The Senegalese series “Bété-Bété”, particularly in its season 2, episode 12, strives to depict the daily life of families struggling with a heritage of traditions and prejudices linked to blood. Two long-time friends, Alkali Sall and Makhoudia Tall, from the Guéér and Teug castes respectively, highlight a friendship forged beyond social judgments.
The story highlights issues such as those illustrated by the forbidden love between Alkali and Daba Thiam, whose relationship gave birth to Diouma, a child that Alkali did not recognize. This unwanted union fueled the resentment of Ndiaga Thiam, Daba’s very traditionalist father, towards Alkali. Marème Sall, Alkali’s wife, clings to her family values by remaining distant from the “Gnégnos”.
Makhoudia Tall, for her part, juggles a polygamous household with two wives of different castes, Teug and Guéweul, thus illustrating the complex dynamics within certain Senegalese families.
“Bété-Bété” thus presents itself as a mirror of Senegalese society, reflecting its various cultural facets. This episode was partly summarized and analyzed by reading content on the site of our colleagues at Kawtef.
