In the story, Everyday Use by Alice Walker, there are two different perspectives on how one can acknowledge their heritage. The two sisters, Maggie and Dee are shown to see their African roots differently. Maggie understands her heritage as something that keeps her close and attached to her ancestors. Dee on the other hand, views her heritage as merely materialistic. She see it as an aesthetic to be hung on the wall and shown off.
Alice Walker symbolizes their “culture” in the story with a quilt. The quilt was a very important family heirloom, that had been passed down from generation to generation. When Dee requests to keep the quilts for decoration, the mother says no, as she already promised them to Maggie. Dee responds by saying that Maggie would only ruin the quilts by putting them to everyday use. This shows that Dee only values the quilt as an accessory and an aesthetic. When Maggie gives up the quilts to Dee, she says, ” I can remember Grandma Dee with the quilts.” This shows that she values the quilts for everyday use, to keep her connected to her ancestors.
I personally think that Dee does not understand the true meaning of her heritage, because she thinks of the quilt as only a family heirloom. Unlike Dee, I think Maggie understands her culture, since she appreciates the quilt as something to connect her to her loved ones. In conclusion, heritage is not just a heirloom or an accessory, but a connection your past.