Everyday Use and My Mother Pieced Quilts: Heritage

Introduction

As humans, we're tied to our past, roots, and heritage in a big way. Our identity gets shaped by traditions, values, and experiences passed down through generations. This whole idea of heritage and identity shines through in two short stories: "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker and "My Mother Pieced Quilts" by Teresa Palomo Acosta. Both stories dig deep into why cultural heritage matters and the struggle to keep it alive. Let's dive into how these two stories explore heritage and identity, noting their similarities and differences, and what this all means for people and communities.

Heritage in "Everyday Use" and Its Connection to Identity

In "Everyday Use", Alice Walker highlights how heritage isn’t just about objects or artifacts; it's about feeling that connection to your roots and knowing where you fit in the world. Mama represents this idea as she understands the value of the quilts and wants to pass them on to Maggie, who will appreciate their meaning and continue the tradition. Dee, Mama’s other daughter, views the quilts differently—as artifacts to display without truly respecting their cultural importance. This difference underscores the varied ways individuals can connect—or fail to connect—with their heritage.

The Role of Quilts in "My Mother Pieced Quilts" and Cultural Preservation

Teresa Palomo Acosta in "My Mother Pieced Quilts" uses quilting as a metaphor for cultural traditions and memories woven into each stitch. The quilts symbolize a connection to the narrator's Mexican-American identity and serve as a way to preserve these traditions for future generations. Much like Mama in "Everyday Use", the narrator’s mother in Acosta’s story uses the quilts as a tangible link to heritage, ensuring that the family’s cultural roots remain alive and meaningful.

Conflict Between Tradition and Modernity in Both Stories

Both stories explore the tension between tradition and modernity, highlighting the challenges of preserving cultural heritage in a changing world. In "Everyday Use", the conflict between Mama and Dee illustrates this struggle. Dee adopts a new name and lifestyle that distance her from her African-American background, viewing the quilts as mere decorative items rather than symbols of heritage. Mama, however, recognizes their deeper cultural value and insists they remain with Maggie, who truly understands their significance.

In "My Mother Pieced Quilts", the generational gap between the narrator and her mother highlights similar challenges. While the mother cherishes quilting as a cherished cultural practice, the narrator initially views it as outdated. This difference underscores how modern influences can make it difficult to maintain traditional practices, even within families.

How Heritage Shapes Identity in "Everyday Use" and "My Mother Pieced Quilts"

Both stories emphasize how cultural heritage profoundly shapes identity. In "Everyday Use", Mama and Maggie maintain a deep connection to their African-American roots, allowing them to preserve their sense of identity and lineage. In contrast, Dee’s rejection of these traditions leads to an identity crisis, as she becomes disconnected from her cultural roots.

Similarly, in "My Mother Pieced Quilts", the quilts represent the narrator's mother’s way of expressing her Mexican-American identity and ensuring that this cultural heritage remains intact. By valuing these quilts, the narrator gains a greater appreciation for her roots and the role they play in shaping her identity.

Conclusion

Both "Everyday Use" and "My Mother Pieced Quilts" explore the themes of heritage and identity, emphasizing the importance of cultural traditions and the challenges of preserving them. These stories remind readers that honoring the past is essential for shaping our present and guiding future generations. By reflecting on these narratives, we’re encouraged to consider the lasting impact of our own cultural histories and the role they play in our lives.

References

• Walker, A., & Christian Science Monitor (Boston). (1973). Everyday Use: For Your Grandmama.
• Acosta, T.P., (1985). My Mother Pieced Quilts: A Collection of Poetry, Prose & Family History Poems from Chicana Literature.
• Morrison, T. (1997). Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination. New York: Vintage Books.
• Bhabha, H.K. (2004). The Location of Culture. Routledge Classics, London.
• Said, E.W. (2003). Orientalism: Western Conceptions of the East. Penguin Books Ltd, Harmondsworth.