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Contact Name
Prof. Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U
Contact Email
jurnal.rubikon@gmail.com
Phone
+6281236638111
Journal Mail Official
jurnal.rubikon@gmail.com
Editorial Address
Gedung R. Soegondo FIB UGM, JI. Sagan, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta 55281
Location
Kab. sleman,
Daerah istimewa yogyakarta
INDONESIA
Rubikon: Journal of Transnational American Studies
ISSN : 25412248     EISSN : 2654413X     DOI : https://doi.org/10.22146/rubikon
Core Subject : Humanities,
RUBIKON, Journal of Transnational American Studies (JTAS) specializes in American Studies especially transnational studies of the U.S. It is also intended to communicate American Studies issues and challenges. This journal warmly welcomes contributors from American Studies scholars, researchers, and those related to the discipline.
Articles 129 Documents
WONDER WOMAN (2017): AN AMBIGUOUS SYMBOL OF FEMINISM Marinda P. D. Ghaisani
Rubikon : Journal of Transnational American Studies Vol 6, No 1 (2019)
Publisher : Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (344.602 KB) | DOI: 10.22146/rubikon.v6i1.61486

Abstract

Wonder Woman is a popular fictional character who promotes the idea of an independent and powerful woman. Her name is glorified as she is assumed that she changes to the idea of the world being solely led and dominated by men. A remake film released in 2017 brings this popular character back into the silver screen. Despite being highly anticipated, not everyone supports Wonder Woman as an ideal symbol for women’s empowerment as dreamed by the feminists. Instead, the perception directed to Wonder Woman is divided into two lenses. One side believes that Wonder Woman is in line with the idea of feminism. In contrast, the other believes that she is the ideal example of a character who conforms to the standard set by patriarchal ideology.In investigating this idea, this paper applies Kate Millett’s concept of “personal is political” and how men and women’s roles in society have been passed down to the younger generation. The discussion illustrates that patriarchal power has infiltrated the character of Wonder Woman. Therefore, Wonder Woman becomes an ambiguous symbol when used for the women empowerment movement.Keywords: ambiguous; feminism; film; patriarchal power; Wonder Woman
EXPLORING THE DYNAMICS OF SECESSIONIST SENTIMENTS IN ALASKA Ario Bimo Utomo
Rubikon : Journal of Transnational American Studies Vol 6, No 1 (2019)
Publisher : Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (381.777 KB) | DOI: 10.22146/rubikon.v6i1.61487

Abstract

This article explores the dynamics of secession in Alaska, a state within the United States of America. Alaska has been an integral part of modern American history when it was admitted as the second-youngest state after Hawaii in 1959. The territory was initially purchased by the United States from the Russian Empire in 1867 due to the latter’s concern of the expected British invasion. Putting the colonial narratives aside, Alaska is also a home of the Indigenous Alaskans with distinct identities compared to the European settlers. Viewing this contested history, combined with controversies leading to the inclusion of Alaska to the United States proper, one might assume that Alaskans might possess a higher sentiment of self-determination compared to the rest of Americans. However, despite those backgrounds, secessionism is not a salient issue in Alaska. Therefore, the author explores why the support for Alaskan secessionism is relatively unheard of despite the disputed history of the state. Using Hechter’s model of secession (1992), the author proposes that Alaska has been experiencing a relatively low level of secessionist sentiment due to (1) a low level of group identification among the Alaskans themselves, (2) a weak regional party, (3) a high level of economic dependency on the host state, and (3) an unfavorable institutional environment for secessionist sentiments to be advanced. The research concludes by suggesting that secessionism in Alaska is not a favorable choice due to every limitation it faces.Keywords: AIP; Alaska; history; postcolonialism; secession
DESIRING DOMINATION: A POSTFEMINIST STUDY ON THE LYRICS OF LANA DEL REY’S ULTRAVIOLENCE ALBUM Galant Nanta Adhitya; Nadia Lasari
Rubikon : Journal of Transnational American Studies Vol 6, No 1 (2019)
Publisher : Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (368.212 KB) | DOI: 10.22146/rubikon.v6i1.61488

