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1. Chelsea Cher Anak Hawel (79051)

2. Elasya Richard (79270)

3. Fredzlene Anak Uban (79467)

4. Jude Henry (81813)

5. Natalie Haschinta Anak Nabau (81943)

6. Nur Fatihah Binti Abdul Azeez (80597)

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Popular culture in an era of digitalization can be produced in abundant forms to reach out to the mass public. Social media has been the major tool for today’s generation to enable popular cultures’ large distribution across the world. With that being said, music and fashion are aspects of popular culture that have seamlessly penetrated the market and are easily consumed by audiences. Its accessibility and the freedom for each individual to interpret however they prefer make music and fashion so much more appealing to their consumers. Thus, music and fashion are the selected topics of our group. For the text selection, an image of American actor and musician Jared Leto’s costume for the Met Gala, a yearly event to raise money for haute couture, was used for the fashion analysis. For the music analysis, an image of some ladies clutching posters of the South Korean boy group, BTS was used. The analysis primarily discusses the literal and implied meanings of the images that depict popular culture, as well as how popular culture leaves an impact on societal practices.

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A picture of Jared Leto's costume for Met Gala theme 2023

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Literal Meaning:

In the picture, Jared Leto, a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, is seen wearing a cat costume at the Met Gala. This striking outfit is designed as a tribute to Choupette, Karl Lagerfeld's 11-year-old Birman cat. Leto's costume likely captures the elegance and sophistication associated with Lagerfeld's iconic pet, serving as a visually impressive and creative homage to the late fashion designer's beloved cat. The costume may intricately incorporate elements that evoke Choupette's unique features or stylistically honor Lagerfeld's distinctive aesthetic.

Implied Meaning:

The implied meaning of the picture explores the deeper cultural and symbolic significance of Leto's decision to portray Choupette at the Met Gala. It highlights the profound impact that pets, even those of famous individuals like Lagerfeld, have on popular culture and fashion. Leto's choice to honor Choupette not only pays tribute to Lagerfeld's cherished pet but also emphasizes the broader influence of animals on the fashion world. This choice underscores the playful yet significant bond between humans and animals, illustrating how these connections can enrich popular culture. Leto's homage is a testament to the lasting impact of pets on our cultural landscape, reinforcing the idea that pets can become symbols of inspiration, elegance, and sophistication in fashion. It also reflects the merging of human and animal influences, showcasing the fusion of creative expression with the captivating appeal of beloved pets in the public eye. In essence, Jared Leto's portrayal of Choupette through his cat costume at the Met Gala represents not only a lighthearted and creative tribute but also a deep and enduring connection between humans and their beloved pets. This choice and its cultural impact highlight the significant role of pets in fashion and popular culture, elevating the importance of animal influencers in our collective creative consciousness.

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A picture of a group of women holding posters of South Korean boy group, BTS. 

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Literal Meaning:

The picture shows a group of women standing together outside of a building with glass walls. They are holding large printed posters of a well-known South Korean boy group, BTS members’ faces. The faces on the posters display a variety of expressions. Some look humorous while some look exaggerated. One of the women standing at the back whose face barely can be seen is holding a poster sign that partially reads “WE’VE BEEN HERE SINCE,” with some other text obscured.

Implied Meaning:

For the implied meaning, a group of women holding huge posters of BTS members’ faces indicates that they are fans of BTS, known as ARMY. The posters they are holding on are expressing the group’s fun side as well as representing the happiness that BTS delivers to their fans. The sign with some other text obscured “WE’VE BEEN HERE SINCE,” indicates that these fans have been waiting for a long time for BTS, whether they are waiting for concerts, fan meetings, new variety shows where BTS is involved, or any other events that are related to BTS. Their willingness to wait displays their loyalty to the group, directly expressing their passion for BTS. In addition to that, this picture conveys the core of what it means to be a fan of BTS, what it means to be BTS ARMY. For most of the fans, being a part of BTS ARMY means more than just appreciating the music. It means discovering a sense of belonging and connection and supporting one another through both happy and difficult times despite having different backgrounds. This indicates BTS’s music bridges language borders and unites fans from all around the world and also depicts that BTS can reach people with their message through music globally.

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Met Gala and Societal Norms (Picture 1)

Celebrity Influence and Iconography: Celebrities are often trendsetters and icons. Jared Leto dressing as Choupette at the Met Gala shows how celebrities can use their influence to make bold statements and turn ordinary elements, like a pet, into symbols of high fashion.

Human-Animal Bond: Society values the bond between humans and their pets, seeing them as family members. Leto's tribute to Choupette highlights this, showing how pets can significantly impact their owners' lives and even influence fashion and culture.

Humor and Playfulness in High Fashion: High fashion often includes humor and playfulness, challenging traditional seriousness. Leto’s costume blends elegance with a whimsical tribute, reflecting the societal acceptance of creativity and fun in fashion.

Cultural Icons and Legacy: Choupette, Karl Lagerfeld’s pet, has become a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Leto’s tribute acknowledges this, celebrating Choupette’s status as part of Lagerfeld’s lasting legacy.

Fashion as a Form of Expression: Fashion is a powerful form of personal and artistic expression. By honoring Choupette with his costume, Leto uses fashion to convey a message and pay tribute, aligning with the norm of expressing individuality and creativity through fashion.

Recognition of Influential Figures: Society often honors influential figures in various ways, including through fashion. Leto’s tribute to Karl Lagerfeld via Choupette recognizes Lagerfeld's significant impact on fashion and culture.

In conclusion, Jared Leto's portrayal of Choupette at the Met Gala reflects and reinforces several societal norms. It highlights the influence of celebrities, the importance of the human-animal bond, the playful nature of fashion, the impact of cultural icons, and the recognition of influential figures. This act of creative expression resonates deeply within society.

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BTS and Societal Norms (Picture 2)

Community and Belonging: People naturally seek community and a sense of belonging. The BTS ARMY shows this by coming together over their shared love for BTS, creating tight-knit groups where they can connect with others who share their passion.

Expression of Identity: Nowadays, society encourages us to openly express our interests and identities. The fans in the image proudly show their love for BTS with posters and signs, celebrating their fandom in a way that reflects this trend.

Dedication and Effort: Fans waiting for a long time highlights the value we place on dedication and effort. Whether in hobbies, work, or fandom, showing commitment is seen positively. The BTS ARMY's dedication to supporting the band is a great example of this.

Globalization and Cultural Exchange: BTS’s worldwide popularity and their diverse fanbase illustrate globalization and cultural exchange. Music and other cultural products now cross national boundaries, creating international communities. This image shows fans from different backgrounds coming together, breaking down cultural barriers and sharing experiences.

Youth Culture and Influence: The image reflects the power of youth culture in shaping societal norms. BTS, loved by younger generations, drives trends and values in contemporary music. The ARMY's enthusiastic support and creative ways of expressing their fandom influence how society celebrates music and artists.

In summary, this image captures the joyful and dedicated spirit of BTS fans and reflects broader societal norms around community, identity, dedication, globalization, and youth culture. It shows how a shared love for music can unite people and reflect deeper social values and trends.

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In conclusion, the interplay between popular culture, celebrities and fandom show the significant impact on the formation of societal norms. Celebrities such as Jared Leto was able to turn cultural symbols, like pets, into a fashionable and sophisticated icon. Meanwhile, fandoms, like BTS ARMY, show how mutual enthusiasm can create a community based on similar interests and/or identities.