The Left's Fantasy of Planet B-Boy: A Dance-Off to Save the World

Imagine a world where breakdancing saves the planet. Sounds like a plot from a cheesy 80s movie, right? Well, that's exactly what the 2007 documentary "Planet B-Boy" is all about. Directed by Benson Lee, this film takes us on a journey to the international breakdancing competition, Battle of the Year, held in Germany. It follows crews from South Korea, France, Japan, and the United States as they prepare to battle it out on the dance floor. But why should we care about a bunch of guys spinning on their heads? Because, according to some, this is more than just a dance competition—it's a cultural revolution.

First off, let's talk about the absurdity of breakdancing as a global unifier. Sure, it's entertaining to watch, but does it really have the power to bring nations together? The film suggests that breakdancing transcends language barriers and unites people from different backgrounds. But let's be real—it's just a dance. It's not going to solve world hunger or bring about world peace. It's a fun hobby, not a diplomatic tool.

Next, there's the idea that breakdancing is a form of resistance against societal norms. The film portrays these dancers as rebels who are challenging the status quo. But what exactly are they rebelling against? The dancers in "Planet B-Boy" are mostly young men from developed countries who have the time and resources to pursue their passion. They're not exactly oppressed. In fact, they're living the dream—traveling the world and doing what they love. It's hard to see them as underdogs when they're competing on an international stage.

Then there's the notion that breakdancing is a way to express individuality. The film highlights the unique styles and personalities of each crew. But let's not kid ourselves—breakdancing is a highly competitive sport. It's all about conforming to certain moves and techniques to impress the judges. There's not much room for true individuality when you're trying to win a competition. It's more about fitting in than standing out.

The film also romanticizes the idea of breakdancing as a way to escape from the harsh realities of life. It shows dancers from tough neighborhoods using breakdancing as a way to stay out of trouble. But this is a simplistic view. Breakdancing might provide a temporary escape, but it doesn't address the root causes of poverty and crime. It's a band-aid solution at best.

And let's not forget the cultural appropriation aspect. Breakdancing originated in the Bronx in the 1970s as part of hip-hop culture. Now, it's a global phenomenon with crews from all over the world. While it's great to see people embracing different cultures, there's a fine line between appreciation and appropriation. The film doesn't address this issue, which is a glaring oversight.

Finally, there's the idea that breakdancing is a way to promote peace and understanding. The film shows dancers from rival countries coming together to share their love of dance. But this is a naive view. Breakdancing might bring people together for a few hours, but it doesn't address the deep-seated political and cultural tensions that exist between nations. It's a feel-good fantasy, not a realistic solution.

In the end, "Planet B-Boy" is an entertaining film that showcases the talent and dedication of breakdancers from around the world. But let's not pretend that it's anything more than that. It's a dance competition, not a cultural revolution. The idea that breakdancing can save the world is a liberal fantasy that ignores the complex realities of our global society. So, enjoy the film for what it is—a fun look at an exciting subculture—but don't buy into the hype.