Belonging is an inherent human condition in which we strive for acceptance and security through others. A sense of belonging is vital for our survival and existence, as belonging reinforces our self-confidence and protects us from rejection. People group together to protect themselves from oppression and ostracision but in doing so, others are effectively rejected and alienated. To belong or not belong can be based on the perception of self or of others. People belong if they have similar interests, values, heritage, place, points of view, socio-economic status and culture. People who do not fit these subtle but strict criteria can become excluded, but the criterion is not fixed allowing for opportunity to belong elsewhere. It is therefore, not possible to completely not belong based on select criteria, and more likely based on an individual’s choice. People can decide not to belong to groups that they typically would fit into, as they might find the choice to exclude that group more alluring then actually joining them.
[FONT="]As people change and grow we start to develop our own set of values and codes to which we conform. These values are developed throughout early childhood and into adulthood through personal affiliations and experiences with the groups we belong to and get rejected by. This basic philosophy is first affected by family and cultural groups that a person is indoctrinated into. We learn to judge and alienate people who are different in any means to ourselves. Mainly in terms or height, weight, skin colour and culture, it would therefore appear to be an intrinsic aspect of humanity. In Ben Folds’ One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces (One Angry Dwarf) and Philosophy he conveys his experiences of being bullied and ostracised as a child at school because he was physically different from his peers. But it was because of this exclusion that he became enveloped into the music...
My thesis plus part of my assignment.
Covers most of belonging i reckon. teacher liked it.
[/FONT]