The Boy with the Top Knot Case Study
The Boy with the Topknot is the memoir of the secrets, love as well as lies in Wolverhampton and is the heart-rending reinvention of a contemporary British biography (Sathnam Sanghera, 2024). This book emphasizes on the Sanghera’s experience in the concealing his life within London with the Sikh traditions and cultural values help by his family in the Wolverhampton. The evaluation of mental illness within the family makes this book the unique as well as ground-breaking piece of writing. A positive mindset, resilience, social support as well as resilience has helped him to grow and empowered him to overcome the challenges (Bhanot, 2020). By offering him with the tools to challenge the oppressive system as well as promotes empathy among the diverse community, education motivates the people to handle the societal challenges collectively.
Psychological well-being is the integral part of the Punjabi Sikh lifestyle which people already practise. This community is liked to be majorly influenced by their Sikh history as well as the belief that they are capable of handling hardship. His mother was facing with the schizophrenia personality disorder which is a symptom of consistent anxiety and depression. She lived in the urban areas which is a great risk for the serious mental illness. The high distribution rates of the schizophrenia have been found in the urban areas (Picione, 2023). Public stigma includes the negative attitude with others might have regarding the mental illness. Self-stigma signifies as a negative attitudes which include internal shame which the individuals with the mental illness have.
Internalized stigma is linked with the educational level, treatment for the mental disorders as well as medication usage. The influence of the internalized stigma is compared with the level of illness burden itself which leads high level of depression as well as better psychiatric symptom severity. Maslow theory includes that actions which is motivated by the certain psychological as well as physiological requirements that progress from the basic to complicated. This hierarchy recommends that Sanghera is motivated to fulfil the basic requirements before the more advanced requirements. Maslow believes that these needs are similar to the instincts which plays a vital role in motivating the behavior.
Mental health issues might be seen as the normal part of life, people might seek assistance from the family, community as well as friends. Mental health has been shaped by the cultural factors like religion, background, social standards as well as traditions. When he was viewed negatively because of his mental illness has led to reduce hope, lower self-esteem as well as more psychiatric symptoms. When people are treated negatively because of their mental health can make mental health issues worsen as well as prevent them from getting help. Stigma is a major barrier to families who are seeking mental health services from their children. Parents might be worried regarding their community findings for their children issues. Stigma within the mental illness have the unfair attitude in him and belief regarding someone with the mental health challenges, stigma can make the people with mental health feel excluded (Javed et al, 2021). The stigma is linked with the mental illness which leads social isolation, discrimination as well as prejudice against the people seeking for help.
Sanghera struggled with the anxiety for the years but he handled these psychological as well as emotional needs by seeking the therapy as well as he expressed his experience through writing. He used writing as a way to explore as well as communicate his feelings regarding own experience. This signifies dealing with the underlying emotions as well as mental issues the people are facing. This signifies dealing with the underlying emotions as well as mental health challenges the person is facing with. The Sanghera can accomplish the self-actualization needs which fulfilling his potential as a writer by highlighting awareness on mental health.
Mental health
Mental health is shaped by Sanghera cultural beliefs, norms and values. Their culture can influence the way they understand as well as cope up with the mental illness. This shapes their behaviors, perceptions as well as ways of interacting with others. Expected to be the head of the home, he provides financial help to the family, makes decisions as well as represents his family in the community (Thornicroft et al, 2022). Despite the traditional gender roles, there has been the rising movement in the Sikh community towards the gender equality as various women actively participate in the public life.
Stigmatized attitudes as well as beliefs towards the people with mental health are structured with the general public. Social stigma can create the disparities in access to the basic services as well as requirements. He felt trapped among the desire for freedom as well as trust within his family. Stigma as well as discrimination can make the people's mental health issues worse as well as delay them from getting assistance. Poor housing, social isolation, unemployment as well as poverty is linked with the mental ill health. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) has led to enhance the vulnerability to negative mental health conditions such as major depression, schizophrenia as well as personality disorder.
Thompson’s PCS is a helpful tool which assists Sanghera develop his understanding of the connection among the popular culture, wider society as well as individual attitudes. At the personal level, he felt secrecy, embarrassment, withdrawal from social situations as well as continuous need to hide aspects of his family conditions. As grown up in the family with the financial struggles made him feel ashamed to talk regarding his home life with friends.
At the cultural level, his community attitudes towards the people with the mental illness have changed. He did not meet societal expectations on the basis of gender which led to experiencing the feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy as well as sense of failure. He does not fulfill the traditional masculine ideas of being efficient might develop the feelings of shame as well as reduced the self-worth (Wahyuhadi et al, 2022). Gender roles can majorly influence the mental health, impact people's emotional well-being, psychological state as well as self-esteem. Gender roles might also impose the higher expectations as well as stress on the people to adhere with the societal standards. The pursuit of perfectionism to meet the societal expectations can lead to anxiety as well as chronic stress. Gender roles can restrict the people's opportunities for the professional as well as personal development. These limitations lead to dissatisfaction, frustration as well as sense of unfulfilled potential.
