Dee’s view on her heritage in Alice Walker’s "Everyday Use" is complex and often contrasts with her family’s more traditional understanding. While Dee embraces her African roots, she tends to do so in a way that is more superficial and less connected to her immediate family history.
How Does Dee View Her Heritage in "Everyday Use"?
In Alice Walker’s short story "Everyday Use," Dee views her heritage as an aesthetic and intellectual pursuit rather than a lived experience. She seeks to reconnect with her African roots, yet her approach is often criticized as being disconnected from the practical and emotional ties her family maintains with their history.
Dee’s Superficial Connection to Heritage
Dee’s perspective on heritage is evident in her desire to display family heirlooms as art objects rather than using them in daily life. This reflects a superficial connection to her ancestry:
- Dee changes her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo, rejecting her given name because she believes it is tied to oppression.
- She views family items, like quilts, as artifacts rather than practical items, wanting to showcase them rather than use them.
Contrasting Views: Dee vs. Her Family
Dee’s view contrasts sharply with her mother, Mama, and sister, Maggie, who see heritage as a living tradition:
- Mama and Maggie: They value the quilts for their functionality and the memories they hold, representing a continuous link to past generations.
- Dee’s Approach: She prioritizes the symbolic and aesthetic aspects of her heritage, often at the expense of its personal significance.
Practical Examples of Dee’s Perspective
Quilts as Artifacts
The quilts in "Everyday Use" serve as a symbol of the family’s heritage. While Mama and Maggie see them as functional items imbued with family history, Dee wants to hang them as art, disconnecting them from their intended use.
Name Change
Dee’s decision to change her name to Wangero signifies her attempt to reclaim her African identity. However, this act is seen by her family as a rejection of their shared history and the struggles they endured.
Understanding Dee’s Motivation
Dee’s actions can be understood as part of a broader cultural movement during the 1960s and 1970s, when many African Americans sought to reclaim their African heritage. However, Dee’s approach is often seen as lacking depth and genuine connection to her immediate family’s legacy.
The Importance of Authentic Heritage Connection
Dee’s journey highlights the importance of balancing the celebration of cultural heritage with a genuine connection to one’s immediate family history. Her story serves as a reminder that heritage is not just about aesthetics but also about the lived experiences and memories passed down through generations.
People Also Ask
Why does Dee change her name to Wangero?
Dee changes her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo to embrace her African heritage and reject what she perceives as a legacy of oppression linked to her given name. This act reflects her desire to connect with her roots, though it is seen by her family as a superficial change.
How do Mama and Maggie view the quilts?
Mama and Maggie view the quilts as practical items filled with familial love and history. They see them as a symbol of their ancestors’ lives and struggles, meant to be used and cherished in everyday life, not just displayed as art.
What does Dee’s attitude toward heritage reveal about her character?
Dee’s attitude toward heritage reveals her as someone who values external symbols over deep familial connections. Her approach shows a desire for cultural identity, but it also highlights a disconnect from her immediate family’s values and traditions.
How does "Everyday Use" explore the theme of heritage?
"Everyday Use" explores the theme of heritage by contrasting Dee’s superficial appreciation of her ancestry with her family’s more integrated and lived understanding. The story illustrates the tension between preserving cultural identity and maintaining personal and familial connections.
What role does heritage play in family dynamics in "Everyday Use"?
Heritage plays a crucial role in shaping the family dynamics in "Everyday Use." It creates a rift between Dee and her family, highlighting the different ways individuals relate to their past and the importance of understanding and respecting one’s roots in a meaningful way.
Summary
In "Everyday Use," Dee’s view of her heritage is characterized by a focus on aesthetics and symbolism, often at the expense of personal and familial connections. Her approach contrasts with her family’s more integrated understanding of heritage, emphasizing the importance of balancing cultural identity with genuine ties to one’s history. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the need to appreciate heritage as a living, breathing part of our daily lives. For further exploration of themes like this, consider reading more about the cultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s and their impact on personal identity.
