Language of Sexuality in Indonesian Film: Gender and Sociolinguistic Perspectives

Abstract

This research explores the representation of sexuality in the Indonesian film Open BO, focusing on the use of euphemism and dysphemism related to sexuality and how these linguistic strategies reflect gender ideologies, social discourse, and the commodification of sex in the digital age. The film portrays the growing trend of online prostitution, where women engage in transactional sexual activities via digital platforms. This study employs a qualitative approach using critical discourse analysis (CDA) to investigate how the film constructs gendered representations through language, while also analyzing the socio-cultural implications of these portrayals. The research highlights how the use of euphemism and dysphemism in Open BO reflects societal attitudes towards women’s sexuality, presenting them as both victims of exploitation and active agents of their own sexual commodification. Drawing on feminist theory, discourse theory, and theories of social media and digital capitalism, the study discusses how the film portrays the intersection of gender, sexuality, and economic survival, shedding light on the normalization of sexual commodification through digital platforms. Furthermore, the study explores the social and cultural impacts of the film's portrayal of online sex work, considering how it challenges traditional views on morality, gender, and sexual autonomy in contemporary Indonesian society. The findings of this research provide insights into the ways language and media intersect to shape social perceptions of sex, gender, and morality, while also contributing to the broader discourse on sexual commodification in the digital era. Ultimately, this study seeks to understand the evolving role of media in constructing societal norms surrounding sexuality and its implications for gender equality and sexual liberation in the context of Indonesia's socio-cultural landscape.