Belonging Essay By Mahtaab Bhuiyan

Due to the complex and dynamic nature of belonging, a

true sense of belonging can be found in difference
circumstances for different people. By comparing the
perspective of Redfern Now and Going Home it is clear
that self-acceptance determines whether the protagonist
is harmed or benefited by their decision to belong.
An individual can enrich and benefit their relationship with
a group through their talents and experiences. Joel
academically and athletically fits into his new school. This
is shown when he is playing basketball. The upbeat nondiegetic music and quick cuts between Jole and the ball
passing the hoop symbolises the talent he has in
basketball. In the following scene, Joels teacher asks the
class a question, and there was a close up shot on Joel.
He was the only one who was able to answer the question.
By being talented and skilled in certain aspects of life, Joel
is acknowledged by other students and teachers and this
enriches his relationships.
Rejection of ones culture and beliefs can often create a
barrier which can harm or limit an individuals experience
of belonging. From the quote this was his life, painting
pictures, playing football and pretending, shows William
comes to an understanding that he doesnt particularly
belong to the group he has strived to join for so long and
this leaves him in a state of confusion. Through the quote
Black hand grab the ball, black feet kick the ball it is
clear no matter how hard he tries to be fit into the Anglo
society, he cannot the change the fact that he is an
indigenous person. By rejecting his own culture and
beliefs, William creates a barrier that separates him from
both the white society and indigenous community.
Marginalised individuals can face obstacles, which can
either enrich or limit their experience but ultimately it is
self-acceptance, which allows a true sense of belonging. In
Redfern Now, Joel is faced with an obstacle that goes
against his culture and beliefs. He is forced to sing the
Australian National Anthem, however he refuses to sing

multiple times. It is evident that he takes pride in being an

indigenous person and accepts himself before accepting
others. By accepting his own culture and beliefs Joel
creates a true sense of identity, therefore he achieves a
fulfilled sense of belonging. On the other hand in Going
Home, William throws away his sense of identity as an
Indigenous person in order to be accepted in Anglo
society. Williams trips to the nightclub symbolises his
shattered identity. The words white tribe and corroboree
creates an ironic scene and highlights Williams
displacement and preference for white culture replacing
his own. His displacement creates a barrier that results
into not knowing where he truly belongs. He does not
accept his culture and beliefs and therefore it limits his
relationship with others. We can clearly see the difference
between Joel who accepts his culture and takes pride in
being an Indigenous person and William, who rejects his
indigenous culture, but does not belong to white society
either.
In conclusion, an individual can achieve a fulfilled sense of
belonging if he/she accepts their own culture and beliefs
before accepting others. However rejection of ones own
culture and beliefs can lead to a false identity, which can
create a barrier and limit an individuals sense of
belonging. An individual can also enrich relationships with
others and the world by being skilled and talented in
certain aspects of life.