Cowart, D. (1999). Heritage and Deracination in Walker’s” Everyday Use”.

Cowart, D. (1999). Heritage and Deracination in Walker’s” Everyday Use”. CONTRIBUTIONS IN AFROAMERICAN AND AFRICAN STUDIES, 189, 21-32.

            According to the author in this story, Dee fails to recognize her ‘old’ heritage yet is struggling with her ‘new’ one without knowing it. Her lack of African knowledge roots pops up the moment she visits home, a home she thinks of having outgrown. First, her mother is confused after realizing her name had changed to Dee Johnson from Wangero Lewanika Kamanjo. However, nothing beats home and her mother still loves her regardless.

            The literal quilt here is metaphorical. It’s a family heritage where everyone has been embedded. Dee, having lived here and with these people before, starts to realize the reality of this quilt but obviously doesn’t see its importance. She only admires its beauty and it goes without saying that Dee doesn’t recognize the impact of the society that worked themselves up to see her get education. She is selfish and ultimately puts herself on a higher social status than Maggie, her sister. Maggie here, comes out as the black woman who must suffer while Dee is the lucky one to escape ‘ghetto’.

             According to the author, Dee was fortunate to have a better life and it obviously changed her negatively.

Reference:

Cowart, D. (1999). Heritage and Deracination in Walker’s” Everyday Use”. CONTRIBUTIONS IN AFROAMERICAN AND AFRICAN STUDIES, 189, 21-32.