"Subaltern and Their Marginalized Voice in 'The Greatest Showman’"
By Indah Dwi Hardiasmara
Subaltern is an idea that refers to people who are often marginalized in society and struggle to "speak up" or convey their experiences. They usually live in cultures ruled by systems of power such as colonialism or other domination. Postcolonial thought questions long-established social and political hierarchies, which fuelled this understanding of the concept of the Subaltern. Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak's 1988 essay "Can the Subaltern Speak?" is one of the most significant contributions in developing the concept of the Subaltern. In this essay, Spivak provides an explanation and analysis of the obstacles faced by Subaltern groups. "Can the Subaltern Speak?"
is the main question of her essay, and this question shows the complexity of the problems faced by these marginalized subjects. Subalterns, according to Spivak, are groups that are often marginalized and considered to have a "low rank" in social and political hierarchies.
This definition suggests that subaltern groups are often rejected, humiliated, and may even lose their voice in societies ruled by power structures such as colonialism and capitalism. By asking this critical question, Spivak encourages people to think critically and consider thoroughly how language, power, and colonial thinking serve to curb and denigrate marginalized subjects. It encourages us to think about how we can encourage subaltern subjects to communicate their experiences as well as how we can face and overcome the challenges that arise in this process.
Thinking about the Subaltern is therefore particularly relevant in the context of struggles for social justice. It also helps us understand more about the complexities of power in our society.
Film is often a powerful tool to give voice to groups that are often overlooked, ignored, or considered to have no voice in society. The film The Greatest Showman is a good example of an attempt to promote underrepresented groups. The film powerfully conveys the message that these groups have an important role in the social journey of society and should be valued. We see Phineas Taylor Barnum, the main character in The Greatest Showman, trying to give a voice to people with unique talents and quirks who are often considered part of subaltern groups. The characters in the film reflect various subaltern groups, such as people with physical disabilities, who are often treated with disrespect and bias by society. The film shows that they have tremendous potential and deserve recognition. The film The Greatest Showman also tells how these subaltern groups become an important part of the circus performance, which is ultimately accepted and loved by the audience. It shows that inclusion and diversity are wealth and that when all voices are heard and valued, society can become stronger.
Furthermore, the film also shows how giving a voice to subaltern groups is not always easy. Barnum's character faces challenges, criticism, and social barriers in his quest to open doors for subaltern groups, but he remains steadfast in his fight for justice and equality. Overall, The Greatest Showman is a powerful example of how film can be a means to give voice to subaltern groups. The film reminds us that everyone has different values and deserves a proper place in society. Films such as The Greatest Showman give audiences motivation and hope to consider their role in promoting justice and inclusion in society.
The musical film The Greatest Showman came out in 2017. Hugh Jackman plays Phineas Taylor Barnum, a famous impresario who founded the famous Barnum's circus in the 19th century, in the film directed by Michael Gracey and depicts Barnum's life journey from his humble youth to becoming a circus owner famous for various exotic shows, including groups of "freaks" who
have different physical characteristics. The film has a strong musical element, as the songs were written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and play an important role in the storytelling. The film received criticism for its simplification of history and dramatic portrayal, although it received positive reviews for its musical and visual aspects.
The Greatest Showman recounts the power conflict that occurred between Barnum, the circus owner, and the appeal of Subaltern groups. It also raises questions about how these representations influenced society's perception of Subaltern groups in the 19th-century entertainment scene. The film showcases the glittering stage world and extraordinary performances that characterized the era. Nonetheless, there are several questions that require further explanation: How does the film portray the subalterns involved in these circus performances? Does it represent them or does it reinforce stereotypes? The film tries to give a voice to the subaltern groups involved in circus performances but also faces the challenge of portraying them correctly. This representation shows the conflict of power and how it affects society's perception of Subaltern groups in the 19th-century entertainment industry. The purpose of this essay is to explore in more detail how the film gives voice to Subaltern groups and how it can be seen in the context of Subaltern theory.
First and foremost, when we explore the representation of Subaltern groups in The Greatest Showman, we must understand that the circus serves as an opportunity for those who are often overlooked by society. This group includes "freaks" like Lettie, who has a different body. Charles is a man with a dwarf body who is always afraid of being laughed at by people, Anne and WD Wheeler, brother and sister have trapeze skills, Tattoo Man, Dog Man, the world's heavy man, tall man Vasily Palvos or Irish giant man, and other freaks. The film tries to give a voice to these groups and show how they found a family and a place in the world in Barnum's circus show. But at the same time, the film also breaks stereotypes about them. They are often referred to as "freaks"
and not fit for the circus. It is possible to see this representation as a simplification that devalues the complexity of the experiences undergone by this subaltern group.
