Memory, History, Identity, and a Good Life

A majority of people have a miniscule idea of what their family history is or the stories behind how their family became who they are. In "Heritage of the Griot", the stories behind a young boys heritage is explored and tensions between the boy's desire to learn where he comes from and his schoolwork, which his family holds in higher regard than stories of the past, is seen. A question of "is the knowledge of family heritage truly important" emerges while watching this film.

To some, heritage is of little importance to them. They have no desire to know where they come from and the woes or triumps their family members have been through. They see no reason to, it does not benefit them whether or not they know the stories. They are more inclined to do other things such as being successful and making money. Knowing their hertitage will not aid them in these endevours.

There are also people whose entire identity and knowledge of who they are and why they are here relies on their families history. They seek the knowledge of their family because it aids them in finding a place that they belong. It helps them understand the people who lived in their family before them in hopes of understanding themselves and where they fit into their own family or society.

In the film "Heritage of Griot" we experience both these sides. The mother and instructor wishes for the boy, Mabo, to concentrate solely on his schoolwork and not the stories of the past that the Griot is providing him. Mabo is at a conflict with himself, he wishes to know the origins of his family and name however is being punished for doing so. By the end Mabo has been exiled from school, and finds himself in a situation much like the story of his ancestor. He then realizes that it is up to him to direct his life and be successful.

Heritage does not matter much to myself, though I do believe there are lessons to be learned from it. However, it is more important to begin your own story and live your own life rather than dwelling on other people's experiences and stories.