Raver dan Hipster: Ekspresi Sub-Budaya Remaja di Kuala Lumpur (Rave and Hipster: A Sub-Culture Expression of Youths in Kuala Lumpur)

Abstract

Rave is a form of sub-cultural expression. Rave dance videos which have gone viral in Malaysian social media have been associated in the context of negative culture and hedonism. This is further supported with the issue of dispute between ravers and hipsters which is a result of social stratification. Originally, rave is a dance style of fast and electronic music played by a deejay, mostly at concerts, parties, and exclusive clubs. However, certain ravers in Kuala Lumpur can be found dancing at shopping malls such as KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) and Pavilion. It appears that the ravers demonstrate expression by dancing in public places, especially when they do not share the same values with the hipsters. This study discusses rave from the point of sub-culture, thoughts and activities carried out by a group of teenage ravers in Kuala Lumpur. It aims to identify the social expressions, practices, and use of space by ravers and hipsters. Theories and concepts such as subculture, mainstream, and public sphere are also discussed. This study is based on empirical data from direct observation on activities and in-depth interviews with several ravers. This study found rave as a sub-cultural expression similar to rock, skinhead, punk and goth that triggers moral panic in this country. The rave culture in Malaysia as portrayed by them is seen to have been adapted to the social conditions of the country.