Being an Outsider is Detrimental Essay

An outsider is a individual who does non belong to a particular group, who is non accepted and is consequently isolated. However, to non belong can be detrimental as we all assume an intrinsic need to belong. To belong implies an understanding of the needs of the mortal and the group and negotiating a way towards acceptance of those needs. On the other hand, exclusion occurs when the individual and the group fails to understand one another, which can be detrimental. These ideas are exhibit in Alex Buzos play norm and Ahmed and in the poem Kimberley by Jackie Kay.Often we search for a sense of belonging to place and when we do not find it, we are not fulfilled. In the play, Norm and Ahmed Ahmed, an Indian, has fine connection to Australian culture and therefore sees himself as an outsider. This is immediately translucent in the way he dresses in his traditional Nehru style causal agent which is juxtaposed to Norm, an Australian, who wears typical male western style of clot hing of open-necked neat shirt and grey trousers. To remind Ahmed that he is an outsider, Norm repeats the phrase a visitor to this country, and he also assumes that all South Asian people are Indians, stereotyping India as an uncivilised country filled with life-threatening Bombay stranglers.This metaphor shows that Norm makes sure that Ahmed is regarded as an outsider by talk in a superior tone and debasing India finished juxtaposition and contrast of Sydney and Bombay as this isnt India mate, youre in Sydneyyoure instead safe. Furthermore, Norm is constantly reinforcing Ahmeds ethnicity and feelings of being an outsider through derogatory terms such as boong and chow because he himself feels overconfident in being an insider of the Australian culture. Norms body lecture described in strong present participles as prowling circling and grabbing and stage directions reenforce Norms confidence and intimidation telling Ahmed that he is an outsider. Norm believes that Ahmed is not entitled to make judgements about Australia stating I wouldnt shit my weight around in someone elses country.This shows that a person of a different ethnic background will be make to feel an outsider and alienated if those of the main culture do not make an effort to include them.