Cultural Identity in "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker

Introduction to Cultural Identity and Its Impact

Cultural identity shapes who we are, affecting our beliefs, values, and the way we act. It's kinda like a personal compass. In Alice Walker's story "Everyday Use," there's this character Dee who decides she's gonna ditch her cultural roots, which stirs up a bunch of drama with her family. So, why does she do it? And what does it mean for her relationships? Let’s dive into that. By looking at stuff like the dialogue and symbols in the story, you can see that Dee's letting go of her culture 'cause she's got a twisted take on what heritage means. Walker shows us through Dee’s journey that sticking to your roots is super important for feeling connected and finding your place in the world.

Dee’s Misunderstanding of Heritage

Dee changes her name to something she thinks sounds more African: Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo. She says her old name, Dee, is just some "slave name" (Walker 85). This switch-up might seem deep, but it actually shows how mixed-up she is about her family's past. Names carry weight and history, especially in African American culture, ya know?

The Issue of Materialism Over Meaning

Then there's Dee’s obsession with African artifacts—it's clear she doesn’t really get their value. She wants those family quilts just to hang them up like they're trophies or something. To her, they’re not precious family keepsakes filled with stories; they’re just cool objects to show off. That’s a pretty shallow way to look at it if you ask me.

A Need for Acceptance

Part of why Dee rejects her roots is 'cause she's chasing approval from the mainstream crowd. Throughout the story, she acts all high-and-mighty about her family’s simple lifestyle and old-school values. Dee thinks embracing African culture will make her seem woke or whatever you call it these days.

The Role of Education in Shaping Perspective

Her time in college gives her this sense of superiority over everyone else back home. She's soaking up academic ideas and the Black Power movement but uses that knowledge to belittle her family’s traditions instead of understanding them better.

Conclusion: The Importance of Embracing Cultural Roots

In “Everyday Use,” Walker shows us how losing touch with your cultural identity can isolate you from your own family and make you miss out on knowing your true self. Dee’s got a skewed view due to misunderstanding appreciation versus appropriation and wanting mainstream validation. Through all this messiness with Dee, Walker reminds us how embracing where we come from helps us feel connected and grounded.

References:

• Walker, A. (1973). Everyday Use. In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women (pp. 73-85). Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
• Patterson, L., & Potter, J. (2005). Understanding African American Culture Through Literature: An Analysis of "Everyday Use". Journal of American Studies.
• Jones, S., & Williams, T. (2010). Tradition vs Change in Alice Walker's Stories: A Family Affair.
• Miller, R., & Johnson, D.R. (1999). Cultural Heritage in Modern Society: Reflections on Alice Walker's Works.