RACIAL CONFLICT IN LAGRAVENESE’S FREEDOM Racial Conflict In Lagravenese’s Freedom Writers: A Sociological Perspective.
1
RACIAL CONFLICT IN LAGRAVENESE’S FREEDOM
WRITERS: A SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPERCTIVE
RESEARCH PAPER
Submitted as a Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement
for getting Bachelor Degree of Education
in English Department
By:
DEVI FITRIANI
A 320 070 043
SCHOOL OF TEACHER AND TRAINING EDUCATION FACULTY
MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF SURAKARTA
2012
MOTTO
9 If Allah helps you, so, there is no one who able to
defeat you, and if Allah abandons you, so, who will
help you except Allah? Only to God you will trust
( Ali ‘Imran / 3: 160 )
9 Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of a
people as long as they do not change their state of
goodness themselves
(Ar-Ra’d : 11)
9 The happiness is not an important thing to grateful
but grateful is the most important thing to happy.
(Mario Teguh)
9 The strongest person is not the person who always
success. The strongest person is the person who can
awaken when she is drop.
(The writer)
iv
DEDICATION
Alhamdulillahi Robbil ‘Aalamiin, as Allah Mercy. I grateful dedicate
this research paper to:
9
Allah SWT, the Lord of the Universe,
9
The researcher’s beloved parents , brother,
and sisters,
9
The sweetest inspiration of life, Ailsa
Cyrila Adristi and her father,
9
The researcher’s beloved grandmother,
Mbah Enti, and her aunt, Sri Murtini.
9
His all best friends and students.
v
ACKN
NOWLED
DGEMEN
NT
Assalamu
u’alaikum Wr. Wb.
Alhamdulillahhirabbil’alam
min, praised
d be to Allaah SWT who gives a million
m
blessings, miracles, and
a uncounttable gifts to
o the writerr, so she cann accomplissh her
research paper
p
entitled “Racial Conflict in
n LaGravennese’s Freeedom Writers: A
Sociologiccal Perspecctive” as thhe requirem
ment for getting
g
bachhelor degreee of
education in English Departmentt of Muham
mmadiyah University
U
off Surakarta..
mmad SAW
W, the last messenger
m
off Allah, who
o will
Peeace be upoon to Muham
give syafa
fa’at for his followerss in the liffe after. Thhe writer rrealizes thatt this
research paper
p
wouldd never beenn possible without
w
otheer people’s help, so that the
writer wouuld like to express
e
her gratitude an
nd appreciattion to:
1. Drrs. H. Sofyaan Anif, M. Si as the Dean
D
of Schoool of Teachher Training and
Edducation of Muhammad
M
diyah Univeersity of Surrakarta,
E
Deppartment who has perm
mitted
2. Tittis Setyabuddi, S. S as thhe chief of English
herr to conducct this papeer, also as the
t second consultant,, for being good
connsultant andd giving thee researcherr suggestionn in correctting this ressearch
papper,
3. Drrs. M. Thoyyibi, M.S as
a the first consultant who has ggiven a valluable
guuidance and suggestion during the completionn of this reseearch paper,,
vi
4. All of the lecturers of English Department of Muhammadiyah University
of Surakarta for the precious knowledge and the useful advice given to
her,
5. The researcher’s parents Mr. Muhlasin and Mrs. Istiqomah for their love, pray, and
the unlimited support for her.
6. The life’s treasure of the writer, Ailsa Cyrila Adristi for the happiness and the
deep love that give a spirit for her,
7. Ailsa’s father, Agus Tumino and her grandmother, Sri Sumastuti for the big
support and the patience for her,
8. Aulia Revana Ayu Safitri and Reyhan Dwi Saputra who gives the happiness and caring
for her,
9. The lovely sisters named Nur Rista Fitriana and Cholifah Choiriyah for their deep
love and caring given to her. The writer do miss them,
10. The writer’s brother, Muh. Muchlis Istanto for the advice given to her,
11. The beloved grandmother, Mbah Enti for the patience, prayer, true love, and
all the caring for her. The writer miss her child experience, thanks a lot for
Mbah Enti who always protect her with big love,
12. The big family: Bulek Tini, lek mudrik, lek topa, lek esmi, lek nawir, lek mul, lek tari, lek umi,
yusuf, safa, aim, azi, for creating the colorful life,
13. The new family: mbak siti, mbak sri, mas heri, ririn, opik, bu Wida and her husband, Adit, and
Eyang Adit for the caring, love, mental and financial support,
14. The close friends in English Department: Via, Imut, Ayuk, Ratna, Enciz, and Arum
for the support and caring,
vii
SUMMARY
DEVI FITRIANI. A 320 070 043. RACIAL CONFLICT IN
LAGRAVENESE’S
FREEDOM
WRITERS:
A
SOCIOLOGICAL
PERSPECTIVE. RESEARCH PAPER. SCHOOL OF TEACHER
TRAINING AND EDUCATION. MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF
SURAKARTA. 2012.
