Belonging Essay-
‘An individual’s interaction with others and the world around them can enrich or limit their experience of belonging‘
Discuss this view with details reference to your prescribed text and ONE other related text of your own choosing.
An individuals’ sense of belonging is shaped by society and the world around them. A lack of interaction with society limits the sense of belonging felt thereby, confirming social separation. This can be compared to the sense of contentment experienced when interaction with society and the world around them is increased. This contrast of social separation and contentment from the individual’s sense of belonging is evident in the texts: Strictly Ballroom by Baz Luhrmann and Wicked by Gregory Maguire.
Throughout these texts the acceptance of others is shown to be the deciding factor of whether belonging is experienced. It is shown that belonging has a major role in the shaping of an individual. Throughout Strictly Ballroom, Doug is depicted to be a social outcast, craving to belong in the world of Dance Federation. Comparisons in costuming of characters are used as a device to establish social barriers between Doug and the Dance Community. This social separation, as seen through differences in costuming, is established from the very beginning. In the opening scene, Baz Luhrmann uses mockumentary style to make a comparison of characters. The presentation of Shirley and Doug depicts the social divide. Shirley is presented as over the top, with exaggerated makeup, exaggerated face expressions and artificially coloured clothing. This depicts the loss of individualism. This is contrasted to the dull, drab clothing of Doug. They are shown that even though they are sitting on the same couch and supposedly belong together, there is a social divide between the two. The costume differences emphasises the difference between them. This is further emphasised by the derogative language directed at Doug by Shirley. ‘You silly man’ shows how Doug
Discuss this view with details reference to your prescribed text and ONE other related text of your own choosing.
An individuals’ sense of belonging is shaped by society and the world around them. A lack of interaction with society limits the sense of belonging felt thereby, confirming social separation. This can be compared to the sense of contentment experienced when interaction with society and the world around them is increased. This contrast of social separation and contentment from the individual’s sense of belonging is evident in the texts: Strictly Ballroom by Baz Luhrmann and Wicked by Gregory Maguire.
Throughout these texts the acceptance of others is shown to be the deciding factor of whether belonging is experienced. It is shown that belonging has a major role in the shaping of an individual. Throughout Strictly Ballroom, Doug is depicted to be a social outcast, craving to belong in the world of Dance Federation. Comparisons in costuming of characters are used as a device to establish social barriers between Doug and the Dance Community. This social separation, as seen through differences in costuming, is established from the very beginning. In the opening scene, Baz Luhrmann uses mockumentary style to make a comparison of characters. The presentation of Shirley and Doug depicts the social divide. Shirley is presented as over the top, with exaggerated makeup, exaggerated face expressions and artificially coloured clothing. This depicts the loss of individualism. This is contrasted to the dull, drab clothing of Doug. They are shown that even though they are sitting on the same couch and supposedly belong together, there is a social divide between the two. The costume differences emphasises the difference between them. This is further emphasised by the derogative language directed at Doug by Shirley. ‘You silly man’ shows how Doug