Identification of the subaltern in the film The Greatest Showman
Phineas Taylor Barnum was a character from a poor family who inspired many people through his extraordinary life journey. Barnum experienced many hardships in his life, but he never gave up on them. He had a strong determination and belief that everyone deserves honour and respect regardless of their social or economic background. Barnum was not only a successful businessman, but he was also an individual who had brilliant ideas. He was a person who saw opportunities where others rarely saw opportunities. Barnum's Circus was an entertainment venue that combined skill, art and uniqueness. He had the ability to bring together various individuals and groups of artists who were usually considered subaltern, and give them a stage to shine.
Besides being a businessman, Barnum was also famous as a promoter and dancer. He was famous for being able to captivate people's attention with his unique and interesting attractions. He functions as a subaltern agent in many cases as he gives a voice to those who are often ignored or deemed unimportant in society. Some of the dialogue excerpts reflect Phineas Taylor Barnum's character as a subaltern agent who supports recognition and appreciation for subaltern groups that are often overlooked or considered unimportant.
" People will come from all over the world and when they see him they won't laugh.”
“They will salute.” (22:08-22:13).
This belief of Barnum's is shown by the dialogue excerpt mentioned earlier. Barnum believes that everyone deserves to be valued and respected, no matter their background or appearance. He believes that everyone deserves to be appreciated and loved, regardless of their appearance, and he wants to show the world that these people have talent and potential. She also believes that these people have the ability to better the world. One of the dialogue quotes that illustrates this is when Barnum tells Lettie:
“You are so talented, blessed...”
“Extraordinary.”
“Unique.” (23:09-23:14).
This quote shows Barnum's belief that everyone has meaning and value in the circus community he founded. He regarded them as extraordinary "freaks", and he endeavoured to provide a place for them to come together and show the world how unique they were. This quote is an example of how Barnum's character in the film acts as a subaltern agent who fights for the individual's right to be valued and respected.
Besides, Lettie is one of the very prominent characters in Barnum's Circus in the film The Greatest Showman. The character of Lettie, known as "The Bearded Lady," plays an important role in fighting for the rights of individuals who are often ignored or considered as subaltern subjects. Lettie faces challenges and injustices caused by society's view of her appearance. Despite her exceptional vocal talent, Lettie was often overlooked or even made a laughing stock because of her large physical size or difference from normal. Lettie is a clear example of a subaltern subject in this film. She is part of a group of individuals who are often treated unfairly or ignored in society because of their physical differences. However, Lettie is an example of how such characters can fight for the right to be recognized and rewarded. One of the dialogue quotes that reflects Lettie's character as a subaltern subject is when she says to Barnum:
"I'm not a freak. I'm who I'm meant to be, this is me!" (59:31-59:37).
Lettie had the opportunity to shine and show her talent to the world at Barnum's circus.
This is a powerful message that everyone has unique potential and deserves a worthy place in society. Lettie acts as a representation of the overall theme of the film The Greatest Showman, which emphasizes how important it is to integrate, value, and acknowledge communities that are below the standard. Lettie also emphasizes that everyone is valuable and has the ability to make a difference in the world. This is in accordance with the subaltern form (Spivak, 1988) that Lettie is labeled by her condition as a "freak". In this quote, Lettie strongly expresses her identity and rejects being labeled as a "freak". She emphasizes that she is who she is and that she should be accepted and respected without condemnation or stigmatization based on her different appearance. This quote illustrates Lettie's struggle to gain recognition and respect as an individual who has the right to live according to her identity without being ignored or ridiculed.
Additionally, in the film The Greatest Showman, Anne and WD Wheeler are one of the characters that reflect the theme of recognition and respect for subaltern groups. As an African- American woman and man, Anne and WD Wheeler had to face racial discrimination and injustice that accompanied their work as circus artists. Despite their extraordinary acrobatic talent and strong determination, racial prejudice often prevented them from maximizing their potential. In the context of this film, Anne Wheeler is a strong example of a subaltern subject. One of the
dialogue quotes that reflects Anne and WD Wheeler's character as a subaltern subject is when she talks to Barnum:
“You know, people aren't gonna like it if you put us on the stage.” (24:04-24:09).
This quote illustrates how these groups sometimes tend to feel uncomfortable with the idea of catching people's attention or having a chance to shine in a social context, such as a circus performance. She has the opportunity to showcase her skills and prove that a person's worth should not be measured by their skin color or racial background by joining Barnum's circus show. Anne Wheeler serves as a representation of the film's main theme, which emphasizes how important it is to integrate, value, and acknowledge subaltern groups as well as the message that everyone has valuable potential and deserves recognition. This quote is in line with subaltern theory (Spivak, 1988) that subaltern groups are often placed at a disadvantage in a society dominated by the majority or power group. Anne Wheeler's character illustrates the spirit of struggle and determination needed to overcome injustice and promote equality in society.