Abstract

Feminist movements are said to have served their purposes and achieved equality, empowerment, and emancipation for women. America thus enters the era of postfeminism. A redefined image of independent and free-spirited yet feminine women is brought through popular cultural products, creating a shift in the view of 21st century American women, one of which can be seen from their response toward male domination. It is expressed in the lyrics of songs compiled in Lana Del Rey’s Ultraviolence album. This study employs descriptive qualitative method by treating the lyrics with the same approach as poetry. The data are in the form of language features, such as words, phrases, clauses, lines, and verses related to women’s response to male domination. McRobbie’s notion of double entanglement allows this study to borrow the feminist concept of male domination. There are five male dominating conducts found in the lyrics: 1) marginalization in “Sad Girl”; 2) subordination in “Shades of Cool”, 3) stereotype in “The Other Woman”; 4) physical and psychological violence in “Ultraviolence”, sexual violence in “Fucked My Way Up to the Top”; 5) domestic workload in “Old Money”. Meanwhile, the women’s response toward male domination is expressed in “Brooklyn Baby”. The progressive postfeminists approach male domination differently from the conservative feminists. The female speaker of the lyrics comprehend that her men’s conducts are dominating her, yet she receives them with a manner full of desire. For her, every relationship has the luxury to define their own rules as long as there is a consensual agreement from both parties involved.Keywords: domination; lyrics; postfeminism; postnational; women
BANGTAN SONYEONDAN (BTS) AS NEW AMERICAN IDOL Ade Nine Suryani
Rubikon : Journal of Transnational American Studies Vol 6, No 1 (2019)
Publisher : Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (370.844 KB) | DOI: 10.22146/rubikon.v6i1.61489

Abstract

South Korean pop songs or colloquially K-pop has spread globally. America also has a massive impact on this K-pop wave phenomenon. America now gives its enormous attention to the Bangtan Sonyeondan group or BTS group because this K-pop group is prevalent and becomes the new idol in America. In the beginning, K-pop is not successful, but until BTS comes and becomes a global sensation there. This paper tries to analyze which factors enable BTS to be the new idol in America. The writer uses a qualitative method to conduct the data and reception theory from Stuart Hall in the analysis. This analysis results in BTS, as the most popular K-pop group in America nowadays, has two factors that enable them to dominate American fans. The first one is through their androgyny physical appearance that redefines American traditional macho masculinity. The second one is through messages in their songs that raise social issues and mental health problems, helping their fans survive in their harsh lives.Keywords: BTS; decoded; encoded; k-pop; reception theory
RACISM IN THE LAST DECADE OF HOLLYWOOD COMEDY MOVIES Thiska Septa Maiza; Ida Rochani Adi
Rubikon : Journal of Transnational American Studies Vol 6, No 1 (2019)
Publisher : Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (729.157 KB) | DOI: 10.22146/rubikon.v6i1.61490

Abstract

The United States is considered to have entered the post-racial era in the 21st century, where racial preference, discrimination, and prejudice towards minorities, such as African Americans, are supposed to no longer exist. As one of the media that reflected American society, Hollywood movies tried to eliminate the discussion on race and racism. It can be seen in Hollywood movies that begin to eliminate the negative images and stereotypes of African Americans. However, it does not mean that racism vanished from the Hollywood movie industry, especially in comedy movies. Comedy movies are one of the genresthat often involve African-American actors and actresses. Their stereotypes are also commonly used to make humor in the narrative. Therefore, this genre is closely related to racism. However, comedy movies in the last decade, such as Evan Almighty (2007), Wild Hogs (2007), Meet Dave (2008), The Maiden Heist (2009), Last Vegas (2013), Someone Marry Barry (2014), and Going in Style (2017), are not showing any racism on the surface. By using Interdisciplinary as the approach, this research attempts to see how Hollywood presents racism in comedy movies, especially in the last decade. The representation theory is employed to interpret the images, scenes, and dialogues from seven selected comedy movies concerning racism. Meanwhile, the theory of humor is used to find out how racism makes humor occur through African-American characters. The finding of this research indicates that negative images and stereotypes of African Americans are still sustained in Hollywood movies. These depictions are shown covertly. Meanwhile, overt racism indicates that the African American characters are used to make humor occur in comedy movies.Keywords: African American; comedy; Hollywood; humor; racism; representation
THE EXPRESSIONS OF FREEDOM AND RESISTANCE IN GUNS N’ ROSES’ APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION Nizarur Rahman; Nur Saktiningrum
Rubikon : Journal of Transnational American Studies Vol 6, No 2 (2019)
Publisher : Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (372.122 KB) | DOI: 10.22146/rubikon.v6i2.61491

