UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

COLLEGE OF HUMAN KINETICS

Department of Physical Education

Parungao, Jhaylorde F.
PE2 STD 1ST SEM 22/23 - WFD
Coach Andrei Arboleda

Reflection Paper on the Documentary

“The Freshest Kids: The History of the B Boy (2002)”

A. How did hip-hop culture start? Summarize shortly.

Hip-hop culture was born from the Black minorities in Bronx, New York. It was a matter
of time before small hangout sessions in the ghetto became a worldwide sensation. Hip-hop
started first as a music genre that was played at Black parties. In the 70s, hip-hop became
sensational because of its short and energetic beats which eventually evolved and paired with
dance moves. DJ Kool Berg, who invented this modern music, was known as the Father of
Hip-hop. His works paved the way in promoting their creative excitement in a manner no one
else had ever imagined.

Black kids didn't seem visible back then. The reality was in their time when stigma
among the Black culture was still a big hurdle for them to jump on. However, creativity was so
alive that it made the culture of Hip-hop permeate the streets. They valued the culture not only
as leisure they enjoyed doing or watching but more importantly, as a movement they acted on.
So, dance battles were everywhere. Everyone was welcome to strut their moves and show their
nerve and talent in whatever way they wanted. Eventually, this new style didn't serve as a single
hobby anymore. It served as a communal experience within the community, which everyone
could join and break it down.

Breakdancing also grew along with hip-hop music. This particular dance is often
characterized by spontaneous and free-spirited choreography. The group, Rock Steady Crew,
became popular by crafting a dance craze that was inspired by both existing dances such as tap
dance and ballet, and even sports like kung fu, gymnastics, and capoeira. A melting pot of past
influences and freestyle were the building blocks of this modern style.
 In the 80s, the hip-hop culture spread out like wildfire from New York to the West Coast.
That time, new steps were formed adding much flavor and dynamics to the performance. It was
gradually gaining popularity when it reached the point that it was getting exposed through
mainstream media. Hip-hop also got Broadway's attention. The career of hip-hop groups
peaked, and both good and bad events happened. Though, the culture of hip-hop was enough
to be commercialized and finally left a mark as one of the most remarkable art forms and dance
genres in America during modern times.

B. What societal issues were present and imminent at that time? Cite instances.

Any form of injustice and bias among races was active during the 70s. Opportunities
were selective. Only whites were favored, leaving other races behind, particularly in New York
where the culture of hip-hop emerged. The city was the media capital, offering a variety of
platforms for everyone. But it totally ignored talent, hence skin color and accent were a massive
deal for any kind of business the city catered to.

Fast forward when the culture of hip-hop had reached its clout in the mainstream media,
criticism drew closer. The rising influence of the Rock Steady Crew was misconstrued by some
critics in some cases saying that breakdancing could cause physical injuries. Other comments
said it had no sense at all and totally not for the new generation to follow.

Hip-hop was seen as a form of gangsterism by some apparently due to the active street
influence of hip-hop which enables everyone to gather outside for performances. The
assumption grew to the point there were police got involved in the scene. Some groups were
threatened not to do hip-hop and told to remain indoors. Though the culture was already popular
to stay intact, there was still performing hip-hop under these threats. There was a moment when
some groups are losing their members due to killings and murder cases.
 C. Are there similarities between the society in the US and here in the Philippines? Explain
your answer.

Yes, there are. the recurring discrimination among cultures bridges a connection
between the Philippine and Western societies. Those who are still at the fringes of progress and
justice aka the minorities have not been given the proper treatment they deserve. They were
appropriated, misunderstood, and deprived of social importance. Given that both countries have
their rich and deeper histories, equality is still not guaranteed to everyone. A first-world country
like the US has some issues of inequalities the same in the third world, or even worse here. The
culprit is still the same. Those who are in power still relish their privileges while the majority of
cultures remain oppressed and unrecognized.

Nothing more of culture is enriched due to these injustices. Here comes the lack of
appreciation for art. Both countries developed a variety of art forms. Let us say in the US they
have country music, while here in the Philippines we have folk music. They have their tasteful
genres of music, literature, visual and performing arts depending on a specific region. But the
problem is now that we are living in a digital world, pop culture is probably the only movement
being recognized, while the other cultures remain underappreciated. Instead of giving the
attention each state or regional art form deserves, pop culture is soaring higher and faster than
ever. The saddest part is that some cultures are slowly dying and being forgotten by many.

D. How can you describe the dances in hip hop in relation to the issues surrounding the
communities where they developed?

Hip-hop dances are spontaneous and free-flowing. Black wanted representation. This
challenged the notion of how Americans treated them by showing off the moves they got. They
flaunted their spirits in an unexpected fashion by sweeping, throwing their bodies side to side,
brushing and kicking like there's no tomorrow. This new genre is electrifying, which makes it
unique and fresh.

The dances give off a sense of catharsis. Expressing their feelings through dancing is
more than a performance. To them, it is a powerful release, unlocking themselves from how
society caged their potential. By executing moves along streets, the community seems
unstoppable. The art form they were creating before became a fearless legacy of coming out for
who they were.

Hip-hop is euphoric. It was made with a strong foundation of fun and excitement.
Dancing is like being in the moment without caring about what others think. Rising from the
conditions the city had placed before them, they evolved themselves unapologetically. They
created an enjoying bond of brotherhood and sisterhood, sharing the same interest and
purpose. After all, it was something that made them happy. They gave birth to it and they fought
for it for the succeeding generations to be inspired by.

E. Do you think it's okay to adopt this culture here in our country? Why? Why not?

Yes. Hip-hop came from its Black origins but that doesn't mean they gatekeep the craft
for themselves. As it spread across America, it might have spread beyond their borders and
become a worldwide phenomenon. The expansion of their culture was not a problem according
to OGs. They were pleased instead that hip-hop has grown from its humble beginnings to a
well-developed art movement that taps everyone else's capabilities regardless of race,
background, and interest. I view hip-hop as an open book that every culture can inspire from
because it thrives from a place of oppression that eventually stretches out as an image of
optimism and identity.

I can tell that we may have adopted the hip-hop craze from the West to the Philippines.
The popular funk and rap era in the late 2000s and early 2010s known as jejemon can also be
compared to the animated street culture and fashion trend of the West. Our trendy kalye hip-hop
music that we appreciate today also came from its Western roots. The rhythm and sound quality
are quite similar. Different boy and girl groups formed creating statements that speak a lot about
Filipino culture. Due to vast globalization and dependence on social media, many subgenres of
Western hip-hop come to play. Filipinos don't miss anything from the Internet. We absorb culture
from what we see online.

The hip-hop culture is everywhere. We hear it, we bop to it, or even make us move to it.