In the article, The Black South in Contemporary Film, I read about the usage of religion in Julie Dash's movie, Daughters of the Dust. The way religion is used in this article is not the standard way we think of it, for an example going to church or celebrating Sabbath, but religion as a cultural system. I would like to begin my paper by just explaining what I mean by a cultural system and how it's used in the movie, then go on to talk about what the article had to say about religion in African American culture.
             When I say religion as a cultural system I'm talking about religion as a set of beliefs, and traditions then anything. A cultural system is based on things that have been passed up and practiced over many years. These beliefs and traditions don't have to be found in a bible or torah, but are held within the society and family. They are things that are revered in the population that make up their own religion. We see this cultural system flourish greatly in Daughter's of The Dust.
             The sea islands of the Gullah, which are located off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina, are worlds of their own. They have their own set of laws, responsibilities and a different way of living. On these islands they have cultural systems that have been there for many years. Nana Peazant, the family's matriarch, and also the center of the cultural system lives the African American memories, traditions, and beliefs of the past and hopes to bring them to the future. She fears that with all the new things that are about to come, the many things that form the cultural system will be forgotten, and the strength of the family, especially to that of African Americans will be dissolved. The whole movie, which takes place over one day, is a reunion of her people, the Gullahs. It's a gathering to say goodbye before they head off to their new worlds. Just a few aspects of this cult
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