Julie Dash "Daughters of the Dust" (1991)
One of the most captivating aspects about Julie Dash's was the constant grapple between adhering to tradition and commencing the start of a new life in modernity. Throughout the course of the film, many of the characters are confronted with the conundrum of where they wish to establish the rest of their lives. The decision to remain rooted on the island would cement members of the Peazant family in African tradition while embarking to the mainland would signal a new chapter in "civilization". Despite the seemingly strict separation between tradition and modernity, Nana encourages a blurring of the lines between the two concepts through prompting members of the family who wish to depart that remembrance of their ancestors remains vital. This reminder is representative of the notion that a coexistence between convention and modernity is possible.
"We are two people in one body. The last of the old and the first of the new."
Nana's conclusion to bridge the two vastly different worlds through coexistence in one being reminded me of my general approach to the common debate of tradition versus modernity. In reality, to actively ignore one's ancestry is an unfortunate act of cultural erasure. On the other hand, advancements in civilization have shown it to be necessary to adjust to a new era of society. Therefore, to be able to achieve an appropriate balance between the opposing ideas would aid in eliminating a troublesome divide.
I wonder if it's good or bad to have to "adjust to a new era of society". I would think it's generally more negative, especially when cultural identity is lost, but like you said it's sometimes necessary or forced through imperialism. I, for one, feel very little connection to my heritage but when considering forced assimilation it's a completely different conversation.
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