Every family has its origins and with that origin a certain heritage or culture develops. Over many years the traditions of that culture is passed down to many generations. This process of passing down the traditions and knowledge of your ancestors is a strong way to keep your heritage alive. But what happens when certain traditions are lost or construed? Does the existence of that heritage just slowly die out? In "Everyday Use" Alice Walker uses both Mama and Dee's different views and lifestyles to emphasize the importance of one's heritage. .
Mama, the narrator, views her heritage as an active concept. Throughout the short story Mama lives a simple life where her heritage and culture are valued. She describes herself as being "a large big-boned woman with rough man-working hands" (p.327). This description shows that she is a hard working woman possibly like the rest of the women in her family. During that time, the women were expected to take care of everything in the home. They had to do the cooking, the cleaning, take care of the kids and even at times handle the animals. Mama was taught these things from the women before her. They taught her the techniques and traditions that her family has used for many years. She has learned these things and uses them every day. .
Dee on the other hand views her heritage on a more conceptual basis. Dee is very educated, so she feels as though she knows more than her mother when it comes to her heritage. Being in a more intelligent atmosphere, Dee has had the pleasure of coming into contact with other individuals with similar backgrounds. Discussing the similarities and differences of their ancestral history, Dee has come to the conclusion that the way her family has lived for so long is completely wrong. The heritage and culture that she grew up with is not her true culture, but more so the culture of the "white man." She expresses her distaste of her "white-man culture" when she changes her name.