Youth Violence Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Youth Violence - Dissertation Example Recent arrest data show that 2.14 million juveniles were arrested by law enforcement agencies in 2005 (Carr, 2008). These arrests covered the full range of crimes including, homicides, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Furthermore, youth accounted for one in every six arrests for all violent crimes in the United States (Snyder, 2000). Background Prior research suggests that an association between race and violent offending exists with racial minorities offending at a disproportional rate compared to Whites (Thornberry et al., 1998). Plausibly, this relation exists because racial minority peer groups mediate the race-violence relationship. Alternatively, because racial minorities tend to be among the population that is most impoverished, minorities may be more likely to be antagonistic due to their aversive social and economic conditions (Bernard, 1990). Ultimately, the influence of peer association and socioeconomic status could have a greater influence on Blacks than no n-Blacks. Literature Review Relationship between Race and Violent Crime in Youths Several longitudinal delinquency studies examine the causes and correlates of youth delinquency. The Denver Youth Study used a sample of 1,527 boys and girls from high risk neighborhoods in Denver. These 1,527 boys and girls were a sample of 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 year olds in 1987 (Huizinga, et al., 1998). The Denver Youth Study found that over a 5 year period (1987-91) most of the Black youths in the sample were in fact both victims and perpetrators of violent crime (Huizinga, et al., 1998). Loeber, et al. (1998) conducted research on 1,517 inner city boys from Pittsburgh in the Pittsburgh Youth Study. The sample consisted of first, fourth, and seventh graders from inner city Pittsburgh where 30 percent of sample were pre-screened students who exhibited especially disruptive behavior. The remaining 70 percent were a random sample selection of the remaining population. The Pittsburgh Youth Study found h igh levels of involvement in serious delinquency among its sample. No differences between Black and White boys were found at age 6, but differences gradually developed with prevalence of serious delinquency at age 16 reaching 27 percent for Blacks and 19 percent for Whites (Loeber, et al., 1998). Criminal violence is an enduring issue in urban America and this concern may not be equally serious for all communities. One of the more overt differences is between the violence levels of Blacks and Whites (Krivo & Peterson, 2000). Black violent offending has ranged from 6.2 to 9.5 times that of Whites over the past twenty years. Krivo and Peterson (2000) argued that one possibility for the racially differing rates of offending occurring is because the crime-generating processes are conditioned by the social situations of Blacks and Whites. Possible Mediators of the Race-Violence Relationship Socioeconomic Status Elliott (1994) with results from the longitudinal National Youth Survey posit ed that racial differences in violence varied across socioeconomic status, where employed Blacks and Whites had similar, continuous violent behavior in contrast to unemployed Blacks who were significantly more likely to behave more violently than unemployed Whites. It is certainly plausible that the nature of socioeconomic status has great influence on the violent behavior of people. Paschall, et al. (1998) found that impacts of socioeconomic disadvantage on violent behavior were clearly more profound for Black young adults than White young adults. Socioeconomic status could perhaps provide another explanation for differences in exposure to both violence and violent peers. Racial differences in violence may be a result of the lower socioeconomic sta

The Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal - Essay Example The author made references to similar instances which apparently happened and documented through the experiment conducted by Philip G. Zimbardo, a psychology professor at Stanford University. Likewise, the reasons for the change in behavior were likewise supported through another set of experiments conducted by Stanley Milgram, which were discussed extensively in the article entitled â€Å"Perils of Obedience† published in Harper’s in 1973. Using these resources, the current discourse hereby asserts that the behavior of the American guards could be explained from the findings of experiments espoused by Zimbardo and Milgram. Analysis of the Situation To enable one to effectively respond to the question, there is a need to establish an examination of the situation that led these American soldiers to act viciously. As noted by Szegedy-Maszak (2004), â€Å"while many theories have been advanced about the forces that tragically came together at Abu Ghraib--inadequate traini ng, overzealous intelligence gathering, failure of leadership--none can adequately account for the hardening of heart necessary for such sadism† (p. 174). The article written by Jehl and Schmitt (2004) and published in The New York Times provided a more vivid scenario that presented conditions that set the stage for the apparent sadistic behavior. According to the authors, the members of the military police battalion who were sent to Iraq to serve as prison guards were untrained, unprepared, and completely inexperienced in this particular endeavor. Likewise, the Abu Ghraib prison was described as to detain as much as 7,000 prisoners, from an initial capacity of 2,000; which contributed to increasingly chaotic conditions, difficulties in overseeing, and effecively controlling security conditions. It was revealed that â€Å"in Abu Ghraib the soldiers suddenly found themselves under attack virtually every night from insurgents outside the prison† (Jehl & Schmitt: A trouble d unit, 2004, par. 19). The threat was reported to necessitate the infusion of military intelligence officers. These officers were noted to be the ultimate source of abuse. Factors that Explain the Behavior of American Guards In Zimbardo’s experiments, it was explicitly noted that abuses and atrocities actually ensued from the very power that was accorded to the students, enacting the security guards’ roles. As emphasized, from initially starting as ensuring that â€Å"they must maintain ‘law and order’ in this prison, that they were responsible for handling any trouble that might break out, and they were cautioned about the seriousness and potential dangers of the situation they were about to enter† (Zimbardo, 1973, p. 41), the presence of the following factors were actually evident and similar to the Abu Ghraib prison: (1) power to maintain law and order; (2) imminent threats from prisoners or from external sources of chaos that could endanger the ir lives; (3) the apparent need to conform to the norms of society in terms of responding to the social pressures of the prison environment; and, likewise, (4) the natural response for the application of forms of sadism, to purportedly control prisoners or make them submit to the orders given, with or without justifiable rationales. Using the experiment conducted by Milgram (1973), one could evaluate that the power of obedience was expected to have been ingrained in every individual’s being; and thereby, prison guards who are expected to be followed with regards to orders being directed to prisoners, resort to the authority and powers vested in them, to inflict whatever action is deemed necessary to enable their subjects to react and respond, as directed. As

Robin Hood Essay Example for Free

Robin Hood Essay Robin Hood has several problems that need to be addressed. The main issues arising that he should address first is the fact that his band has grown and is continuing to grow way too quickly, all while money and food are running out. As the numbers of Merrymen are growing, travelers are finding alternate routes through the forest to avoid apprehension, which has resulted in a decline in the band’s revenue. These changes must be addressed along with the structuring and training of the ever-growing band of Merrymen. Analysis: Need for new strategy Robin Hood is definitely in need of a fresh strategy in response to external happenings. He needs to reduce the number of new recruits, find other ways to find provisions for his gang, delegate tasks more, enforce more discipline, and join forces with the barons. Robin Hood needs to figure out how to change the fact that the travelers are beginning to avoid the forest to protect their belongings even though this is adding cost and inconvenience to them. Robin’s current plan to force the Sheriff out of Nottingham is not working. The Sheriff is continuously using powerful connections to apply added pressure to Robin and the Merrymen. He has more money and more men. Alternative Solutions: Joining the Barons Robin Hood thought has about just killing the sheriff, but that would be pointless. It would not improve the situations at hand; it would only quench his thirst for personal revenge. The best decision that Robin hood could make would be to just join the barons to collect the ransom to release King Richard. It is risky but it is less risky than doing what he is presently doing which is nothing.. Although it would be a dangerous decision, by joining them, there will no longer be a need to steal from the rich, the sheriff would not be in power; therefore his threat would be minimal, and King Richard would then be able to answer to all the peasant’s needs. It is pretty much a win-win for Robin Hood and his gang. Conclusion: Even though Robin Hood does have other options, joining the barons seems to be the most beneficial to him and his merrymen. Robin Hood’s Mission and Vision Statements- Because Robin Hood’s initial mission to â€Å"rob the rich and give to the poor† is no longer effective, and because the organization is changing, their mission statement has to be revised. Their main mission immediately needs to be to minimize the number of new recruits. Their mission statement should now focus on the existing men in the gang, and how to maximize all resources. This is the same with Robin Hood’s vision. His vision was once to just get rid of the Sheriff, but that was not working out so well for him. A new vision should be to focus on becoming joined with the barons and the ways that they can run the Sheriff out of town all together. Robin Hood has only had plans and visions for the present, but he now needs to make long term plans for the future. This will help him always be prepared, and keep his chances down low of being beat out by the Sherriff.

