Social media, alternative communication tools for women’s voice: The study of women’s veiled role in metal subculture music Indonesia

Abstract

The role of women in the world of subculture, especially underground community to this day is still considered little, especially in Eastern countries where the majority of people are Muslim. The influence of popular media on negative images seems to diminish the minority voice of women within the community so that the general public is unaware of their participation in subcultures. After the collapse of the New Order regime, mass media in Indonesia became increasingly free to broadcast their content, most media that cornered metal subculture women and its elements. Negative images are getting stronger when women in hijab participate in metal subculture. The reason for that rejection is due to the perception image of the lady with the graceful and distinguished people is very different from the subcultural image of metal full of nuances of rebellion, which is still considered taboo in the eyes of society in general. The rapid progress of new media opens opportunities for women to be involved in metal music sub-culture and more actively voicing their ideologies and talents. This study analyzes the way women practiced in metal communities in Indonesia communicate their voices through various social media. With the emergence of various social media the veiled women can present freely ties associated with the image of women's groups in order to fend off the negative image of the subculture of metal music in the eyes of public.