This study is aimed to show the racial conflict in Freedom Writers movie by using
sociological perspective. It is done by establishing two objectives: the first is
analyzing the movie based on its structural elements and the second is analyzing
the movie based on the sociological analysis.
This research is qualitative research. Type of data of the study is texts and images
taken from two data sources: primary and secondary. The primary data source is
Freedom Writers movie directed by Richard LaGravenese. And the secondary
data sources are other materials related to the primary data and the social
background of American society in the last twentieth and early twenty first
century. Both data are collected through library research and analyzed by
descriptive analysis.
The study comes to the conclusion. Based on the structural analysis, the narrative
and the technical elements in this movie are clear. The director delivers a message
that real sacrification is useful action for us and others not based on skin color.
Based on the sociological analysis, this movie reflects the condition of American
society, many fighting and hostility based on the race still happen. The director
wants to deliver criticism that government does not have obvious rules to solve
the social problem and the society does not have empathy among them selves.
Keywords: Racial Conflict, Freedom Writers, Sociological Perspective.
Consultant I
Consultant II
Drs. M. Thoyibi, M.S.
Titis Setyabudi, S.S.
NIK. 410
NIK. 948
Dean
Drs. H. Sofyan Anif, M. Si.
NIK. 547
x
TABLE OF CONTENT
Page
TITLE ............................................................................................................
i
APPROVAL ..................................................................................................
ii
ACCEPTANCE .............................................................................................
iii
MOTTO .........................................................................................................
iv
DEDICATION ...............................................................................................
v
ACKNOWLEGMENT .................................................................................
vi
TESTIMONY ................................................................................................
ix
SUMMARY ...................................................................................................
x
TABLE OF CONTENT ................................................................................
xi
TABLE OF FIGURE ....................................................................................
xiv
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................
1
A. Background of the Study ...........................................
1
B. Literature Review ......................................................
7
C. Problem Statement ....................................................
8
D. Limitation of the Study .............................................
8
E. Objective of the Study ...............................................
8
F. Benefit of the Study ...................................................
9
G. Research Method .......................................................
9
H. Research Paper Organization ....................................
11
UNDERLYING THEORY ............................................
13
A. Notion Sociology of Literature ...................................
13
B. Major Principles of Sociological perspective ..............
14
1. Sociology of the Writer ...........................................
14
2. Sociology of the Reader ..........................................
14
3. Sociology of the Society .........................................
14
C. Structural Elements of the Movie ...............................
15
1. Narrative Element ...................................................
15
xi
CHAPTER III
a. Character and Characterization ..........................
15
b. Setting ................................................................
16
c. Plot .....................................................................
17
d. Point of View .....................................................
18
e. Theme .................................................................
19
2. Technical Element ..................................................
19
a. Mise-en-scene .....................................................
19
b. Cinematography .................................................
22
c. Sound ..................................................................
23
d. Editing ................................................................
24
D. Theoretical Application ................................................
25
THE SOCIAL BACKGROUND OF THE AMERICA
IN THE LAST TWENTIETH AND THE EARLY
CHAPTER IV
TWENTY FIRST CENTURY .......................................
26
A. Social Fact ...................................................................
26
1. Social Class .............................................................
26
2. Immigrants ..............................................................
28
3. Race .........................................................................
28
B. Economic Growth ........................................................
30
C. Political Condition .......................................................
30
D. Education .....................................................................
32
E. Cultural ........................................................................
33
F. Religion Aspect ...........................................................
33
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE MOVIE ..........
35
A. Structural Element of the Movie .................................
35
1. Narrative Element ...................................................
35
a. Character and Characterization ..........................
35
b. Setting ................................................................
69
c. Plot .....................................................................
73
d. Point of View .....................................................
77
e. Theme .................................................................
77
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2. Technical Element ..................................................
78
a. Mise-en-sce ........................................................
