Binta and the Great Idea

In this film, there are two important issues at hand. The first one is the importance of school and education. In Senegal, not all students are required to go to school like we are here in the United states. Take Soda for example. She did not attend school because her father didn’t allow her to. Her father believed that women are supposed to do house chores and take care of the family, not go to school. However, Soda’s mother agrees with her in that she must go to school. Soda doesn’t want to become ignorant like her parents.
The second topic covered by this short film is the importance of one’s culture.
In the film, Binta’s father comes up with an idea to adopt a western child. He believes that by doing this, he can teach the child the simple and happy ways of life of his community. He thinks that the advances in western culture place a hamper on happiness. He wants the “Tubab” child to experience happiness.
The end of this film was a bit surprising to me. At first, I believed that Binta’s father would embrace the advances in western culture. It turns out that he prefers the simple and almost carefree lifestyle of his region over western practices. Western people might learn the importance of equality, family, culture, identity, and cooperation from Binta’s society.
This film made me realize that culture does play an important role in your life. It is a part of what defines you as an individual. It is where you obtain your morals and attitudes toward life. It is not a bad idea to embrace other culture’s beliefs as well as your own.