At the structural level, broader societal systems as well as policies can influence the access to health services such as mental health services. These are challenges in the care system which prevent specific groups from accessing care like a shortage of the competent providers as well as a lack of the culturally specific treatments. Sanghera from his cultural background did not find a mental health professional who might understand his beliefs as well as communication style (Mula and Kaufman, 2020). Lack of the culturally specific care can reinforce the existing stigma around the mental health issues within the particular community which can lead to reluctance to seek assistance. Sanghera finds mental health services which meet his cultural requirements that lead to access to care. He engaged with the community leaders to raise the awareness regarding the mental health services as well as encourage culturally sensitive care.
Sanghera’s personal values are considered significant in his life which shape his actions as well as choices. This is an act of openly communicating one’s feelings, thoughts as well as beliefs without the reservation. This indicates that his decisions are driven by the desire to be truthful as well as authentic. Cultural norms have helped the Sanghera to grow up in the society. One of the major compelling aspect of the career in writing is the capability to impact the public thoughts as well as opinions. He delves deep into the issues through the research and uncovers the truths which are accountable.
Values offer families which an outlook on life, a way to view the world as well as situations. This also adds the relations as well as influences behaviors, judgments as well as parenting styles (Emmer et al, 2020). This guided me through major decision-making, impacted personal growth as well as carved an ideal career path. Family is significant which offers security as well as support which is coupled with the unconditional love. The concept of mental health advocacy has been developed in promoting the human rights of the persons with the mental disorders, reduce stigma as well as discrimination.
Sanghera highlighted to mental health advocacy which is significant for raising awareness regarding the mental health challenges which break down stigma as well as promote access to mental health services. Mental health advocacy assists in handling these challenges by promoting awareness as well as education regarding the mental health conditions. This advocate for policy changes which enhance access to mental health services as well as support people who are impacted by the mental health issues. By speaking regarding the mental health can reduce the stigma linked with the mental health. Sanghera helped in promoting the culture of wellness which emphasizes on mental health as a vital aspect of health and wellbeing.
To break down stigma as well as encourage mental health, it is significant to challenge the negative stereotypes as well as attitudes that are linked with the mental illness. He has promoted awareness regarding mental health, education, shared experiences and personal stories, work in creating a supporting as well as inclusive environment for people impacted by mental health issues (Chatmon, 2020). His writing emphasized on promoting the culture of wellness, advocating for mental health services as well as challenging stigma related to mental health.
Bowlby attachment theory emphasizes on emotional bonds with the primary caregivers as a safe base which explores the source of comfort. His mental representation as well as others developed within the early childhood based on the communication with caregivers which will act as a blueprint for the future relations. This is the bond Sanghera forms with the primary caregivers in the early years which is vital in developing the sage attachment style. He took care of his mother during her illness which has transformed his understanding of the unconditional love.
Education
Education plays a significant role in Sanghera’s life which inspired him to change his thinking, dedicate himself, empower knowledge as well as independence to move forward. This enhanced her self-confidence as well as motivated her to pursue her dream. Cultural awareness is significant in promoting an inclusive society. Educators need to value the significance of cultural awareness in the education which nurtures cultural sensitivity among learners (Warnick et al, 2022). Cultural awareness is vital in offering an equitable learning environment for all the learners. The capability to appreciate, comprehend as well as respect for customs, values as well as behaviors of the people from the range of cultural backgrounds. This leads to more cultural relations as well as fewer interpersonal conflicts which arise from the cultural variations. When people learn regarding other cultures can gain the better understanding of the issues as well as experiences faced by the individuals from the distinct backgrounds. By educating people on the significance of diversity can lead to feel valued as well as respected despite of the race, culture and ethnic backgrounds.
Education assists in promoting the gender equality, issues in gender roles as well as encouraging critical thinking skills. Education has offered Sanghera with the opportunity to enhance their critical thinking skills which is significant for the efficiency in the current changing environment. Higher education has provided him with the diverse experience as well as ideas from the different cultural backgrounds. The social standards have been considered as an important factor in his family as well as the community where he was grown up. Cultural awareness in education assists learners in navigating as well as respecting the differences with the diverse people. This allows people to gain the better understanding of the challenges as well as experiences faced by the individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Embracing the cultural diversity within the school leads to an inclusive environment where all the learners feel respected as well as valued. This promotes the sense of belonging in the learners from the different cultural backgrounds. Cultural awareness equips the people with the skills needed to navigate the multicultural environment. Cultural sharing as well as exchange in the class promotes strong bonds as well as cooperation among the learners. This contributes to the safe as well as supportive learning atmosphere. Cultural education also focuses on the significance of non-verbal communication like body language, gestures as well customers which can change across diverse cultures. This fosters communication, prepares students to engage with the audience as well as reduces misunderstanding. By analyzing the cultural histories, practices as well as belief systems allow learners to gain the better understanding of the complexities within the human societies (Quirke et al, 2021). This empowers them to challenges with the broad perspectives as well as fosters innovation.
