Interpreting African-american Heritage in Alice Walker's Everyday Use

In Alice Walker's "Everyday Use," the author explores the changing perspectives of African-Americans on their history and the conflicts that arise from these differences. Through the three main characters, Mama, Dee, and Maggie, Walker vividly depicts the distinct lives they lead and how it shapes their views on culture and heritage.

Mama is a hardworking woman who has had to provide for her children and herself. As described by Walker, she is a strong, large woman with rough hands, unafraid of hard work. Unlike Dee, Mama had limited opportunities for education and career advancement. She only attended grade school briefly before it closed down, and she had to work to make a living. Mama's perspective on African-American heritage is based on her life experiences, such as hardships, lack of education, and the need to work hard.

Dee, on the other hand, has had more educational opportunities. She goes to college and perceives African-American culture and history from a more well-educated point of view. Dee even changes her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo to reflect her heritage and connection to her roots. However, despite her knowledge, Dee lacks empathy for her family and despises them for not being as educated as her. She views her African-American heritage primarily through what she has learned in school and university, without fully understanding the ongoing development of the culture and the people who shape it.

Maggie, like Mama, has had limited education, but her perspective on heritage is deeply connected to her family and loved ones. She knows how to quilt, a skill taught to her by Grandma Dee and Big Dee. Unlike Dee, Maggie understands the significance of quilts beyond their aesthetic value. The quilts represent the memory of their relatives, particularly Maggie's aunt and grandmother, and hold sentimental value for her.

The differences in perspectives among the characters are exemplified in the final scene of the story, where Dee leaves, still upset about the quilts. Dee urges Maggie to strive for more education, but Mama reminds Dee that Maggie knows how to quilt, which is an essential part of their culture. While Dee sees the quilts as mere artwork and symbols of heritage, Maggie and Mama see them as a tangible connection to their family history.

"Everyday Use" serves as a reflection of the differences within the African-American community. Just as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X had different approaches to the fight for civil rights, the characters in the story have varying perspectives on their culture and heritage. The story emphasizes the importance of understanding and valuing the ongoing development of African-American culture, rather than solely focusing on symbolic representations.

In conclusion, "Everyday Use" is a short story that delves into family reunions and the misunderstandings that arise from differing perspectives on African-American culture. Mama, Dee, and Maggie each have unique lives that shape their thoughts on their heritage. Dee's education does not grant her a deep understanding of her culture, while Mama and Maggie, despite their limited education, possess a connection to their family history through skills like quilting. Walker's story highlights the significance of valuing the lived experiences and ongoing development of African-American culture.