Digital Griots (2)

Banks looks to use the concept of remix to integrate stories of African American's historical past into the modern day.  There is a schism between young and old generations of African Americans.  One side looks to be reminiscent of the past.  The other, looks to embrace the future.  The major criticism young African Americans receive is that they are not connected to their pasts.  However, the very artistic portrayals of poetry jams and rap battles trace their roots back to oral traditions in which individuals shared their experiences through the spoken word.  By utilizing such creative expressions, and making connections to one's past, the narratives of the future will look to a new path.  It is essentially an evolution of thought.  The need to preserve one's history is still possible if one still remains primarily in the present, while incorporating a personal history.  Therefore, one's identity is maintained, while layers are added to forge new narratives that have the potential to be just as influential as the past we look to now.   

I believe this is how some individuals become creative.  They look to past innovations and ideas, and then either build off of what they have experienced, or take the idea a part and visualize another concept.  This is how past traditions have the chance to live, and how new ideas are created.  No one argues that making air travel safer and much more effective should be explored.  Engineers look to the past as they build off what they know to create a modern technology for today.  As a result, we have technology that has improved our lives.  In the same light, why should one be so resistant to new forms of art and expression, just because it's new?  As long as one looks and acknowledges the impact historical contexts have in the creative process, then fresh expressions should not be looked down upon by older generations.

Question:

What are we sacrificing when we attempt to remix?