Representation and Stereotyping of the subaltern in the film The Greatest Showman
Representations in films can influence people's views on their existence and role in society.
Some elements in the film The Greatest Showman feature representations that seem to simplify or demean lower social groups. One of the elements that can be found is in the form of exoticized events. In this film, characters who are considered strange or unique are placed in the circus as objects of exoticization. For example, the characters "Dog Boy" who has a dog's face and "Bearded Lady" who are performed as strange attractions. This can give the impression that these characters are only recognized or appreciated for their strangeness, not for any other qualities or characteristics they may possess. This kind of exoticization can lead to stereotypes that different or unique individuals are only valuable in the context of performance and not valued as individuals, so those who do not want the presence of subaltern groups try to expel subaltern groups from their neighborhoods. There were several demonstrations to expel the freaks. The second time was at night by the townspeople and invited the public to boycott Barnum. As the following quote shows:
“We do not want your kind here.”
“Get out of here.”
“That's right, you freaks.” (28:45-28:50).
“Go home you freaks.”
"Shame of the city". (41:45-41:47).
"We think you should leave,
“you and your freaks.”
“And yours spooks." (01:15:13-01:15:18).
The violence experienced by these subaltern groups is not simply because they are invisible in the dominant social order. Rather, the violence is also due to the fact that the social order is already overcrowded and dominated by the existing powers. This illustrates that Subaltern struggles are not just about trying to become visible, but also involve a struggle to change the established social order that is riddled with inequality. This is in line with Spivak's (Spivak, 1988)
thoughts on the violence and oppression experienced by Subaltern groups, emphasizing that this violence is not only caused by the Subaltern's invisibility but also by the fact that they exist within an established social order. "The nature of the ideological effect of the move into subalternity is revealed as it turns out that the violence visited upon the subalterns was the result not so much of the abstraction, the empty space, as of the fact that the place where they are is already full."
(Spivak, 1988). Spivak talks about the violence and oppression experienced by Subaltern groups and emphasizes that this happens because they are not seen and because they exist within an already existing social order. The emphasis on this passage enhances our understanding of the idea of subalternity and the struggles they face in gaining rights and recognition.
“Our own mothers were ashamed of us.”
“Hid us our whole lives.” (01:23:10-01:23:15)
In this quote, Lettie reveals how difficult she and her group's life experiences were. She mentions that their mother was ashamed of them, even for the rest of their lives. Everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has unique values and deserves a proper place in society. They are often marginalized and their language is not strong enough to articulate their experiences within the dominating cultural and political domination. Therefore, there is a need for recognition and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Subaltern groups so that they can have a stronger voice. This is in accordance with the subaltern form (Spivak, 1988) which describes how society often judges subaltern groups or individuals as different, in this case, perhaps based on their physical appearance. "It is important to note that the Subaltern cannot speak." (Spivak, 1988). Subalterns have limitations in expressing their experiences. Spivak discusses the violence and oppression experienced by Subaltern groups, emphasizing that this violence is not only caused by the Subaltern's invisibility but also by the fact that they exist within an existing social order (Spivak, 2005). The subaltern is often "hidden" in the sense that their experiences and voices are often ignored, erased, or omitted in narratives and social power structures.
Furthermore, the film also shows a reliance on the physical appearance of its characters.
The film gives positive messages about diversity and self-acceptance, but the focus remains on appearance. This leads to the stereotype that people who are different in terms of appearance are only valuable if they have different talents that can be displayed. In some situations, subaltern characters can only be appreciated or recognized if they have something physically striking. This can give a demeaning message that social judgment and acceptance are based solely on physical appearance, not on an individual's character or abilities. Transformation narratives are also a common element in the film. However, in some cases, subaltern characters may only be considered valuable when they undergo physical transformations or achieve extraordinary feats such as participating in circus performances. This can lead to the demeaning message that they are only valuable when they do something that is considered extraordinary by society's standards.
Transformation becomes a requirement for recognition, and this message may undermine the value of individuals without physical changes or conspicuous external achievements.
Character resistance of subaltern characters in the film The Greatest Showman
“I am brave, I am bruised”
“I am who I'm meant to be”
“I'm not scared to be seen”
“I make no apologies,”
“this is me.”
“And I know that I deserve your love.”
“There's nothing I'm not worthy of.” (58:30-59-21).
