Romulus My Father + Related Texts

A common human characteristic is the yearning to feel a sense of belonging through connections and different forms of relationships made in life. A sense of belonging or not belonging can emerge from feeling connected to people and places, whether they have been freely cast there or not. An individual will only feel a true sense of belonging through the understanding of those connections, which are created by experiences and can only come within.

Belonging is defined as the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of understanding, inclusion and identity to a member trying to fit into a certain group and place. It is a perception of acceptance.

Complete success isolates a person from his fellows, but suffering makes kinsmen of us all. In a way, people who are exotic develop faster than those who share the same attitudes towards each other and the sense of belonging can either benefit or corrupt an individual in alienation. But, those who do not agree with the social norms have greater impacts in the world’s growth and development. Thus, people do not need to belong in order to be successful, fulfilled members of society because outsiders see things from a different and valuable perspective, learn to be more independent and progress farther than others.

Even before I had discovered my identity, I began moving into this intimacy versus isolation stage. At this stage individuals typically move towards “life experiences involving the development of a deeper connection, or intimacy, with another person”(Swartwood, p. 85). When it comes to developing these relationships, people must sacrifice a portion of their independence, which a portion of individuals are unwilling to do. Swartwood (p. 85) states that “resisting this loss of independence [results] in frequent break-ups and a failure to maintain a mutually loving bond with another.” This leads to isolation and loss of quality of life.

People’s perceptions of belonging can change over time, but this isn’t the case for all. When people experience moments of crisis in their lives they sometimes force a change within themselves and that is what helps them find an individual sense of belonging. This is highlighted in many texts and even composers life works. Texts that support this statement include Peter Skrzynecki’s Immigrant Chronicle poems, of which I have chosen St Patricks College and Feliks Skrzynecki. Skrzynecki’s poetry expresses the difficulties he faces when change doesn’t occur throughout time, as time alone isn’t a factor and that your sense of belonging is something that comes from within, with or without anyone.

People have the longing to belong and to be accepted by a group or community. A sense of Belonging can emerge from the connections and acceptance we have with other people, communities and the larger world. These ideas of belonging are represented in texts which explore aspects of belonging and an individual’s potential to challenge or improve a community group. The film ‘Strictly Ballroom,’ directed by Baz Lurhman, the film ‘Looking for Alibrandi’ directed by Kate Woods and the exaggerated true story of an African American youth’s fight to belong in the song “dance with the devil” by immortal technique all represent ideas of belonging formed by life experiences.

Belonging can be defined as the process of the association with the human race as socially active characters. It is part of the human condition which represents the need for security, safety and acceptance. An aspect of belonging such as isolation can be associated with the concept of belonging, as not belonging is a reciprocal process of belonging. Belonging allows for the authentication of characters through the formation of identity and connections.

An individual’s sense of belonging is determined not only by their own choices but also by the attitudes of others.

Throughout our lives, everyone that we share bonds with and interact with on a regular basis, either forms or has some sort of influence on our identity. Consequently, the majority of us naturally find ourselves striving to fit in with these people, especially during the tough transition from childhood to adulthood. It is this part of the human condition that makes us feel as though we must forge ties with something outside of ourselves in order to establish a strong sense of existence and a clear understanding of who we are. Although most individuals are able to make these connections with others naturally, others who stray from the social norm might not be so fortunate, but rather than

Belonging is as a complex process by which people develop links with others, places and things. It is focused on acceptance and developing a connection and identity

‘An individual’s interaction with others and the world around them can enrich or limit their experience of belonging.’

Romulus values education and learning, but sadly, only completed primary school. He is a tragic figure from the very beginning:

As life continues on and we grow older and more mature, we are able to look back at certain parts of our history and reflect on how these people or places have affected who we are and what we have become. The passage of time and the interactions we have with our world help us to achieve this ability to look back and view how we have grown and changed. In 1998 Ramond Gaita had his reflective memoir published and in this memoir we are told the story of his father and his various relationships with the land and the people he interacted with. Similar to Gaita, Maria Dell’oso has also written a reflective piece that features anecdotes of her family in different time periods and she has shown the change in their sense of belonging over time

Question 3 (15 marks) Explore how perceptions of belonging and not belonging can be influenced by connections to places. In your response, refer to your prescribed text and at least ONE other related text of your own choosing. The prescribed texts are listed on the next page. Word Length: 1200 words A sense of belonging is an essential part of the human condition; it is a desire shared by all. Belonging refers to the ability of an individual to fit in a specified place or environment. This may include fitting in with a group of people, fitting in with society or fitting in with a physical place. All individuals have their own unique perception of belonging and not belonging, based on a number of factors. One of

violent and vulgar as we catch them consistently using foul language. They live in a slum that is decaying, crumbling and full of garbage, not by choice, but forced by humans. The aliens are ostracized and barred from most businesses and those humans who live in near proximity to the aliens want more distance. They are the enemy. We are also introduced to the ‘Nigerians’ who barter with the Prawns for weaponry in exchange for cat food. The Nigerians have a “witch doctor” who advises them to eat the aliens, which they do. We also learn