Belonging In Matilda

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 and alienation is the process of being either excluded or accepted by the society in which you live. Belong is a human conception,mostly considered a fundamental human need and a source of survival, safety, protection and happiness. To belong is usually considered positive and essential for a successful existence:however a negative sense of belonging:found among the displaced, marginalised and uncared for can lead to many social, filial and personal problems that can be almost insurmountable for the individual. The short trop fest film “Be My Brother” by Genevieve Clay 2009, represents these ideas through the films central characters. The film deals with society and people with disabilities feeling displaced within society due to

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.

An individual’s sense of belonging stems from their notions of identity, personal context, and place. A lack in any of these areas may result in a thorough sense of alienation and pose as a barrier, which prevents belonging and facilitates an individual’s decision to exclude themselves from their surroundings. However, ironically, these barriers that present hardship can truly liberate an individual and help them in finding a more fulfilled state of belonging. These ideas are explored in Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It and Khaled Hosseini’s novel, The Kite Runner.

Good Afternoon teachers and students, The following texts express how an individuals understanding of belonging can quickly be changed by the people and place around them. “Jasper Jones a novel written by Craig Silvey”, it is a short story of a boy named Charles Butkins and the events that occurred because he helped Jasper Jones mask the death of Laura Wishart. “Australia by Ania Walwicz”, is attacking the people of Australia in the form of a poem, because of their point of views and attitudes in life. She also hates Australia itself because the people are not welcoming, this is the main point of this poem.

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.

To belong is to be, or have the feeling of being accepted or included by a certain group, person, place or community. While initially an individual may belong to a community or group, speaking their opinion can seclude them, and cause them to become an outsider. Belonging to a community or group can be very beneficial, and not belonging can cause an individual to face consequences. Hysteria and fear can be caused throughout a community by outsiders who don’t belong. We are able to view these experiences of belonging and not belonging through the use of characters and events throughout a variety of texts. Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible” and Armin Geder’s picture book “The Island” display how an individual can belong and not belong at

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

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

An individual’s sense of belonging is based on society and the values reflected by that society. It is human

Belonging or not belonging is the feeling of being included or excluded by a certain group, person, place or community. This is conveyed very well in the film “strictly ballroom” produced by Baz Luhrmen and the picture book “The Sneetches” by Dr suess. In stictly ballroom, this concept is primarily conveyed by Scott Hastings struggle with the dance community to find where he truly belongs. In 'The Sneetches is refers to the group belonging of the two seperate types of sneetches and their journey to belong as a community and individually.

Her first idea is that fitting in is not belonging. I agree with this because fitting in is changing yourself to fit the norms of society and people. Belonging is letting yourself be who you are. There is a struggle to let yourself be heard for who you are because humans have a desire to be accepted. What is interesting is that belonging depends on self-acceptance. Believing that you are enough and that you are worthy is the foundation to allowing self-expression and to be authentic. What really stood out to me is when Dr. Brown said, “we hustle for the worthiness we already possess.” Personally this impacted me because I struggle to feel self-worth and happily conform myself to others preconceptions of me. Dr. Brown’s insight on the matter is something I would like to further explore.

Belonging is a crucial basic human emotional need and is defined as the desire to connect and bond with others. Many individuals find that belonging can provide various rewards, whilst individuals that struggle with belonging may result in a self-destructive behaviour. The picture book “I am Thomas” by Libby Gleeson and the tragic play “King Lear” by Shakespeare are texts that have identified this concept and reveal how belonging can be influenced and provide feelings of fulfilment and self-destruction. As demonstrated in “I am Thomas”, the nature of belonging can be seen as fulfilling as it provides satisfaction through opportunities and contentment throughout the lives of various characters.

After watching “The Butterfly Circus” and reading the textbook, I was able to better understand what it means to belong. Humans are social creatures and we often want nothing more than to belong. I will discuss my definition of “belonging”, when Will truly feels a sense of belonging, and my general response to the short film. The definition of belonging is the rightful placement of a person into a specific position.