiness: The State of the Moreover, Leo Marx also suggests that American Dream in Suzan-Lori micro work is the representation of the Parks's Topdog/Underdog. macro universe. His theory allows study on Thesis, Georgia State University. movies as the artifact to generalize 2012. American values. Thus, the information Abrahams, Roger D. Cultural Differences from the secondary data is useful in getting and the Melting Pot Ideology. deeper analysis. Educational Leadership , 29, 2, Understanding on hip hop through 118-21, Nov 1971. American experience has helped this study Adaso, Henry. Hip Hop Timeline. PDF to reveal the phenomena reflected in form: http://about.com. (accessed movies. Barthes’ myth theory leads this on January 2013). comprehension to stages of meaning Adi, Ida Rochani. Reconciling the making on the first and second order- American Myth of Innocence semiological system. The signifier that can with Popular Consciousness: A be found in the Save the Last Dance and Study on American Action Films Step Up movies is hip hop. It is manifested of 1990s. Yogyakarta: in hip hop related scenes in the seven Universitas Gadjah Mada movies.
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Baxter, Vern Kenneth and Peter Marina. Sykes) American Sociological Cultural Meaning and Hip-Hop Review 26: 712-29. 1961. Fashion in the African-American Montagu, Ashley. The American Way of Male Youth Subculture of New Life. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Orleans. Journal of Youth Sons: 1967. Studies Vol. 11, No. 2, April Motley, Carol M and Henderson. The 2008, 93-113. global hip-hop Diaspora: Edgar-Hunt, Robert, et al. Basic Film Understanding the Culture. Making 04: The Language of Journal of Business Research Film. New York: Ava Publishing. (Impact Factor: 1.48). 03/2008. 2010. Muhni, Djuhertati Imam. Bunga Rampai Graaf, John de and Laura Musikanski. dari Amerika: American Land Journal, Autumn 2011, p. Bouquet. Yogyakarta: Impulse. 56-59. The Pursuit of Happiness. 2010. www.earthislandjournal.org. Mukerji, Chandra and Michael Schudson. 2011. Rethinking Popular Culture: Hart, Walter Edward. The Culture Contemporary Perspectives in Industry, Hip Hop Music and the Cultural Studies. Oxford: White Perspective: How One- University of California Press. Dimensional Representation of 1991. Hip Hop Music has Influenced Muniroh, Zahrotul. The Pursuit of White Racial Attitudes. Happiness in F. Scott Arlington: University of Texas. Fitzgeralds’ the Great Gatsby. 2009. Thesis, Yogyakarta: Universitas Hirschman, Charles. America’s Melting Gadjah Mada. 2009. Pot Reconsidered. Annual Murray, Charles. The Pursuit of Happiness Review of Sociology, Volume 9 under Socialism and Capitalism. (1983), 397-423. 1983. Cato Journal, Vol. 11, No. 2 (Fall Hoch, Danny. "Introduction". Jails, 1991), p. 239-258. Cato Institute. Hospitals, & Hip-Hop and Some 1991. People. New York: Villard. 1993. Nachbar, Jack and Kevin Lause. 1992. Huber, Jeffrey J. Applying Educational Popular Culture: An Psychology in Coaching Athletes. Introductory Text. Bowling Illinois: Human Kinetics. 2013. Green State University Popular Kurian, George T. Encyclopaedia of Press: Bowling Green, Ohio. American Studies. New York: Owen, Diana. American Identity, Grolier. 2001. Citizenship, and Lipsitz, George. Dangerous Crossroads: Multiculturalism. Washington: Popular Music, Postmodernism, Georgetown University. 2005. and the Poetics of Place. Perkins, William Eric. Droppin’ Science: London: Verso. 1994. Critical Essays on Rap Music Matza, David. Juvenile Delinquency and and Hip Hop Culture. Subterranean Values (with G. Philadelphia: Temple UP. 1996.
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Price, Emmett G. Hip Hop Culture. Thesis, Yogyakarta: Universitas California: ABC-CLIO, Inc. Gadjah Mada. 2005. 2006. Valle, Toni. University of Houston School Putranto, Aji Prasetio. The Pursuit of of Theater & Dance presents American Dream in the Main Emerging Choreographers Character of Dreiser’s Sister Showcase. Texas: University of Carrie. Thesis, Yogyakarta: Huston. 2014. Universitas Gadjah Mada. 2012. Watkins, S. Craig. Hip Hop Matters: Richardson, J. W., & Scott, K. A. Rap Politics, Pop Culture, and the music and its violent progeny: Struggle for the Soul of a America's culture of violence in Movement. Boston: Beacon context. Journal of Negro Press. 2005. Education, 17, 175-192. 2002. ______. Hip-Hop at the Museum? Schupp, Karen. Studying Dance (A Guide Heinemann and Carus Publishing. for Campus and Beyond). 2007. Arizona State University: Human (http://americanhistory.si.edu/) Kinetics. 2015. (January 2013) Ulinnuha, Roma. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Icon and Symbol.
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