[Unpad.ac.id, 6/08/2016] Five students of Universitas Padjadjaran have conducted scientific research on the homosexuality issue in the television show Teletubbies, especially on one of the characters, Tinky Winky. This research was conducted in light of the controversy of homosexuality issue in the show.
This scientific research was conducted qualitatively using descriptive-interpretative analysis method by Lidya Permata Sari (English Literature, 2012), Annisa Hida Robbiani (English Literature, 2012), Vera Citra Utami (English Literature, 2012), Shifa Amali Firdaus (English Literature, 2012), and Rio Alfajri (International Relations 2012). They were under supervision of Kasno Pamungkas, M. Hum, a lecturer of English Literature Study Program Universitas Padjadjaran Faculty of Arts.
According to Lydia, the research team leader, the objective of this study was to identify visual cues in the Teletubbies shows and its character Tinky Winky in particular on the issue of implied homosexuality. Then, the results of identification were then connected with broadcasting values in Indonesia in order to discern deviation from the values of existing broadcasting in Indonesia. The analysis of the visual signs conducted with semiotics table of Barthes, an expert on modern semiotics.
This research showed that there were three visual cues with the implication of homosexuality issue: the inverted triangle antenna, the use red bag, and the use of ballet skirt by Tinky Winky. In addition, analysis showed that there are discrepancies with several values contained in the broadcasting law in Indonesia, of Act No. 32 of 2002 on Broadcasting, Broadcasting Code of Regulations (P3) of the KPI, and Broadcast Program Standards (SPS).
This study received Higher Education Grant of Ministry of Research and Technolohy and has become representative of Universitas Padjadjaran in the 29th National Student Science Week (Pimnas) for PKM Research Social Science and Humanities. This team will compete with students from all around Indonesia for medals in the event. The Pimnas itself will be held from 8-12 August 2016 in Bogor Agricultural University.
“This study has also been registered in the 2nd International Conference on Advances in Education and Social Sciences,” said Vera.
The outcome of this Social Humanities research has been packaged in a book called Guide to Parent Accompanying Children in Watching Television or shortened to Panto. In addition, the team has also arranged a hotline for people who want to convey their complaints about the shows that do not correspond with values in Indonesia. *
Released / art
