English SAC - Identity and belonging (Wild Cat Falling)

Introduction

Who are we but the stories we tell ourselves, about ourselves, and believe?
~ Scott Turow, Ordinary Heroes

The groups we feel we belong to often reflect our identity. Therefore, a solid understanding of our identity has an influence on this decision. The fundamental basis of identity is said to be an assortment of familial, cultural and educational experiences, woven into the fabricated complexity of one's perception of self. In Mudrooroo's Wild Cat Falling the importance of who we perceive ourselves to be and who we present ourselves to be is exemplified through the nameless protagonist's (or Wildcat) identification with the person he sees as he "gets outside" his "skin" and looks in on himself.

P1

A sense of belonging is often limited to the understanding that one possesses of the experiences which determine their identity. If this understanding is limited, fragmented or disrupted, so too may be their understanding of their identity. Members of the Stolen Generation of Australia often relate their limited sense of identity to removal from the familial and cultural grounding of their parents care. Pauline McLeod's poem, 'The Search begins' describes the Australian Government's stripping of her identity thus:

"They stole me from a lifetime,
My heritage. My home.
My family. My identity."

Similarly, Wildcat's mother strips him of his aboriginal heritage, thus, hindering his cultural experiences. The disruption that persisted during the formation of Wildcat's identity correlates to his inability to understand the influential groundings which formed his identity. Therefore, he was unable to maintain a fulfilling sense of belonging. The multifaceted nature of identity saw that Wildcat's sense of belonging in the Bogie gang was limited by his intellectual capability. In remebering his Grandmother's song Wildcat is enlightened by insight into his cultural experiences which ultimately define part of his identity, the "part of [him] that once hunted this forest", allowing him to gain a sense of belonging in "the bush" which "seems more friendly now".Identity has a binding influence on the groups we decide to belong to. Therefore, the inexistence of a solid understanding can be detrimental in the pursuit of a sense of belonging.

P2

Lacking understanding of the influential groundings of identity often results in the assumption of a superficial identity. A superficial identity is often assumed through the emulation of another's behavious. An individual will usually draw from a singular ideal, of which they share with the group, to justify their place. In Wild Cat Falling, Wildcat uses "a common defiance of the squares" to gain acceptance in the "Milk Bar Gang". A masquerade of appropriate clothing and attitude comprises his exhibit of all black attire, associated with the Bogie culture of the 1950's and allows him to "fake togetherness" with Denise, a member of the group. Similarly, in Wildcat's stealing of "pretty dresses like the white kid's mums've got" for his Mother, Mudrooroo entertains the notion of clothing as compensation for the sense of belonging that the individual desires but doesn't possess. The use of clothing, symbolic of superficiality, reflects the falsity with which identity can be expressed. Furthermore, Mudrooroo's incorporation of the notions of "real" and "fake" in reference to character's behaviour, solidifies Oscar Wilde's assertion that "Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation". Wildcat goes "through the actions of life...Actor and audience". Conforming to the attributes of a particular group. Through this, he ensures his acceptance in adverse situations, including prison, university, and the Aboriginal outskirt camp. Chameleon in his ability to adapt to situational factors which require the assumption of a superficial identity.

P3

The attainment of belonging, reliant on the assumption of a mimicked identity is often essential due to situations which promote belonging as a means of survival. In systems of incarceration, belonging translates to safety, prompting the desire to "be the same", as individualisation could see victimisation. Maslow's Hierarchy of Basic Needs suggests that the fulfilment of the safety level of the pyramid is necessary before we reach the level of belonging. However, it is also possible to utilise the level of belonging to attain the level of safety required for self-actualisation. In Wild Cat Falling, Jesse Dougins' compliance with Anglo-Saxon ideals saw her relationship with Mr. Willy, which satisfied his need for sexual intimacy and fulfilled her need for shelter and thus, security. The nature of humanity allows for the trade of basic needs, undermining the rigid structure of Maslow's hierarchy. Belonging, reliant on the need to survive is often unfulfilling. Once the necessity of belonging dissolves, the desire to belong ensues. The masquerade of superficial identity may be difficult to remove once belonging becomes a matter of instinct, engraved into the social nature of humanity, rather than a means of survival in the midst of inimical circumstance.

P4

The possession of an unwanted sense of identity often leads to rejection of the human inclination to belong. The Exemption Certificate that Mudrooroo makes reference to in Wild Cat Falling represents the unwanted sense of identity that was enforced upon the indigenous people of Australia, during the implementation of the Assimilation Policy of 1937. In an attempt to induce indigenous conformity with western ideals, the Australian Government imposed a divide within the Aboriginal community. Wildcat's Mother's exemption from the restrictions of her aboriginally, limited Wildcat's interaction with his Aboriginal counterparts and in turn, his cultural experiences. Thus, Wildcat's genealogical vein, running with the blood of both Aboriginal and Anglo-Saxon ancestry would guarantee his rejection from both cultures. Such rejection contributed to the development of Wildcat's "alien" attitude. An enforced identity, whether it be a legal document or a yellow cloth cutout 'Star of David' sewn into the Holocaust's detriment, undermines the liberty of individualism. Accordingly, the abandonment of the desire to belong often becomes an attractive alternative to rejection. Identity, in turn, may become a mere expression of the rejection one had incurred. Consequently, true identity, separate from the influence of past oppression often fails to flourish. Therefore, reliance on an outside influence to obtain a sense of belonging exacerbates the elusiveness of identity. Encouraging indifference to the kindness and compassion of others and making it difficult to belong. The inability to accept acceptance from others often hinders the attainment of a sense of belonging.

P5

In acknowledging our need to feel a sense of belonging, we can accept the kindness and compassion of others indiscriminately, due to a shared bond in humanity. Wildcat, in becoming "alien" from all desire to belong, attempts to shield himself from prejudicial exclusion. However, in doing so, he neglects the kindness and compassion of others. Thus, June's attempt to engage Wildcat in conversation results in rejection. A defensive "I rejected her first" attitude composes Wildcat's justification. In exuding a dismissive attitude as a defense from alienation, it is possible that neither identity nor belonging may prosper. However, once the veil of indifference has been lifted, the vulnerability of human commonality often produces an indiscriminate sense of belonging. Primi Levi, in his novel 'Survival of Auschwitz. (If this is a man)' recounts the kindness and compassion of "Lorenzo". Suggesting that in accepting the acceptance of another "[he] managed to not forget that [he himself] was a man". Similarly, Wildcat, whether through committing a crime that would see him as a "real crim", reconnecting with his aboriginal heritage through an encounter with the old "full-blood" rabbit trapper of his childhood or the symbolic shedding of his "heavy hot" boogie clothes, reached Maslow's level of self-actualisation. In which, one can accept the acceptance others express. The acknowledgement of a will to live and a knowing of "how to live" illuminates Wildcat's unveiling. "Now when [he has] done the worst thing in [his] life", Wildcat is able to perceive "a hint of humanity" in his arresting police officer's eyes.