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akeefe's picture

The Griot in Us

Fairy tales have always been a point of fascination for me. Despite the images we provide in our head they seem to exist outside of time, outside of our general universe. However, we seem to believe in them as passionately as we believe in a New York Times article, that if it doesn’t get it’s facts exactly right, needs to be re-written. Upon looking at Briar Rose and Cinderella, it’s interesting to note how the re-imagining of a fairytale acts like a reclamation. By not giving Cinderella a fairy God mother, but instead asking her to commit pious acts such as care of a fish or honoring of a grave, we give her more credit for her release. Similarly Briar Rose might be saved by a kiss, but still must endure a life of insomnia for her parents follies. I have read other revisions of fairytale. Without making this entry too unbearable long, it is interesting to note how the revision of fairytale, like the revision of other stories ingrained in culture (ie religious or mythological), seems to give the power to edit thought. Children will read this story and learn this lesson additionally. We can create stronger women, and more compassionate men by altering the stories ingrained in them since birth. It is for this reason that I believe even as adults we must explore our beloved fairytales. That even amongst our wiser years, we honor our basic human tugs, the griot in us, the reclaimer of our lives, and truths.

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