Due to the complex and dynamic nature of belonging, a true sense

of belonging can be found in difference circumstances for different

people. By comparing the perspective of Redfern Now and Going
Home it is clear that self-acceptance determines whether the
protagonist is harmed or benefited by their decision to belong.
An individual can enrich their relationship with a group through their
talents and experiences. Joel academically and athletically fits into
his new school. This is shown when he is playing basketball. The
upbeat non-diegetic music and quick cuts between Jole and the ball
passing the hoop symbolises the talent he has in basketball. In the
following scene, Joels teacher asks the class a question, and there
was a close up shot on Joel. He was the only one who is able to
answer the question. By being talented and skilled in certain
aspects of life, Joel is acknowledged by other students and teachers
and this enriches his relationships.
Rejection of ones culture and beliefs can often create a barrier and
limit an individuals experience of belonging. From the quote this
was his life, painting pictures, playing football and pretending,
shows William comes to an understanding that he doesnt
particularly belong to the group he has strived to join for so long and
this leaves him in a state of confusion. Through the quote Black
hand grab the ball, black feet kick the ball it is clear no matter how
hard he tries to be fit into the Anglo society, he cannot the change
the fact that he is an indigenous person. By rejecting his own culture
and beliefs, William creates a barrier that separates him from both
the white society and indigenous community.
Marginalised individuals can face obstacles, which can either enrich
or limit their experience but ultimately it is self-acceptance, which
allows a true sense of belonging. In Redfern Now, Joel is faced with
an obstacle that goes against his culture and beliefs. He is forced to
sing the Australian National Anthem, however he refuses to sing
multiple times. It is evident that he takes pride in being an
indigenous person and accepts himself before accepting others. By
accepting his own culture and beliefs Joel creates a true sense of
identity, therefore he achieves a fulfilled sense of belonging. On the
other hand in Going Home, William throws away his sense of identity
as an Indigenous person in order to be accepted in Anglo society.
Williams trips to the nightclub symbolises his shattered identity. The
words white tribe and corroboree creates an ironic scene and
highlights Williams displacement and preference for white culture
replacing his own. His displacement creates a barrier that results
into not knowing where he truly belongs. He does not accept his
culture and beliefs and therefore it limits his relationship with
others. We can clearly see the difference between Joel who accepts
his culture and takes pride in being an Indigenous person and

William, who rejects his indigenous culture, but does not belong to
white society either.
In conclusion, an individual can achieve a fulfilled sense of
belonging if he/she accepts their own culture and beliefs before
accepting others. However rejection of ones own culture and beliefs
can lead to a false identity, which can create a barrier and limit an
individuals sense of belonging. An individual can also enrich
relationships with others and the world by being skilled and talented
in certain aspects of life.