Q5Explore themes of Everyday Use from the perspective of Postcolonial criticism

From the perspective of Postcolonial criticism, “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker can be analyzed in terms of the themes of identity, power, and cultural appropriation. The story takes place in the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement, which were attempts to reclaim African American cultural heritage and assert their rights as equal citizens in a society dominated by white people. The characters in the story represent different approaches to this struggle, and their interactions reveal the complexities of this ongoing process.

Identity is a central theme in “Everyday Use,” as the characters grapple with questions of who they are and where they come from. Dee, the educated daughter who has changed her name to Wangero, represents a rejection of her African American heritage in favor of a more “authentic” African identity. This reflects the postcolonial critique of cultural appropriation, where dominant cultures appropriate and commodify the cultural symbols and practices of marginalized cultures. However, the story also critiques the idea that there is a single, authentic African American identity, as Mama and Maggie’s connection to their past is equally valid and meaningful.

Power is another important theme in “Everyday Use.” Dee’s attempt to claim her family’s quilts as her own is an example of the power dynamics at play in postcolonial societies, where dominant cultures often control and exploit the resources and labor of marginalized cultures. Mama’s refusal to give the quilts to Dee shows a resistance to this power dynamic, and represents a reclamation of agency and autonomy for African American women.

Finally, “Everyday Use” can be read as a critique of the way that history and culture are remembered and represented. Dee’s insistence on collecting artifacts from her past is an attempt to construct a narrative of her family’s history that aligns with her own worldview and political goals. This is a common postcolonial tactic, as marginalized cultures seek to challenge dominant narratives and construct their own counter-narratives. However, the story also suggests that there is a danger in reducing a complex history to a set of symbols and artifacts, and that the true value of cultural heritage lies in its ability to connect people to their past and their community