Go Back To Where You Came From Essay

Self-discovery transforms an individual to develop improved attitudes and perspectives which alter their previously held beliefs towards a social group. Through the process of self-discovery an individual is able to contradict and challenge prejudice and stereotypes. SBS’s constructed documentary Go Back To Where You Came From, follows six ordinary Australians as they embark on a reverse refugee experience; encountering the perilous and risky journey faced by refugees in Iraq, Malaysia and Africa. The series challenges the contemporary Australian audience on their own moral and multicultural values reflecting upon the hardships faced by refugees. Through the six participant’s initial prejudicial stance on refugees and their confronting experiences …show more content…
Adam’s unexpected emotional connection with the Chin family inspires him to raise concern about refugee welfare and rights. Adam’s powerful and emotive language when he raises “At home, guys labouring got a play slip to go to and get the luxuries in life and these guys got nothing, its just a big reality hit” challenges the audience to compare the exploitation of refugees to the law-protected lifestyle in Australia. The rhetorical questions “how much do these guys get paid...? How do they feed their families and get money” illustrate Adam’s growing concern about the welfare of refugees which becomes a stark contradiction to his negative attitude at the beginning of the documentary. In juxtaposition to this, the contestants attend a raid for refugees “just like the Chins”. During this raid close up shots of Adam’s distressed facial expressions allow the audience to discover the compassionate attitude he has gained as the police officers arrest the families found under the house. By tracing the same footsteps as the refugees, the contestants are provided with an opportunity to revaluate their stance on Australian’s humanitarian program for