A persons reality is always shaped by societys expectations Damned if you do, and damned if you dont There is an objective

reality out there, but we view it through the spectacles of our beliefs, attitudes and values David G Myers. In spite of the view we hold of the world, it will only be considered objective after it has been accepted by societys members. Each individual is in a society, and societys influence can not be subsided, as we confront our community on a day to day basis. Following suit, society often plays upon individuals as a double edged sword, when society respects and supports your opinion, you are treated like a hero; however if society refutes or ignores your view, you are treated like a criminal. A key factor for mental asylums being created, away from society, in turn enables those persons who are different to cope and slowly rehabilitate from their subjective delusion. However, what happens to a person who transitions from one society to another? There are more than 200 countries in the world, with each country containing thousands or millions of societys, possibly even more. Racism and violence are often the two results of certain societies being intruded upon. This is clearly evident with the rise in violence in our city, where all cultures interact, but more specifically visible with the attacks on ethnic students. Earlier many had considered our society as diverse and tolerating of all religions and cultures, however lately after the attacks, Melbournes immigration levels are much lower than earlier anticipated, even after the adjustment made for the global economic crisis. Certain individuals and groups have taken it upon themselves to physically abuse ethnic people, who often still carry the reality which they had thrived upon for many years. These groups had expected for all these ethnicities to vanish, forcing all overseas pupils to live and support an Australian identity, which they had only experienced for a limited amount of time. Yet, it is pleasing too see the way in which the Australian public and government reacted to the increasing violence, condemning and punishing their serial-killer like behaviour; proving that the majority or powerful will always defeat the beliefs of the minority. Regardless, it is a well known fact, that the new generation of Australia, will provide one of the biggest culture mixes, the world has ever seen enabling societys expectations in this city to be open and accepting. People with a different view of the world may in future be regarded as revolutionists, as how would we be able to discover and create things such as art or other inventions we now take for granted? These creations would not have been possible without an individual supporting the impossible. Yet, most of these people, before achieving success were looked down upon by society, as the communities they live in did not accept their subjective thoughts. In a similar sense, Blanch Dubois (A southern Belle) was not supported by society, and not even by her family, both in Laurel and the French quarter in New Orleans. Initially after the immense fornications of her forebears she had lost Belle Reeve, but loosing Allan Gray (her former husband) is a loss she could not bear. However it is the events that unfold after this, that deprive her status in society, which ultimately lead to her eviction from Laurel. According to Blanche, intimacies with strangers enabled her to be noticed, which she had found hard to receive, after the fading of her youthful beauty. Though, her promiscuous character did not meet societys demands of a widow, or even as a teacher. In similar fashion, her fate takes another cruel twist, following her break-up with Mitch (after the truth of her age and lies is exposed to the light) and also by Stanleys callous rape, Blanche to escape realism intrudes into a world full of magic. Furthermore, Stella is forced to act according to societies demands of a wife (who is known as Mrs Stanley Kowalski) in supporting Stanley over Blanche even though Stella is aware of the truth, made evident to the audience by

Williams in the plays conclusion, where Stella cries out for Blanche, rather than standing by Stanley. Blanche is not fully deluded, though society indirectly impacts and prevents her from living a misrepresented life, which is metaphorically shown to audiences with Stanleys rouged middle class persona, which in the 1950s dominated New Orleans, leaving Stanley (the powerful) to determine and map out her future in line with the communities beliefs. On the other hand, Dorothy after her marriage to Royce was also forced to subdue her career and hobbies, adopting her new identity and reality as Mrs Dunlop. Her role as a mother, again in the 1960s was dependant on societies beliefs, which were further heightened in Perth, where society controlled ones world. Roberts happiness in escaping societys expectations, where a young man would work hard and set up his own family in accordance with his families wishes (away from controversy), is demonstrated in his trip to Rottnest island (the isle of girls). Here, one could adventure with his sexuality, without the dogmatic discretion of society. Royce too, after successfully upholding his position as the familys breadwinner, does slide into another relationship, which lead him to leave Perth for Sydney, where he could start a life afresh, and away from earlier discretions. Such is societys influence that Royces plan was prepared earlier as everything suddenly fell into place. More importantly, Eric Cookes physical deformity (cleft-lip plate) forced him to confront abuse from his school peers alongside his father who often called him birdmouth. However this abuse continued on, with Cooke being segregated from society (including the Saturday night ball, held North of the Swan River). Eventually, this vendetta against societys expectations of a man (which Eric was unable to fulfil) grew to uncontrollable levels that his anger was unable to control. Drewe shows this to readers in Cookes committal hearing, where he mentions that their was a power he could not control as though I [Eric] was God. In Erics scenario societys demands and its grotesque values acted as a catalyst in his downfall towards criminal activity. Ultimately Cookes killings changed an innocent Perth forever, where once people left their doors and windows open for the Fremantle doctor, now locked their doors in fear even though society had failed in fully supporting Cooke Without societys expectations, we would be unable to determine if we have lived a successful life. There is no measure upon the happiness one receives on living up to societies demands, however there is also little solace for those unable to do so. In every society their will be outsiders, it is only through the way in which the community deals with these outsiders that a society itself can be judged. Nonetheless, our reality in spite of the beliefs we may possess will only be accepted by others, if society accepts them first. As known Man is a social animal, society will shape our opinion of the world; though its expectations set on us will always affect our lives, possibly for the good.