78
b. Cinematography .................................................
88
c. Sound ..................................................................
90
d. Editing ................................................................
91
B. Discussion .....................................................................
93
CHAPTER V SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS .....................................
97
A. Sociological Analysis ..................................................
97
1. Social Aspect ..........................................................
97
a. Social Class ........................................................
97
b. Immigrant ...........................................................
99
c. Race ....................................................................
101
2. Economic Aspect ....................................................
109
3. Political Condition ..................................................
111
4. Education Aspect ....................................................
112
5. Cultural Aspect .......................................................
113
6. Religion Aspect ......................................................
116
B. Discussion ....................................................................
117
CHAPTER
VI
CONCLUSION
AND
PEDAGOGICAL
IMPLICATION ..............................................................
119
A. Conclusion ...................................................................
119
B. Pedagogical Implication ...............................................
120
BIBLIOGRAPHY
VIRTUAL REFERENCE
APPENDIX
xiii
TABLE OF FIGURES
Page
Figure 1. Eva’s face .......................................................................................
36
Figure 2. Eva’s body ......................................................................................
36
Figure 3. Eva talks harhly to Erin ..................................................................
37
Figure 4. Eva shows a book about gang..........................................................
37
Figure 5. Eva’s father ignores the book ..........................................................
37
Figure 6. Paco tries to kill Grant Rice ............................................................
39
Figure 7. Eva thinks to keep Paco ...................................................................
39
Figure 8. Eva asserts that she hates White .....................................................
40
Figure 9. Erin’s body .....................................................................................
41
Figure 10. Erin’s face .......................................................................................
41
Figure 11. Erin rouses her husband .................................................................
41
Figure 12. Eva corrects her name harshly .......................................................
42
Figure 13. Erin repeats the right with smile ....................................................
42
Figure 14. Erin said that she can solve her problem .......................................
43
Figure 15. Scott disagrees with Erin’s decision ..............................................
44
Figure 16. erin shows the blank book .............................................................
45
Figure 17. Erin shows the book’s place ..........................................................
45
Figure 18. Erin makes a line game ..................................................................
46
Figure 19. The students’ respond ....................................................................
46
Figure 20. Jamal makes a roar ........................................................................
47
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Figure 21.Erin forces Jamal to move ...............................................................
47
Figure 22. Erin meets Dr. Cohn ......................................................................
48
Figure 23. Marcus’ face ..................................................................................
48
Figure 24. Marcus’ body .................................................................................
48
Figure 25. Marcus teases Ben ..........................................................................
49
Figure 26. Ben and Marcus look close ............................................................
49
Figure 27. Marcus’ friend is dead ...................................................................
50
Figure 28. Young Marcus entered in the jail ..................................................
50
Figure 29. Ms. Campbell’s face ......................................................................
51
Figure 30. Ms. Campbell’s body .....................................................................
51
Figure 31. Ms. Campbell shows the other book .............................................
52
Figure 32. Ms. Campbell ignores Erin’s statement .........................................
53
Figure 33. Steve’s face ....................................................................................
53
Figure 34. Steve’s body ..................................................................................
53
Figure 35. Steve prohibits Erin .......................................................................
54
Figure 36. Steve gives support to Erin ............................................................
55
Figure 37. Scott’s face .....................................................................................
56
Figure 38. Scott’s full body .............................................................................
56
Figure 39. Scott tries to make calm Erin ..........................................................
56
Figure 40. Scott tries to make calm Erin .........................................................
56
Figure 41. Cindy’s face ...................................................................................
58
Figure 42. Cindy’s body ..................................................................................
58
Figure 43. Cindy supports and gives something to Eva ..................................
58
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Figure 44. Andre’s face ...................................................................................
59
Figure 45. Andre’s body .................................................................................
59
Figure 46. Gloria’s face ..................................................................................
60
Figure 47. Gloria’s body .................................................................................
60
Figure 48. Jamal’s face ...................................................................................
60
Figure 49. Jamal’s body ..................................................................................
60
Figure 50. Brandy’s face ...............................................................................
61
Figure 51. Brandy’s body ..............................................................................
61
Figure 52. Brandy’s mother is beaten .............................................................
62
Figure 53. Victoria’s face.................................................................................
62
Figure 54. Brian’s face ....................................................................................
64
Figure 55. Brian’s body ..................................................................................
64
Figure 56. Dr. Carl Cohn ................................................................................
