Past Vs. Present

The film “Keita: Heritage of the Griot” tells the story of a young boy named Mabo who learns about his culture through a family friend. Djeliba, the family friend, is considered a Griot which is someone who holds the role of continuing the passing the stories that are important to a family's history. Djeliba's surprise visit to talk to Mabo causes conflict between Mabo's obligation to school and his desire to learn about his ancestors. A main theme of identity is weaved throughout the film. Mabo struggles with learning of his ancestry and functioning in the modern world at the same time. This theme is emphasized by the consequences Mabo meets when he chooses to listen to Djeliba's story. The school teacher dismisses Mabo from attending school because he can no longer focus and prepare for exams. There is a clear cultural clash between traditional practices and modern day pressures. Mabo has to understand his ancestors past before he can fully function and participate in society. This theme is also relevant in Djeliba's story. The whole story is built off of prophecies and fantasies that have no guarantee of being fulfilled. These revelations had to be completed in order to reap the benefits that were promised. Again, we see that there is an element of completing the past before moving on to the future.

The modern-day griot in my family is my Nana. She recalls most of our family history by memory. She uses her knowledge of our past to create scrapbooks for the family to remember. An example would be our ancestor Peter P. Pitchlynn, who was born to settler parents and married a Choctaw Native American princess and became chief. After resigning as chief, Peter P. Pitchlynn fought for Native American's rights and gained the Choctaw nation reservation lands. As long as I can remember my Nana had this history book with Peter P. Pitchlynn's story and would read it to us.

I believe it is important to know your family's history because then you gain a better understanding of oneself. When you understand where you came from and how that form you into the person you are today you can better contribute to society. The collaborations of cultures and others perspectives are what the humanities are all about. In the film Mabo will become a better functioning individual in society once he understand where he came from.