From the moment of birth, humans subconsciously revolve their thoughts and behaviors around the desire to belong. As babies, we come from our mothers, and in turn develop a desire to be protected and cared for by them. Belonging takes on a more complex definition as we grow older, for connections are not only built with people, but also institutions. Schools, workplaces, and the national government divide us into the students and the teachers, the workers and the bosses, the citizens and the strangers.
As soon as we give in to the natural human desire of belonging to a society, we allow our identities to shift from a private to a public matter. As a result, reputations, labels, and stereotypes become the driving force in perceptions of oneself and the “other”. In attempts to be associated with those who belong, individuals are quick to alienate those vying for the same position. This repressive environment is exemplified in Citizen, which identifies the connection between white fear of displacement in society, and the erasure of black people through institutionalized racism.
In The Stranger, this environment manifests itself in the readers’ tendency to judge Meursault for his indifference. With my first read, I know that I resisted Meursault as an intrusion on social normalcy. In this scenario, I could be considered as one who belongs, for I am “normal” in my willingness to express emotions. With this position of power, I feel the desire to ostracize Meursault as an irreversible stranger, almost as if his existence threatens the entire system of belonging. As shown in both these books, the idea of belonging has ironically become involved with individualism, for the haves are willing to do anything in their power to separate themselves from the have-nots.
I agree that it is easy to exclude Meursault from the norms of society. I believe that Camus intended for readers to be confused by his character. When first reading the book we are tempted to judge Meursault. Further into the book we judge ourselves and notice that Meursault's differences many not be a bad thing, but they do set him apart.
ReplyDeleteI agree that in our society, we have a tendency to prejudge and label people. I believe that when reading The Stranger, you must prevent your mind from making prejudgements on Meursault and remain impartial. Our knowledge of Meursault's background is limited, therefore can we truly judge him justly? One's actions and behavior are strong indications about one's character, however one's experience is truly the determinant. What if at a young age he was abused, neglected, or abandoned? If so, his behavior and actions would be understandable and considered "normal" in society.
ReplyDeleteThe Stranger and Citizen interestingly share the premise you mentioned: a stranger in a place they feel they don't belong. Also interesting is how both narrators respond to their alienation somewhat similarly. Both the "You" of Citizen and Mersault strive not to fit in, but to change the environment around them. Whether it's conversation snippets about race or a skillful manipulation of people, both books provide a protagonist who runs counter to the idea of belonging within the existing establishment.
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