"Everyday Use"

Throughout her life, Dee conformed herself to match the latest fashion trend or label while her little sister, Maggie, had little confidence in herself but saw importance in her family backgrounds and traditions.  Even as a little girl, Dee was embarrassed by her heritage and refused to embrace it.  She showed no pride towards her family’s home or even her own name that she eventually changed to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo.  While Dee defied her family’s historical background, Maggie took interest in the significance of her mother’s quilts and memorabilia that represented her family’s past.  As a college student, Dee was surprised to find that her family’s heritage had important meaning and began taking pictures to show off to her friends.  At one point, Dee claimed that she actually wanted the treasured family quilts crafted by her grandmother and aunt that she once rejected because she found them to be ‘old-fashioned’.  In reality, she only wanted the quilts to show off and saw no meaning in them.  Although Dee was her older sister, her actions offended Maggie.  Maggie, who took pride in her heritage, had dreamed of taking ownership of the quilts her grandmother and aunt had stitched to carry on her family traditions.  Dee, on the other hand, only had intended to use the quilts for meaningless everyday use.  Maggie and Dee’s mother chose to give the quilts to Maggie to acknowledge her appreciation of her family’s heritage when she realized Dee had false intentions.