France In The Franco Prussian War

France In The Franco Prussian War Three wars determined the fate of Germany, the first one early in 1864 with Denmark, then in 1866 Austria, the final one, France. The last one, Franco-Prussian War in 1870-71 directly led to the founding of Germany after French defeat. The Prussian victory was due much to the isolation of France. A.J.P Taylor commented that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦France was isolated in 1870 as Austria had been in 1866, and actually, these two isolation was the arts of Bismarcks foreign policies. There is no doubt that the favourable international circumstances benefited Bismarcks foreign policies, but like what Taylor had commented that it is inadequate to explain Bismarcks success solely by the mistakes of his opponents, acknowledging his contribution to the isolation of France in the Franco-Prussian War. This essay thus includes the architects of the Iron Chancellor to isolate France before this war. After the defeat of Austria in Seven Weeks War, the Franco-Prussian rivalries were more apparent. While Napoleon III was suspicious of Prussia due to her growing influence in Central Europe, he called for reward for French neutrality in the Austro-Prussian War. Bismarck, however, cleverly utilized his ambition to isolate France. To do so, Bismarck was intended to keep British isolation of France. After Prussian victory in the Austro-Prussian war in 1866, Napoleon III of France looked for the purchase of Luxemburg as compensation for neutrality in the war. French diplomat Vincent Benedetti even proposed a draft treaty of Franco-Prussian alliance to Bismarck, which was called the Benedetti treaty, proposing French annexation of Belgium. He later used them as a means to discredit France before the Franco-Prussian War by disclosing this treaty in The Times on July 25, together with the conspiracy of Napoleon III towards Belgium. This move was to arouse the discontent of British and to ensure her isolation on France. It is true that Britain was always suspicious of France right from the start of the 19th century owing to the Napoleonic Era and her strong nationalism, but this is not enough to explain British neutrality. It is Bismarck who utilized British fear to isolate France. British practical concern was Belgium. The Treaty of London in 1839 Britain guaranteed Belgian neutrality. During the Belgian Independence War(1830-9), British had resisted French intervention, since she had to prevent the spread of French influence there. Bismarck was wise to publicize the ambition of France in this region to gain British neutrality in times of war against France. This showed Bismarcks manipulation of international circumstances in foreign policies. The Iron Chancellor, on the other hand, tried his best to keep Russia neutral in the war to isolate France. He tried to get Russian goodwill first by offering the help for the chase of those Polish rebels, though it was rejected by Tsar Alexander II. Bismarcks later foreign policies finally succeed, especially during the period 1866 and 1870, when the Near East Crisis revived. Bismarck did not get involved in it, but he looked to peaceful ways to solve this. For instance, in 1869, Bismarck called a conference in Paris to solve the Cretan Crisis by acting as an honest broker. Actually, the relationship between Russia and Prussia was going on the right track. The Russo-Prussian Agreement was issued by Tsar Alexander II to station 100000 troops on the Austrian frontier to keep Austria in check. This showed that Bismarck in fact won the goodwill of Russia at that time, and it is not surprising Russia would stay neutral in the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. Of course, Bismarcks foreign poli cy was only one of the reasons contributing to the Russian neutrality. In fact, Russian military weaknesses led to her neutralization. She just lacked military power in Galicia to mobilize, let alone intervention. However, one cannot deny the effectiveness of Bismarcks foreign policies, which won the goodwill of Russia, avoiding her intervention in the Franco-Prussian War in 1870-71. Bismarck was well-aware of the Austrian foreign policy. Prussia had just defeated the Austrian in 1866 in the Seven Weeks War. However, Bismarck knew clearly that Austria was crucial to German unification due to the fact that he did not want a Greater Germany, but a Little Germany to ensure Prussian domination in Germany. Bismarck cared much about Austrian neutrality in case of a Franco-Prussian conflict. Actually, he was trying to recover the relation between Austria and Prussia after handing the former a lost in the war in 1866. He forced William I to treat Austria leniently by a threat of suicide. At last, this previous dominant power in the Central Europe lost only Venetia, Holstein and the presidency in the German Confederation according to the Treaty of Prague. She was still remained a power in the Central Europe. However, the above policies by Bismarck did not result in the neutrality. Actually, Austrian intention to take revenge on Prussia was not diminishing until 1870(Struggle for Mastery in Europeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. p169), which could be seen in the attempt to seek a Triple Alliance between Italy and France in 1868. Notwithstanding, Bismarcks policy to deliberately weakened Austria