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Prompt: Belonging strengthens identity rather than challenging it. By Sam Shan Want to learn more about Sam?

Read his full profile at: http://alpha.tutorlex.com.au/item/sam-shan

Being human signifies belonging to a class, a society, a country, a civilization. The words of Claudie Strauss encapsulate the inevitability of belonging in our life time. This notion only became tangible to me as I went to high school. Various groups formed among my peers, and my involvement in such groups guaranteed aid and guidance, whiles I also began to adapt the ways of these groups subconsciously. Through such belonging I was transformed gradually. This experience prompted me to consider the distinctive effects our sense of belonging may result in upon our identity. Our belonging may endow our identity, supporting its formation, however, the possibility of clash between our identity and belonging is still existent. Our social identity may be enhanced as we belong to assorted groups. Our social identity is often displayed to others, in order to increase others understanding of us, without interaction. Whilst we conform to deviated groups, our appearance and behaviour may be modified simultaneously. Such alternation may allow others to better categorise and stereotype us. This notion is elucidated in J. D. Salingers novel The Catcher in the Rye. As Holden Caulfield notes, most of phonies could be spotted at first sight due to their clothes and the way they speak. Through our groups, we adapt certain unique appearance and behaviour used to externally distinguish amidst others. Thus, the alternation our social identity may undergo as a result of belonging may enhance our identity as we may be more easily categorised by others. By belonging, our personal identity may also be strengthened by the beliefs that accompany our belonging. Belonging not only implies external conformity, but also internal acceptance of beliefs and values. In order to belong, we may need to be similar, thereby, the existence of others are alike to us may prompt further acceptance of such inner beliefs. Consequently, the adoption of such beliefs may in turn alter our personal identity, establishing an even deeper root. This notion is epitomised in the omnipresence of phoniness perceived by Holden. Whilst everyone belongs to the society, Holden rejects the societal values as he understands that belonging implies his embodiment of such phoniness. Through belonging, our beliefs may be further reinforced and complemented upon by other group members. Hence, due to the deeper belief of accompanying values we may gain as we choose to belonging, our personal identity is likely to be enhanced.

However, discrepancies may emerge against our preexisting personal identity as we choose to belong. When such clash results from our sense of self and conformity to others, it may conclude in the dominance of the stronger component. Such conformity to groups may challenge our individuality due to its difference, and possibly opposing perception of certain events. Its endorsement of values and beliefs may also be distinctive. This idea is evinced in Holdens rejection of belonging to social groups due to his despise of phoniness and dislike of most. However, although he desperately searches for belonging, he also consciously rejects all possible options as he too will adapt such phoniness. As a result of belonging, some values and beliefs may be forced upon us, pressuring us to accept. Therefore, clashes against our preexisting personal identity may challenge it, and such belonging may result in detrimental consequences. Furthermore, belonging to certain groups may prompt the loss of our personal identity. In modern society, many groups require complete conformity from its members, expecting its members to be identical. Such conformity may result in the deprivation of our individuality, and all its members sharing identical beliefs, appearances and thoughts. This notion is accentuated in Robert Muchamores Bridgrands M.C. in which all motorcycle gangs of America rode in similar formation, covered in leather jackets and sunglasses. A common norm is also shared among them in which all are required to help a fellow gang member in all conditions. In groups, the identical requirements for the participation of most to join may result in similar outcomes of all members. Thereby, our uniqueness may be deprived as we belong entirely to a specific group, losing our personal identity. Essentially, our choice to belong to deviated social groups may enrich our social and personal identity through our adoption of beliefs and appearances. However, it would be remiss to claim that all forms of belonging strengthens our identity. The surface of clashes and requirements of certain groups may ultimately culminate in detrimental consequences. Our belonging often acts as a beacon of direction for our sense of belonging. Perhaps, the ramifications of our belonging upon our identity is dependent upon a myriad of internal and external elements. Indeed, Ralph Emmersony words serves as a chilling reminder to the hardship of maintaining our individuality whilst belonging. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest achievement. Interested in having Shan as your tutor? Read his full profile at: http://alpha.tutorlex.com.au/item/sam-shan

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