Why Has Dee Changed Her Name to Wangero? Exploring Identity and Cultural Heritage in 'Everyday Use'

In Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use,” we encounter a powerful exploration of identity, heritage, and the significance of names. One of the most striking elements in this narrative is Dee’s decision to change her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo. This choice serves as a pivotal moment that invites readers to reflect on the complexities of cultural identity and personal history. In this essay, I will delve into the reasons behind Dee's name change and what it symbolizes about her character and broader societal themes.

The Quest for Identity

At its core, Dee’s transformation into Wangero is deeply rooted in her quest for identity. Throughout the story, we see that Dee has evolved from a girl who was once ashamed of her rural roots to a woman who actively seeks to reclaim her African heritage. Her new name is not just a whim; it represents an attempt to connect with her ancestry in a more profound way. By adopting a name that she believes reflects her African heritage, Dee is attempting to assert control over her identity in a society that often marginalizes individuals based on their background.

The Influence of Culture and Society

Dee's name change can also be seen as a reaction to societal pressures regarding race and culture. Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s—a time marked by civil rights movements—Dee's desire for an African-sounding name can be interpreted as an assertion against the oppressive structures that have historically erased or devalued Black identities. By embracing Wangero, she aligns herself with movements focused on rediscovering one’s roots and celebrating cultural pride. It raises questions about how external societal factors influence our understanding of self-worth and identity.

Contrasting Perspectives on Heritage

An important aspect of “Everyday Use” is how different characters perceive heritage differently. For Mama (the narrator) and Maggie, heritage is tied closely with family history, traditions, and tangible items passed down through generations—like quilts made from scraps of fabric representing their ancestors’ lives. For them, these artifacts are imbued with memories and emotions rather than being mere objects for display or admiration. In contrast, Dee/Wangero seems to view heritage through an intellectual lens; she sees it as something aesthetic—an opportunity for validation rather than emotional connection.

The Irony of Names

It’s interesting to note the irony surrounding Dee’s name change; while she thinks she has reclaimed something authentic by choosing Wangero, she inadvertently alienates herself from those who actually embody the traditions she wishes to celebrate. Mama points out that Wangero doesn’t even want what should belong to her family—the quilts made by their ancestors—and instead prefers objects that can serve as symbols of status or authenticity in today’s world. This shift underscores how sometimes people might adopt certain aspects of culture superficially without fully understanding or respecting its depth.

A Clash Between Generations

This clash between Dee/Wangero's modern interpretation of heritage versus Mama’s traditional viewpoint exemplifies generational divides within families regarding cultural preservation versus adaptation. While each generation brings its perspectives shaped by different historical contexts—Mama belonging more firmly within her own upbringing shaped by necessity while Dee embraces more contemporary interpretations—they both seek affirmation but arrive at different conclusions about what it means to honor their ancestry.

Name Change: A Formulation or Confusion?

While some may argue that changing one’s name symbolizes empowerment or reclamation—as seen through Wangero—it could also signify confusion about self-identity when placed under scrutiny alongside deeper values associated with familial bonds versus external appearances alone. The act itself raises critical questions: Is adopting an African-sounding name enough? Does it provide clarity or merely complicate one’s relationship with identity? Walker doesn’t offer easy answers but instead invites us into this rich dialogue around self-identification processes shaped by personal histories amidst broader sociocultural dynamics.

Conclusion: A Reflection on Identity

In conclusion, Dee's decision to change her name from Dee to Wangero encapsulates much more than just an aesthetic preference; it reveals layers upon layers about identity formation within contexts influenced by race relations throughout American history alongside generational clashes within families navigating modernity versus tradition ideals respectively held dear by each member involved here too! Ultimately Walker leaves us pondering how names carry weight beyond mere identification—they shape relationships & perceptions intertwined intricately throughout time echoing sentiments surrounding acceptance & understanding across differing dimensions relating uniquely back towards ourselves!

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