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A Heritage Denied - Term Papers

A Heritage Denied

In this fast paced American, society little regard is given to the importance of one’s family heritage. Family traditions and the efforts made to preserve them in generations past are taken for granted by the current heirs. In Alice Walker’s short story, “Everyday Use”, the character Dee makes a pitiful attempt to capture her heritage, but inadvertently makes a mockery of her family history. Dee represents the vast majority of Americans who trivialize the significance of family heritage through their shame and unappreciation of their family's actual history.
As a child, Dee is embarrassed at the home and lifestyle her family provides. It is implied in “Everyday Use” that she goes to ...

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what she considers an inferior home life to her friends. Her mother realizes Dee’s embarrassment and knows “she will never bring friends [to the house]” (Walker 73). Unfortunately, the manner in which Dee chooses to alleviate the shame of her heritage, seemingly with no regret, causes her family to suffer.
Shame motivates Dee to conceal parts of herself that reveal her heritage. When Dees’s mother addresses her by her birth given name, Dee corrects her and says, “No mama not Dee, ‘Wangero Leewakino Kemanjo’” (Walker 75). Dee goes on to say “she’s dead [Dee]” (Walker 75). Her mother, rightfully feeling insulted, tries to explain the family origin of Dee’s name. Even after the explanation by her mother, Dee rejects the name and its heritage and insists to be called “Wangero”. Concerned that her heritage may contaminate her image, Dee camouflages her family’s adversities by never compromising her appearance. “Dee wanted nice things” (Walker 73). These desires require that ...

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A Heritage Denied. (2007, January 12). Retrieved January 16, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/A-Heritage-Denied/58584

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"A Heritage Denied." Essayworld.com. January 12, 2007. Accessed January 16, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/A-Heritage-Denied/58584.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 1/12/2007 11:47:00 AM
Category: Book Reports
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 891
Pages: 4

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