by stimulating the Hungarian revolt against the Hapsburg Empire during the Austro-Prussian War was the reason for Austrian neutrality. The dual monarchy, Austria-Hungary, was an indirect cause of Bismarcks plot. This led to internal instability in Austria because the newly-founded monarchy had too much to settle, for example the multi-racial sentiment like the demand for equal national rights by the Czechs in Bohemia since 1868, and the compromise with the Magyars, that is, Hungary, on the organization of the government. Austria-Hungary after 1866 defeat faced a chaotic situation, with complicated internal affair s remained unsettled. She was not ready for intervention. She was afraid of repeating Custoza rather than revenging Sadova. In this case, credits should be given to Bismarcks foreign policies, making Austria weak politically and militarily, resulting in her neutrality in Franco-Prussian War in 1870. Uniting with the Southern Germany was a highly serious matter considered by Bismarck. The Prussian Minster-President after the Austro-Prussian War in 1866 faced a difficult task in unifying these Southern German states. Nationalism among these four southern states, Baden, Bavaria, Hesse-Darmstabt and Wurttemberg, were not strong enough to unite with the North German Confederation. Though Bismarck had tried several times to unite with the Southern Germany, these were not successful. The most important one is the setting up of a Zollparlament after 1867, including all the delegates from all German states, regardless of Northern or Southern one. Most deputies from those Southern German states were only inclined to discussions of commercial problems, not political one. On the other hand, the four southern states were hostile to Prussia, and they were different from Prussia in terms of their religion. Prussia was a Protestant state, while others Catholics. Adding to it, there was a danger of these four southern states falling into the hands of Bismarck also due to the demand of Napoleon to get all territories of the left bank of the Rhine. Bismarck was in a headache not only in getting the unification with Southern German states, but to keep them in Prussian side. However, Bismarck turned impossible to miracle. He, intentionally quarreled with France, used her to generate a great force of nationalist emotion and, through inviting foreign French intervention to unite the North and Southern Germany. He wisely exposed the ambition of France in the discussions with the Southern German states to frighten them. This was effective. Secret military alliances were signed between Prussia and the four Southern German states respectively in August 1866. These were crucial, not only did these facilitate the development of close personal contacts with Prussians, but also in 1870, when the Franco-Prussian war was imminent, the Southern Germany took up their arms to help Prussia in the war. In this case, Bismarcks foreign policy manipulated the certain circumstances in the isolation of France before Franco-Prussian War in 1870. Italy, the most ineffective sixth power in Europe, however, was still a concern for Bismarck. He, before the Austro-Prussian War, signed an alliance with the Italians, promising to win her Venetia if she cooperated with Prussia against Austria in the war. At last, though it was France forcing Austria to cede Venetia after the Battle of Sadova in 1866, it was Bismarcks Treaty of Prague confirmed it. This foreign policy by Bismarck was part of the reason leading to the neutrality of Italy in the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. But it is arguable whether the neutrality was all of Bismarcks work. Truly, it is the long-time hostility of Italy towards France that caused this neutrality. Actually, France, since 1849, had troops in Rome, and the Italians would not co-operate until France had withdrawn her garrison there. (Bismarck and Germany 1862-1890 p.?) Therefore, those circumstances favoured push Italy away from France, even though an alliance with Austria and France was offered, she found it pointless to cooperate with France. Therefore, Italian neutrality in the Franco-Prussian War in 1870 was not only due to Bismarcks foreign policies, but also the favourable circumstances internationally. But Bismarcks work should not be regarded useless, but crucial since Bismarck as least tried his best to win Italian friendship. This was a smart decision. Italy strove to complete her unification. Prussian help in ensuring the return of Venetia won much Italian appreciation. Italy, thankful to Prussia, would not easily take action to stop her in the Franco-Prussian War. So, Bismarcks foreign policy was valuable in the isolation of France. To say Bismarck created circumstances is simply a joke. One can say Bismarck as an opportunist, as he made use certain international circumstances to isolate France. In a period when all the powers in Europe longed only for achieving their own needs, Bismarck was still able to play out his tactics in it. The Austrian neutrality was his playing, the Russian was, and even the Italian was. However, we cannot deny the fact that Bismarck was an architect, planning for the alliance with the Southern German states, for the Ems Telegram. Bismarck was a diplomatic genius. His cruel blood and iron policy earned him, and William I, an entire new and Prussian-led German Empire.

