The poetry of African Americans can be characterized by its use of many of the stylistic techniques employed by the griot. Although there is no specific role in Western society corresponding to that of the griot (with the possible exception of the ancient Scottish "scop"), in similar ways African American poets have always been creators, shapers, and critics of the ideals or values held by their communities and the society at large. And just as in the spirituals, early African American poets would continue to record, reflect, and comment on their present situation, always with their heads turned toward the past.