{"id":214863,"date":"2025-02-05T01:22:14","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T01:22:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/namso-gen.co\/blog\/what-does-dee-value-in-everyday-use\/"},"modified":"2025-02-05T01:22:14","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T01:22:14","slug":"what-does-dee-value-in-everyday-use","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/namso-gen.co\/blog\/what-does-dee-value-in-everyday-use\/","title":{"rendered":"What does Dee value in Everyday Use?"},"content":{"rendered":"

**What does Dee value in “Everyday Use”?**<\/p>\n

In Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use,” Dee, one of the main characters, embodies a complex blend of values that shape her perception of heritage and identity. While she may initially seem disconnected from her cultural roots, a closer examination reveals the things Dee truly values and the reasons behind her choices.<\/p>\n

One aspect that Dee values in “Everyday Use” is the preservation of cultural heritage. She believes that tangible artifacts from her family’s past hold immense value and should be displayed for their historical significance. **Dee values objects associated with African-American culture, such as quilts, churn tops, and dashers, as they represent her connection to her ancestry and the struggle for freedom.**<\/p>\n

One of the most symbolic objects in the story is the quilt, which holds deep sentimental value for both Dee and her mother. Dee wants the quilts for aesthetic purposes, to hang them on the wall as a reflection of her cultural pride. Her desire to possess these quilts springs from her belief that they represent a transformative link to her historical roots.<\/p>\n

However, **Dee’s appreciation for these artifacts sometimes borders on appropriation.** She sees them as artistic statement pieces rather than practical items that reflect the hard work and resilience of her ancestors. This clashes with her mother’s view that these quilts should be used in everyday life, rather than relegated to mere decorations.<\/p>\n

Another value that Dee cherishes is education. Having obtained a higher education, she strives to distance herself from the limitations of her rural upbringing. Dee believes that education is a means of empowerment and progress, allowing her to break free from the cycle of poverty that plagued her family for generations. This belief in the transformative power of education fuels her desire to reinvent herself and assume a new identity.<\/p>\n

The clash between Dee’s values and those of her immediate family serves as a major point of tension in the story. **While Dee seeks to embrace her African-American heritage through the acquisition of objects, her mother and sister, Maggie, understand heritage as an embodiment of lived experiences and connection.** Dee’s insistence on claiming cultural artifacts without an understanding of their true significance represents a fundamental disconnect between her and her family.<\/p>\n

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