Abstract

Music and song lyrics are artistic works for people from any social group to listen to and read. Song lyrics have been situated in various social contexts. Social realities or circumstances, for example, have often been the source of inspiration for song lyrics. This kind of social aspect is apparent in Guns N’ Roses’ album Appetite for Destruction. The album presents songs with lyrics that portray various social and cultural issues in contemporary society. Through the stories of survival from the physical and mental abuse since childhood, the portrayal of those issues represents the freedom of expression and resistance. Freedom and resistance are a response to abusive behavior and social establishment. This kind of response represents the attitude demonstrated by subculture groups. The present article studies the song lyrics in Appetite for Destruction with the above mentioned topic. The topic is discussed using John Rowe’s postnationalist approach and analyzed using Charles Sanders Peirce’s semiotic method. The discussion also draws on the concept of subculture as described by Dick Hebdigie. The primary data are the words and sentences in the album that signify expressions of freedom and resistance. The study led to the finding that the album reveals freedom and resistance from the perspective of the victims of physical and mental abuse since childhood. The spirit of freedom and resistance is their anchor throughout their survival from abuses and pitfalls in society. It also found that the song lyrics describe the social realities of subculture groups with the same spirit in surviving life predicaments and the social establishment.Keywords: song lyrics; resistance; expression of freedom; abuse; Appetite for Destruction
THE CHALLENGE TOWARDS THE HEGEMONY OF HETERONORMATIVITY AS DEPICTED IN JENNY’S WEDDING: A PIERRE BOURDIEU’S SOCIAL REPRODUCTION THEORY Lisa Okta Wulandari; Dewi Haryani Susilastuti
Rubikon : Journal of Transnational American Studies Vol 6, No 2 (2019)
Publisher : Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (486.985 KB) | DOI: 10.22146/rubikon.v6i2.61492

Abstract

In America, the definition of marriage has changed. The Supreme Court has legalized same-sex marriage. As the growth of LGBT people slowly continues, and they keep struggle and fight for their equality, heterosexuals might feel threatened. This study aims to know how the same-sex relationship challenges the hegemony of heteronormativity and whether or not the gender norm has been shifted as proof. This study uses Jenny's Wedding (2015). It focuses on gender position, role, and responsibility in heteronormativity and homosexuality. This study uses the sociological approach and gender theory, to see the relation between heteronormativity and the individuals also Pierre Bourdieu’s social reproduction theory to see the shifting of gender norm. The finding shows that heteronormativity is used as the standard to judge, stereotype, expect things, and make assumptions. The recognition and support from society towards LGBT people and their coming out give challenges for the existenceof heterosexuals. Therefore, the contact of heteronormativity and homosexuality makes the heteronormativity no longer pure. When homosexuality affects gender norm, there must be changes in the gender norm itself.Keywords: gender; hegemony; heteronormativity; homosexuality; same-sex relationship
MAGISTERIUM AS THE ENEMY OF LIBERAL THOUGHTS IN PHILLIP PULLMAN’S NORTHERN LIGHTS Nabil Bakri
Rubikon : Journal of Transnational American Studies Vol 6, No 2 (2019)
Publisher : Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (350.426 KB) | DOI: 10.22146/rubikon.v6i2.61493