65
Figure 57. Miep’s face ....................................................................................
66
Figure 58. Miep’s body ...................................................................................
66
Figure 59. Grant’s face ..................................................................................
67
Figure 60. Grant’s body ..................................................................................
67
Figure 62. Eva’s mother’s face .......................................................................
69
Figure 63. Eva’s mother’s body ......................................................................
69
Figure 64. The riots is happened in Los Angeles ............................................
70
Figure 65. Long Beach Unified Scholl District outside ..................................
70
Figure 66. The situation in 1992 .....................................................................
71
Figure 67. Freshman Year, 1994 .....................................................................
71
xvi
Figure 68. Classroom 203 ..............................................................................
79
Figure 69. The honor class ..............................................................................
79
Figure 70. Woodrow Wilson’s yard ................................................................
80
Figure 71. Long Beach Unified School District looks outside .......................
80
Figure 72. The restaurant in Marriot Hotel .....................................................
80
Figure 73. The Crown Market .........................................................................
81
Figure 74. The museum of Tolerance .............................................................
81
Figure 75. Erin Gruwell ..................................................................................
81
Figure 76. Scott Casey ..................................................................................
82
Figure 77. Jamal and Ben ................................................................................
82
Figure 78. Eva Benitez ....................................................................................
82
Figure 79. Steve Gruwell ................................................................................
83
Figure 80. Cindy Nigor ...................................................................................
83
Figure 81. Marcus and Miep Gies ...................................................................
83
Figure 82. Gloria Munez .................................................................................
84
Figure 83. Dr. Carl Cohn ................................................................................
84
Figure 84. Casual costumes used by the students ...........................................
84
Figure 85. Formal costumes used by the teachers ...........................................
84
Figure 86. The student’s make up ...................................................................
85
Figure 87. The teachers’ make up ...................................................................
85
Figure 88. Hard lighting ..................................................................................
85
Figure 89. Soft lighting ...................................................................................
85
Figure 90. Frontal lighting ..............................................................................
86
xvii
Figure 91. Side lighting ...................................................................................
86
Figure 92. Back lighting ..................................................................................
86
Figure 93. Top lighting ...................................................................................
86
Figure 94. Eva looks arrogant .........................................................................
86
Figure 95. Eva looks happy .............................................................................
86
Figure 96. Eva looks confuses ........................................................................
87
Figure 97. Eva looks angry .............................................................................
87
Figure 98. Eva is sad .......................................................................................
87
Figure 99. Erin smiles .....................................................................................
87
Figure 100. Erin looks angry ...........................................................................
87
Figure 101. Erin looks serious ........................................................................
87
Figure 102. Erin depressed...............................................................................
87
Figure 103. Marcus angry ...............................................................................
87
Figure 104. Marcus is sad ...............................................................................
87
Figure 105. Scott confuses ..............................................................................
88
Figure 106. Scott looks disappointed ..............................................................
88
Figure 107. Scott looks sad .............................................................................
88
Figure 108. Scott angry ...................................................................................
88
Figure 109. Bright lighting ..............................................................................
89
Figure 110. Dark lighting ................................................................................
89
Figure 111. Slow motion .................................................................................
89
Figure 112. Fast motion ..................................................................................
89
Figure 113. High angle ....................................................................................
89
xviii
Figure 114. Low angle ....................................................................................
89
Figure 115. Medium close up .........................................................................
90
Figure 116. Close up .......................................................................................
90
Figure 117. Medium shot ................................................................................
90
Figure 118. Medium long shot ........................................................................
90
Figure 119. Long shot .....................................................................................
90
Figure 120. Extreme long shot ........................................................................
90
Figure 121. Axis of action ...............................................................................
92
Figure 122. Establishing shot ..........................................................................
92
Figure 123. Reverse shot .................................................................................
92
Figure 124. An asian man is the store owner of the store ...............................
100
Figure 125. Eva’s groups threat her ................................................................
103
Figure 126. Erin sells the bras .........................................................................
110
Figure 127. Erin works to be a concierge .......................................................
111
Figure 128. Eva gives her explanation in the court .........................................
112
Figure 129. Erin meets the school board of Long Beach ................................
115
Figure 130. The girl students used many properties .......................................
116
Figure 131. Eva’s bed room ............................................................................
116
Figure 132. Tito used crucifix necklace ..........................................................
116
Figure 133. Eva used crucifix neclace ............................................................
116
xix