This is vital to cultivate open minded people who can adapt with the diverse atmosphere. Educational culture within the education can promote open mindedness by motivating the learners to appreciate the different methods of thought, life as well as perspectives (Chow et al, 2020). Open-minded people are better equipped with the problem-solving as well as collaboration with the multicultural setting which prepares them for the success in the changing environment.
In conclusion, the book veers among Sathnam Sanghera struggle as he tries to cope up with the clash of cultures as he grew up with the discoveries. The importance of topknot as well as other cultural symbols is his upbringing has traditional values as well as the ability to symbolize the conflicts as well as reconciliations of the young boy caught among two worlds. He has highlighted the need for open dialogues around the mental health which break down the silence as well as create the supportive environment which can be discussed as well as handled without any shame. As he navigated the complicated emotional terrain, it has become clear that acknowledging these truths are significant in his journey towards understanding as well as self-acceptance.
Resilience has helped him to approach new situations, experiences as well as people with confidence as well as positive mindset which is essential for success. Education motivates the people to navigate the life's challenges, contribute to society as well as make informed decisions by equipping their minds with skills as well as facts. Embracing the growth mindset allowed him to overcome challenges as well as embrace the new opportunities in life. By exposing people with diverse languages, perspectives as well as cultures nurtures understanding as well as empathy. Through education, he becomes a catalyst for the positive change, breaking barriers as well as building bridges of harmony.
Struggling to analyze The Boy with the Topknot for your assignment? This case study highlights key themes like mental health stigma, cultural pressures, resilience, and education, providing critical insights for academic analysis. With detailed evaluation of Sanghera’s experiences, family dynamics, and societal influences, it offers a clear framework to structure essays or reports. Accessing expert do my assignment support can save time, ensure accuracy, and help you effectively link theory to the memoir, making your work compelling and academically strong.
References
Books and Journals
- Bhanot, K., 2020. Reading the Whiteness of British Asian Literature: A Reading of Sathnam Sanghera’s The Boy with the Topknot: A Memoir of Love, Secrets and Lies in Wolverhampton. The Journal of Commonwealth Literature, 55(2), pp.204-227.
- Chatmon, B.N., 2020. Males and mental health stigma. American journal of men's health, 14(4), p.1557988320949322.
- Chow, G.M., Bird, M.D., Gabana, N.T., Cooper, B.T. and Becker, M.A.S., 2020. A program to reduce stigma toward mental illness and promote mental health literacy and help-seeking in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I student-athletes. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 15(3), pp.185-205.
- Emmer, C., Bosnjak, M. and Mata, J., 2020. The association between weight stigma and mental health: A meta‐analysis. Obesity Reviews, 21(1), p.e12935.
- Haggett, G.K., The endless knot: Turning the seasons in Harrison Birtwistle's Gawain (1991) and David Lowery's The Green Knight (2021). In History as Fantasy in Music, Sound, Image, and Media (pp. 230-244). Routledge.
- Javed, A., Lee, C., Zakaria, H., Buenaventura, R.D., Cetkovich-Bakmas, M., Duailibi, K., Ng, B., Ramy, H., Saha, G., Arifeen, S. and Elorza, P.M., 2021. Reducing the stigma of mental health disorders with a focus on low-and middle-income countries. Asian journal of psychiatry, 58, p.102601.
- Mula, M. and Kaufman, K.R., 2020. Double stigma in mental health: epilepsy and mental illness. BJPsych open, 6(4), p.e72.
- Picione, R.D.L., 2023. The Knot and the Psyche: A Study on the Dynamism of the Psyche by Means of the Knotting Praxis. In Re-inventing organic metaphors for the Social Sciences (pp. 105-136). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
- Quirke, E., Klymchuk, V., Suvalo, O., Bakolis, I. and Thornicroft, G., 2021. Mental health stigma in Ukraine: cross-sectional survey. Global Mental Health, 8, p.e11.
- Thornicroft, G., Sunkel, C., Aliev, A.A., Baker, S., Brohan, E., El Chammay, R., Davies, K., Demissie, M., Duncan, J., Fekadu, W. and Gronholm, P.C., 2022. The Lancet Commission on ending stigma and discrimination in mental health. The Lancet, 400(10361), pp.1438-1480.
- Wahyuhadi, J., Efendi, F., Al Farabi, M.J., Harymawan, I., Ariana, A.D., Arifin, H., Adnani, Q.E.S. and Levkovich, I., 2022. Association of stigma with mental health and quality of life among Indonesian COVID-19 survivors. PLoS One, 17(2), p.e0264218.
- Warnick, J.L., Darling, K.E., West, C.E., Jones, L. and Jelalian, E., 2022. Weight stigma and mental health in youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 47(3), pp.237-255.
- Online
- Sathnam Sanghera, 2024. Online. Available through. :<https://sathnam.com/memoir/>.
