No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent.” Renowned poet John Donne’s musing clearly explicates the idea that mankind functions effectively when society works together, not as individuals. Belonging is not only a vital component of society; it essentially strengthens individuals and perceived self-identity through the medium of conformity. When individuals are alienated, they tend to lose their sense of identity because they feel as though they are ‘nothing’; to the world they do not exist. To counteract this, membership to social, political, sporting and religious groups exist to reaffirm individuals of their own identity as represented in their respective group’s social perception. Social parallels enrich our understanding of this idea, as does the film Witness, directed by Peter Weir which evidently recreates this communally rich environment that enshrines upon its members, a strong sense of self.
As individuals, we move to reaffirm our identity through our membership to various groups in society. All individuals reflect on what they perceive to be ‘their’ identity, but as self-discovery is in essence a never ending journey, individuals seek out those in society who tend to share similar views, beliefs and attitudes. It is in these actions that individuals reaffirm their own identity through the security invested in the ideals of conformity. This idea is prolific for adolescence as it is in this stage of human development that mankind first starts to pose the toughest question of them all; who am I? Inevitably, social stereotypes spawn such as ‘jocks’, ‘intellects’ and ‘thespians’ which form to reaffirm confidence in individuals who would have otherwise chosen to keep their individual passions negated from mainstream society. As evidenced in Witness, Rachel Lapp is confronted with the choice of whether to maintain her membership to the Amish community or whether to forgo the only life she has known, in a quest for love. What is witnessed is that Rachel inevitably chooses to maintain her membership to the Amish community because it exists to reaffirm her spiritual, religious and personal beliefs. Her identity is enshrined in Amish life as exemplified in her incessant wearing of the ‘cap’ which identifies her as part of the Amish way of life. Through our membership’s, we are ultimately strengthened in our selfhood.
Furthermore, in some instances, a desire for ‘belonging’ acts as a catalyst for self discovery whereby one is aware that they do not fit in, but are unaware of where they do. It is in these instances of purgatory that individuals begin their quest for personal independence. Consider the ever-changing lifestyle of socialite Paris Hilton. Her picture of innocence several years ago has been replaced by a new-look hard rock edge that screams ‘this is me!’ Her quest for self-discovery began as soon as she realised that what the media presented her as was not who she wanted to be. In those angelic years she did not belong, or at least to the social groups that she wished to be affiliated with. Her new ‘good girl gone bad’ image expresses the individual in herself that she feels comfortable with; somewhat to the media’s pleasure. Similarly in Witness, John Book realises that he no longer wants to be associated with a corrupt police force that promotes self-interest at all costs. He refuses to be associated with “a club with [it’s] own rules”; rules which he does not wish to conform to. As an outcast and vigilante in shock from his recent expulsion from the ‘club’ which he dedicated his life to, Book exhibits a strong desire to belong. Ultimately, this leads to his somewhat limited acceptance into the Amish community; a community which chooses to shun modern day technologies and complexities. However, Book realises that some aspects of Amish life, such as romantic love which he neglects in the busy modern world , are a part of who he is and who he wants to be. Moreover, Book’s realisation is evidence that belonging strengthens and discovers aspects of individuality identity which many may not know exist.
While in some isolated instances belonging may challenge identity, it is imperative to consider the fact that identity and belonging must co-exist in society. Without belonging there can be no identity and the converse also applies. The premise is that identity is actually formulated through perceptions of individuals and that without social groups for which individuals could apply for membership; identity would be a figment of one’s imagination. In Witness, the identities of individuals in the Amish community such as Eli, Samuel and Daniel are a product of their membership to a small communal society. Their appearance, ideals and way of life which all combine to form their identity is a result of Amish society and its existence. When Eli exclaims to John Book that “it’s not our way”, in reference to Book’s physicality he intends to uses against mainstream Americans, he epitomises the idea; individual’s beliefs are inevitably a product of their collective groups. Therefore, not only does belonging strengthen identity, it actually facilities its existence.
There are a multitude of potential factors that could influence identity but social acceptance, regardless of the group, prevails as the most pertinent idea. The rhetoric of many groups which seek members; that your identity is strengthened through conformity is evidently, but to some, somewhat surprisingly true. Individuals are a product of their perceptions; social groups merely facilitate self discovery. As a famous American theologian, Claude Bristol once said, “Undoubtedly, we become what we envisage.”
btw i found it from one of teh forums
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