Throughout life there are many barriers that we must overcome. They come in all shapes and sizes. This theme “Breaking through barriers” is evident in the movie No.2 by Toa Fraser, the novel Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera, the song Bathe in the river by Hollie Smith and short text Return from Oz by Witi Ihimaera. In these texts the characters are portrayed as breaking down barriers.
No.2 by Toa Fraser. When Soul broke down the door, he broke down the barrier of pain and separation. The barrier of a grudge and hate that caused dysfunction in the family. Through this Soul felt that the closed door brought the family down. It was like a burden that everyone was weighed down by. Through this Soul bravely did what he thought was right and what the family needed which was to break through the barrier everyone couldn’t.
Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Kahu has shown this theme through the determination, strength and love she had for her Koro even though he was neglecting her for her whole life. She pushed his barriers down and broke through them when she climbed onto the back of the whale for example. When she saved the whales and almost lost her life, it was then, her Paka realised his beliefs in tradition had no significance to him anymore.
Bathe in the river by Hollie Smith. When facing a challenge or barrier, you have to keep strong and keep your head up because it’ll help you break through that barrier. “Not gonna worry anymore” you aren’t worried about anything holding you back from getting through it and reaching “that golden shore” on the other side of that barrier. World worries could be a barrier keeping you from reaching your full potential and keep you from pursuing your dreams.
I believe that everyone has barriers that they need to break down, barriers that are stopping them. There isn’t one person in the world without a barrier, without a worry. Everyday people are going through things. You aren’t alone. Whale Rider, No.2, Bathe in the River and Return from Oz, all have shown me that. They have shown me that they do come in shapes and sizes, and in places you wouldn’t think a barrier needed to be overcome. You may face barriers at a young age or face barriers at an old age. We should never get caught up in the misconception of others or be threatened or belittled by a barrier or challenge. If you have any goals and aspirations you go for it, barge through anyone or anything that gets in the way or it.
