People who don’t experience the sense of belonging provided by being part of a group, can lack confidence, experience loneliness, and lack purpose and direction in their lives, leading to increased sense of vulnerability. 2. People need to be part of a group, if they are to develop common interests and build relationships based on meaningful connections with others. It is this aspect of human nature that helps create strong individuals. Without this support from others, we may become vulnerable. 3. There are some instances when becoming associated with the ‘wrong’ group, might lead us to further limitlessness.

By selecting people with whom we surround ourselves, that differ in their interests, morals and worldviews, we may stifle our own identities and become vulnerable in the process. INTRO: people who don’t experience the sense of belonging provided by being part direction in their lives, leading to an increased sense of vulnerability. When individuals feel a part of something, their sense of purpose and self- importance is heightened. Without this sense of sharing experiences with others, individuals would be more exposed and would need to deal with complications on their own.In our lives, we must make important decisions; learn appropriate behaviors from other people like our parents, process ideas, and form opinions. All these aspects of life help us to form our true identities.

Without friends, family and other groups to support us, we leave ourselves exposed, lacking confidence and would be more likely to struggle in the search for Our true self. As Lester Burnham, from the film American Beauty, is alienated from his family group (as are all his family members) he lacks the social support that he requires to gain confidence and strength in his own identity.As a result, he questions his position as a husband, father and employee. While he experiences self doubt and an intense feeling of ‘numb’, he makes rash, and selfish choices regarding his work and family life.

He is a poor communicator, and the relationships he has with his daughter, Jane, and wife, Caroline, suffer as a result. It could be said that with a stronger family unit, Lester would have been less vulnerable and less exposed as he would have had a group of people to support him. The importance of functioning as a group certainly helps to create individuals that are in a trotter position to develop and grow.People need to be part of a group, if they are to develop common interests and build relationships based on meaningful connections with others. It is this aspect of human nature that helps create strong individuals. Without this support from others, we may become vulnerable.

Sharing world views, discovering common interests, and critically questioning our position in the world, can be strengthened significantly through our being part of a group. As individuals, we strive to be accepted by those that share our ideas.Experiencing this sharing of understanding brings us happiness and helps to boost our self concept, making us stronger individuals, in a better position to hunt for our true selves. In American Beauty, Jane and Rick discover each other and when they do, they realism they share similar ideas about the world.

They both long for a feeling Of acceptance, without conforming to the normal teenage stereotype. Due to their sharing of ideas, and attraction to each other, they are given strength and their previous feelings of vulnerability are let down.There are some instances when becoming associated with the ‘wrong group, might lead us to further vulnerabilities. By selecting people with whom we surround ourselves, that differ in their interests, morals and worldviews, we may stifle our own identities and become vulnerable in the process. By conforming to the needs of a group, there is a significant likelihood that we must compromise our own search for our true identity. The need for feeling part of a group, and belonging is a feeling that sometimes overrides this search for truth.In American Beauty, Angela is a stereotyped as a typical blonde cheerleader.

It is clear, from early in the film, that being a part of this clique is transforming her into a weak and vulnerable individual, rather than a strong independent one. With an irrational fear of being ‘ordinary’, she plays up to the character people expect of her, wearing a mask that hides her vulnerabilities to the world around her. In contrast to this, Dominic Connelly, in the play Steams Infirmary, attempts to break away from the confines of his strict, military focused school.By becoming a member Of an external art group, and establishing connections with like-minded people outside the institution, he draws away from the world view people expect of him inside the school. He creates conflict in the school, designing anti-war murals and advocating peace. Ironically, his creates unrest in his world, and becomes vulnerable in the process.

His future prospects in education and life in general are compromised. The lack of acceptance he receives from the people around him shows us that pulling away from a group can still create alienable situations.People without groups can be vulnerable; people in groups can be vulnerable and people who pull away from groups can be vulnerable. The important thing to understand, is that quality relationships, and feeling a part of a meaningful group, will help to create strong and independent individuals, well placed to search for their true identities. Groups such as this, help people to make decisions, form opinions, share ideas and gain confidence. Feeling this sense of true belonging, helps individuals to grow and develop throughout life.