A sense belonging is vital for our existence as it creates a sense of fulfilment and protection in our lives. We spend our lifetime searching to belong and be accepted and in the absence of this our lives can becoming meaningless and lose value. So what does Belonging mean, although a sense of Belonging may vary from person to person a universal meaning of belonging may be a way of acceptance,having security, fulfilment and a connection with something bigger than just an individual. These essential components of belonging are portrayed through the poems of Peter Skrzynecki and another additional text the film Invictus directed by Clint Eastwood about the uniting of South Africa through the efforts of Nelson Mandella.
Feeling a sense of connectedness Wether this be on a physical,social,spiritual or emotional level to something or someone allows for an individual to feel a sense of gratitude and self belief. To a certain extent the groups we belong to define who we are, and an individuals perceptions are the resulting outcome of belonging. The acceptance and kinship being in association with groups may bring one would say belonging would impact ones life positively. Although he opposing side of belonging is not belonging and is as a problem many people in the world face today. This alienation may leave individuals feeling detached and isolated from all things surrounding them. There are many reasons why one may not belong these may include race,religion,culture,attitudes and beliefs as well as many others. This separation felt may severely impact an individuals life in a negative direction.
The poems by Australian poet Peter Skrzynecki illustrate many examples of kinship and detachment. Many of the poems in the book Immigrant Chronicle by Skrzyecki explain his problems with feeling like an outsider stuck in limbo