Abstract

Pullman’s Northern Lights is considered by many as a representation of negative criticism toward religion, especially Christianity, for its depictions of the Magisterium. Many researches aim to unravel Pullman’s criticism and prove whether or not the novel is about ‘killing God’, resulting in the general perception that Northern Lights is a condemnation of religion.  By comparing the novel to the history of Medieval Church and the power of Magisterium to the Bible, this analysis means to prove whether or not the criticism is addressed to religion and to figure out who really ‘kills God’ that becomes the essential point of Pullman’s criticism in the novel. Using Marxism and its relation to power abuse, this analysis attempts to relate Pullman’s Magisterium to the real Magisterium and how the institution gains its power from God as mentioned in the holy Bible. Magisterium in Northern Lights does not represent God’s will. It serves instead as a critic of who kills God and therefore, it is not a form of literature to condemn religion.Keywords: magisterium; medieval church; scripture; fantasy; power abuse
THE INFLUENCE OF AMERICAN ZERO WASTE YOUTUBE VIDEOS ON GLOBAL AND MASSIVE INDONESIAN ZERO WASTE LIFESTYLE AND MOVEMENT Maria Ardianti Kurnia Sari
Rubikon : Journal of Transnational American Studies Vol 6, No 2 (2019)
Publisher : Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (619.591 KB) | DOI: 10.22146/rubikon.v6i2.61494

Abstract

Plastic has become a massive problem globally since there is a large portion of the ocean contaminated with plastic waste. Plastic becomes a material that cannot be broken down by soil and takes years to be broken. Therefore, many people try to influence each other to adoptthe zero waste lifestyle as a concern to the Earth. Zero waste has become a global activity that always encourages the society to reduce single-use plastics. Using single-use plastics can be found in everyday life, such as when going shopping to the market, sometimes the sellers will give plastic bag to the buyers. Most of the time, the plastic bag is only used once tobe throwninto the trash can. This research uses qualitative method. The researcher analyzes through zero waste lifestyle videos and books as the primary sources of this analysis. The results of this research are first, the step to get started to become a “zero-waste lifestyler”, second, how to be the “zero waste lifestyler”, and third, how zero waste can give the global lifestyle movement in Bali, Indonesia as their primary program, Bye Bye Plastic Bags, as in June 2019, Bali becomes the first province in Indonesia to ban in using single-use plastics.Keywords: bye bye plastic bags, single-use plastic; zero waste lifestyle
POSTWAR JAPANESE ADOPTION OF AMERICAN CULTURE IN LYNNE KUTSUKAKE’S THE TRANSLATION OF LOVE: A POSTCOLONIAL APPROACH Bhakti Satrio Nugroho; Muh. Arif Rokhman
Rubikon : Journal of Transnational American Studies Vol 6, No 2 (2019)
Publisher : Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (454.662 KB) | DOI: 10.22146/rubikon.v6i2.61495

Abstract

This paper discusses postwar Japanese adoption of American culture in a debut novel by Lynne Kutsukake entitled The Translation of Love. This novel is set during the U.S. occupation of Japan after the end of World War II. Postwar Japanese are forced to live under American power, while undergoing an economic, social, and moral crisis (kyodatsu). By using postcolonial perspective under Transnational American Studies, this paper finds the adoption of American culture by postwar Japanese characters in the novel, which come from various social backgrounds, including schoolteachers, schoolchildren, bar girls, and prostitutes. The adoption of American culture includes language (English), Western dating (lifestyle), custom, and fashion. This cultural adoption can be defined as the construction of new Japanese society built under American influence to be more “American-oriented”. Moreover, it further implies the devaluation of Japanese culture, the humiliation of postwar Japanese people, and the birth of Japanese cultural dependency toward American culture.Keywords: American culture; postcolonial; postwar Japan; transnational; U.S. occupation

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