Robert Arnold
LBST 2102 - Keita
2/1/12
The competing cultures are very clear in
Keita, as are the competing identities of Mabo. But, more subtly, so are
competing views of what makes one knowledgeable and successful. This is, of
course, strongly tied with both of the previously mentioned themes, but bears
distinction. One educational system values strict factual knowledge evidenced
in exams, the other, family history evidenced in life.
The Western education system, as
expressed in Keita, values factual, rote knowledge. These facts do not seem to
be connected with their own life at all. Even the teacher does not necessarily
believe all of it, evidenced by his protest when challenged on evolution – he
does not say it is true, he says it is the right answer for the test. The exam
is all that gives significance to these pieces of information – in fact,
whenever we see the school, they are learning about other countries, not their
own history or anything that has significance for the ones who learn it. But
the exam is worth it, for with it comes advancement in the westernized colonial
society. It is not personal development, except in perseverance and dedication,
it is solely a means to an end.
In contrast, the traditional education
system is not about knowledge so much as understanding. They believe strongly
that your past, even distant past, is who you become (if you were an ape, you
still are – do not teach evolution!). Therefore, it is essential to know your
past. This is an understanding of your basic nature which shapes your life.
There is no exam, there is only understanding and change – and in stark
contrast to the Western educational system, this is based on stories, not on
facts. Note the power of this sort of teaching to draw in Mabo and the other
children, even potentially ‘against their will’ or better judgment.
This contrast in education – stories vs
facts, personal growth vs passing the test, is emblematic of difference in
values. Where traditional culture values history, character, and oneness with
ancestors, modern culture values ‘getting ahead,’ reaching beyond, getting
something new, by whatever means necessary. In the end of the movie, a
resolution to this dichotomy is hinted at, for although school will end (note
the repetition of ‘summer’ and the fact that school will be out, and of exams
and other endings), griots will appear throughout Mabo’s life to help him
become himself.
