This is a sample context piece drawing on the ideas from Growing Up Asian in Australia - Its obviously in a letter form however i feel as though its more a speech? Please give me as much feedback, I have a SAC tomorrow, (late notice i know) - English is my weak point so your feedback would be much appreciated.
Also if you could help me with my statement of intention that would be great! Thanks!
Individuals often sacrifice aspects of their identity in order to fit in.
Dear Editor
I am writing to you in response to your “Stay True” opinion piece published in the “Psycho” Newsletter on the 1st August. As a first year Psychology Student, I am particularly intrigued by this discussion; however I strongly disagree with the arguments addressed in your piece. Our identity is a complex entity that is continuously changing, influenced and shaped by our experiences and the environment around us. Perhaps the most influential factor is the expectations of others/the groups which we belong to. We adapt and shape our sense of self as a result of our experiences and the environment surrounding us. Why do we alter our personalities/conform? Simply because it is imperative for all humans to belong and be accepted. Unfortunately, in order to truly belong we have to sacrifice aspects of our own identity such as culture and religion, and conform to the desires of a certain group such as our friends or family.
Loss of culture is a sacrifice many migrants make in order to assimilate into mainstream society. We see the “Xieng Chang” adopting an “Aussie” name such as “Neil,” in the hope of a more ‘smoother’ transition, as their original ethnic name burdens a sense of significant difference, making them stand out. You see, culture is much more than the country you originate from, it can mean music, food, dress and most importantly language. When I first begun primary school, I couldn’t speak a word of English, growing up in a predominately African area, my parents had raised me speaking my native tongue. English had no use to me, all I spoke was Arabic. You can imagine my frustration when suddenly I’m put in a position where I can’t understand anybody and nobody can understand me. While I was busy learning my ABC’s and practising in a font that could be deemed legible, I let my Arabic studies slide. English had become my number one priority and learning the effects of fathah, kasra and dama (Arabic vowels) had become priority nine hundred and sixty two. In order to fit into mainstream society, I had neglected my own heritage and as a result I don’t have the ability to read nor write in Arabic. I can merely speak the language and stumble over the sounds that seem only attainable by those who have spoken and lived it their entire lives.
Friends and family provide us with the support and vital connection of something outside of ourselves. This connection is the reason why we so readily alter our goals, dreams and ambitions to suit those of the group, as without support we develop a sense of worthlessness and social isolation. We see this happening every day in the school yard, cliques are a classic example. You may have been friends with someone you’re whole life, however belonging to this certain “cooler” clique, meant that you had to reject this friend, or face the consequences of rejection yourself.
The sad truth is, we’ve all had parents whom at point or another have wanted us to do or be something else, family members pressuring us to fulfil their desires and ignore our own. Now, how many of us have done just that? At least once in our life, given up our own satisfaction and performed what was expected of us? Most likely everyone. The need to fit in is one all humans share, factors such as stereotypes play a major role in determining whether an individual is accepted or rejected in society. Because of these stereotypes, and “social hierarchies” we see those excelling in academics failing “exams on purpose.” I recall in high school, students used to pretend not to study in fear of if their intelligence was revealed, they’d be deemed a nerd.
The want to belong is one is one we all share and it Is this desperate need that leaves us susceptible to the price of conforming and all its consequences.
Religion is also a very important factor, it provides purpose and the principles of a person’s chosen faith helps define their sense of self. It provides the comfort of knowing that you are a part of something bigger than yourself. If you were to ask a Buddhist person to define themselves they’d most likely mention the fact that they’re Buddhist in their description likewise if you asked a Jewish person to describe themselves they’d throw in the fact that they’re Jewish. Religion is the most influential factor in terms of family structure, whether an individual decides to conform or rebel against their families chosen religion determines their place in society. They’ll either be an outcast, placing shame on their family name or if they decide to actively practise their religion they’ll place great pride to their family’s name. As seen above, the pressures of conformity are inevitable, It is ultimately impossible to “Stay True” as suggested in your article. We subconsciously alter our identity to “fit in” with our surroundings. No matter how strong our faith, if a Hindu man moved to a predominately Catholic region, his Hindu beliefs will be pressured into Catholic values and morals until eventually, he defines himself as a Catholic.
No one wants to be an outcast, and unfortunately in order to truly belong there are some sacrifices involved. Conforming is an unavoidable price of belonging, which requires us to make various sacrifices such as neglecting our culture and religion, or own desires and goals in order to completely integrate ourselves within a particular community.
Anonymous.
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