My Papa’s Waltz - Thats not just coke in Dads glass Essays -- My Pap

My Papa’s Waltz - That's not just coke in Dad's glass Some define alcohol abuse as "the recurrent use of alcohol to the extent that repeated use results in an inability to fulfill normal role functions, or presents legal or social/interpersonal problems, or creates a hazard to self or others" (Suppes 339). While most people seem to drink in moderation, others have a hard time drinking responsibly. Sometimes alcohol abuse can lead to physical abuse, mental abuse, loss of a job, alcoholism, or the breaking down of relationships. In "My Papa's Waltz," we see the detrimental effects of alcohol on a father/son relationship. Papa does not abuse his son, however his repeated drinking creates a gap in their relationship. In "My Papa's Waltz," we see no evidence of any physical abuse. His son, at this age, adores him. Together they "romped until the pans / Slid from the kitchen shelf" (Roethke 5-6). The young boy does not want to let go of his father; he admits, "I hung on like death" (3). Then, he explains he still clings to his father's shirt even while...

Positive Change In World Through Manipulation of Behavior in B.F Skinne

Positive Change In World Through Manipulation of Behavior in B.F Skinner's Waldo Two   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  B.F. Skinner, in his novel Walden Two, presents many arguments about how he foresees a positive change in the world through manipulation of behavior on the personal level. Sigmund Freud, in his works, specifically Civilization and Its Discontents, presents his view of human nature and what is innately problematic about it. Both Freud and Skinner agree that human behavior is the result of outside factors that severely hinder the concept of free will. Skinner believes that humans, in the correct environment, can live happily, while Freud understands that humans are destined to live in "some degree of anguish or discontent."   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Skinner uses the ideal setting of Walden Two to illustrate his ideas of how human behavior should be "formed." Much of Skinner's argument on how to eliminate what he knows as problematic rests on his prescription of dismissing the notion of individual freedom. Skinner does not only say that the concept of individual freedom is a farce. He takes it a step further and states that the search for it is where society has gone wrong. He wants no part in the quest for individual freedom. If we give up this illusion, says Skinner, we can condition everyone to act in acceptable ways.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Skinner has a specific prescription for creating this utopian society. He declares that all that is necessary is to change the conditions which surround man. "G...