These quotes highlight the deep desire of subaltern groups to be accepted and honored as human beings of infinite worth and uniqueness. They, with the compassionate and strong characters they exhibit, are a true testament to the passion that burns within them. Their strength shines through their actions and interactions with other characters in the story. One scene that reflects the struggles of these subaltern subjects occurs in a remarkable moment when they perform in a song called "This Is Me". This song is not just a string of words, but a symbol of their courage and honesty. The moment became the culmination of the spirit and struggle of the subaltern group in Barnum's circus, who bravely stood before the audience, showing that they no longer wanted to hide behind a mask of physical imperfection. They dared to perform in all their uniqueness, with dances and expressions that radiated their genuine feelings. When they perform in this song, with so much vigor and pride, they undeniably declare that they are valuable individuals who will no longer cover up or feel ashamed of their physical disabilities. In doing so, they portray the spirit of resistance that burns within them, as well as their strong desire to be seen as individuals with value, regardless of any physical imperfections.
Subaltern groups who initially felt marginalized and forced to hide in the shadows of society finally found the courage to take a central role in the life of the circus they had called home.
It all started when Barnum, the ringmaster, recognized their potential and gave them an incredible opportunity to shine on the stage of the show he founded. Through the marvelous circus performances, these subaltern characters find a vast stage to express their talents and uniqueness to the outside world. They feel like they have found a place where they can be themselves, without having to hide or feel ashamed of their physical disabilities.
The circus performance was not just a place for entertainment, but also a tool to change people's views and attitudes towards them. In the glittering lights of the circus, they finally got the recognition they had been longing for and the warm support of the audience who had come to watch the show. Shouts and applause poured in, rewarding them with a sense of honor they could never have imagined.
Lastly, this represents a huge change in their lives. From feeling marginalized and isolated, they have transformed into individuals who feel proud of their uniqueness and have the opportunity to be appreciated and respected by society. Their spirit of resistance and dissatisfaction with conventional views of the beauty and normality of the human body has helped to change the way the world views them. Barnum, with his determination to give them a voice and promote a message of inclusion, has played an important role in this change. He has helped them stop hiding and feeling isolated, given them a chance to shine, and provided inspiration to many people who feel different and overlooked in society. In other words, this story is a strong testament to how Barnum's circus was not only a stage show but also an incredible vehicle of social change for subaltern groups that had long been ignored.
To sum up, in the film The Greatest Showman, we can see the strenuous effort to portray the lives and struggles of subaltern groups involved in Barnum's circus performances. The film meticulously brings up the theme of how individuals with different physical characteristics, often overlooked by society, find a place and family in the extravagant world of the circus. Those who once felt marginalized and hidden in the shadows of everyday life eventually found the courage to come out and speak when Barnum, the circus ringmaster, gave them a chance to shine in the show he created.
However, in such a positive endeavor, we also need to recognize the impact of this representation. The film is not immune to criticism that there is potential for stereotyping in the way subaltern groups are portrayed. They are often referred to as "freaks" which can devalue the complexity of their experiences. In the context of Subaltern theory, the film creates critical questions about the extent to which the voices of subaltern groups are actually heard or ignored in society. The Greatest Showman invites us to reflect on how we treat and represent subaltern groups in art and popular culture, and reminds us of the importance of listening carefully to voices that are often marginalized.
When Barnum gave subaltern groups the opportunity to shine in the circus show he founded, they finally found the courage to speak up and stop hiding. They used the circus performance stage as a medium to express their talents and uniqueness to a very diverse public.
Eventually, the circus audience responded enthusiastically and supported them sincerely. This change marked a significant journey in their lives. Initially, they felt marginalized and felt the need to hide, but over time, they became individuals who were proud of themselves and had the opportunity to be respected and valued by society.
Phineas Taylor Barnum played an important role in this change. With his determination to give them a voice and spread the message of inclusion, he not only created an entertaining circus show but also a tool that stopped the sense of isolation and the need to hide from public view. The film illustrates how Barnum's circus, apart from being a performance venue, also became a remarkable vehicle of social change for subaltern groups that had long been ignored. As such, the film reminds us of the importance of listening and giving recognition to voices that are often marginalized in society, and how courage and opportunity can bring about tremendous change in the lives of these individuals.
References
Spivak, G,C. (1988). Can Subaltern Speak? Marxism and the Interpretation of Culture, 271-313.
Spivak, G. C. (2005). Scattered speculations on the subaltern and the popular. Postcolonial Studies, 8(4), 475–486. https://doi.org/10.1080/13688790500375132
The Greatest Showman Movie Script. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2023, from https://www.scripts.com/script.php?id=the_greatest_showman_20368&p=6