Peter Skrzynecki Poem Analysis Essay

Belonging is a fundamental aspect of humanity, It is a subjective concept that can be positive or negative, based on experiences. Positive belonging offers individuals a sense of identity, security and bond to either a person, place or object. Whereas, negative belonging limits ones sense of identity, security and ultimately incites one to feel marginalized, unsociable and alone. This notion is extensively explored within Peter Skrzynecki’s poem, St. Patrick’s College, from the anthology Immigrant Chronicle, and Richard Kelly’s 2001 film Donnie Darko as both texts illustrate the protagonist’s limited and negative experience of belonging through their interaction with others resulting in acts of insubordination. Contrary to negative belonging, Peter Skrzynecki’s poem, 10 Mary Street- also from the anthology Immigrant Chronicle-explores the notion that it a positive sense of belonging can be achieved through interaction with others. Peter Skrzynecki’s St Patrick’s College, a semi-autobiographical poem explores the idea of negative interactions within a class dynamic resulting in a poor sense of belonging. St patricks college conveys a reflective and lethargic tone in which the persona describes his negative experiences of social segregation throughout his schooling years as being tedious and not â€Å"for the best†. The lack of belonging is emphasized metaphorically in the persona’s description of his schooling experience as being one of â€Å"darkness†, the technique of irony is evident as the school’s motto, ‘Luceat Lux Vestra† latin for ‘Let your light shine’ acts as a contrasting device as the schools mission is to allow students to evolve and shine, however the persona communicates a school life of darkness where he faced troubling emotions of insecurity and isolation. This further reinforces the concept that the personas lack of interaction with those around him, specifically with his school environment resulted in a negative sense of belonging. The second stanza of St. Patricks college demonstrates the limited experiences of belonging within the school community. The personas mother ‘said a prayer’ for her sons ‘future intentions’, which emphasizes the lack of control in which the persona had over his fate but also raises a religious element in which it is seen that the personas mother demonstrates her reverence toward the school and it’s religious base. The mutual relation of religion is what allows the personas mother to experience a sense of belonging as she is able to interact positively with the other members of the St..  Patricks college community despite the various differences. The technique of Juxtaposition challenges the mothers belonging as her truculent son acts out in a violent manner as noted as he â€Å"stuck pine needles into the motto’’ of his school uniform. The act of using pine needles to puncture the surface of the motto displays the rebellion and lack of pride the persona had for his school. This further reflects how negative interaction with ones surroundings ultimates in the personas feelings of aggression and self doubt that therefore denies him a sense of belonging. The concept that negative interactions with surroundings will subsequently result in a lack or limited understanding and experience of belonging is further explored in Richard Kelly’s 2001 film Donnie Darko as the protagonist Donnie suffers with schizophrenia and is plagued by visions of a large bunny rabbit named Frank who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes that further disperse him from reality and display his inability to belong to society due to his sadistic actions he imposes on his surroundings and people. It is evident that donnies personality has slowly dissolved as the scene where his mother enters his room after he disappeared and says ‘‘What happened to my son? I don’t recognize this person today? †. This line emphasizes the barrier of understanding between Donnie and his mother due to his mental illness becoming a wall between both characters and the lack of interaction in which they share therefore disabling them from truly affiliating with each, causing donnie to feel more alienated and unable to endure a positive experience of belonging in his home and with his family. This ultimately leads him to gravitate further toward Frank who is the personification Donnie’s fear of death. Donnie’s sense of self is challenged when he and his girlfriend are in the cinema, the silhouettes of Donnie and his girlfriend are briefly seen in contrast with the dark surroundings. Orchestral sound plays a significant role in this scene as frank appears next to his girlfriend who is asleep in the theatre. The cinematic technique of Swish pan is significant as Frank and Donnie are never scene together in one shot, they are always opposite, acing each other like a reflection. This scene emphasizes the barriers between fantasy and reality as his girlfriend represents the concept of reality and being that she is asleep, it displays the loss of logic or normality in donnies experiences and the suffocating grip that fantasy and hallucination now has on his life. Donnie attempts to rebel against this force when he says â€Å"Why are you wearing that stupid bunny suit? † in which frank abruptly responds â€Å"Why are you wearing that stupid man suit†? This challenges his role as a human in the film and further destructs donnies sense of security and belonging to himself. This therefore contributes to him feeling further displaced from humanity and ultimately preventing Donnie from experiencing positive interactions with other humans and Frank. Moreover, it is known that positive experiences of belonging are endured and enrich ones sense of identity, security and bond to either a person, place or object. This is seen in Peter Skrzynecki’s poem, 10 Mary Street where the concept of family and place is significant when seeking a sense of belonging. An example of a positive experience of interaction in this poem is through the garden, skrzynecki uses symbolism and imagery to describe the significance the garden had in each member of his families life; My parents watered/ Plants- grew potatoes/ And rows of sweet corn. † This quote identifies that the parents felt a sense of belonging through growing and nurturing the garden in which represented a fragment of their Polish culture. In addition to that, the persona incorporates metaphorical symbols such as the â€Å"key† in the stanza; ‘Inheritors of a key, That’ll open no house, when this one is pulled down†. This further elaborates on the concept that the persona is the key to his culture and background of poland birthed by his parents past, in which he struggles to adapt to harmoniously. The poet ‘inherits’ his past but yet it fails to open any doors to him which therefore push him to feel temporarily at a loss with himself but this is challenged as the idea of pursuing a new australian culture is introduced and allowing himself to let go of what was not his and grow what can now be his. This allows the persona to establish a sense of belonging through the preservation of the garden in which he and his parents belong to but also his own sense of identity in Australia in which he seeks individually. Overall, an individual’s interaction with others, whether that interaction is positive or negative, can influence their attitudes and understanding of belonging. The idea of negative experiences and interactions between individuals causes an inadequate experience of belonging is captured and conveyed within Peter Skrzynecki’s St.  Patrick’s College and Richard Kelly’s Donnie Darko, as the protagonists in both texts battle against their predictive and desolate sense of self due to their negative interactions. Contrary to this is the idea that positive experiences and interactions can enrich ones sense of belonging, as seen in Peter Skrzynecki’s 10 Mary Street. Regardless, belonging is a core component of humanity and offers individuals either a positive or negative experience.