"Everyday Use:" African-American Heritage Everyone grew up within a culture with a set of customs and morals passed down from those generations before us. As individuals, we see and experience heritage in different ways. Throughout history, different ethnic groups have struggled to find their place within society. In the 1950s and 1960s, African Americans faced numerous political and social discrimination based on their skin tone. After the civil rights movement in the 1960s, many African Americans no longer wanted to be identified by their African American lifestyle, so they began practicing African culture by adopting "Afro hairstyles, African-influenced clothing, and adopting African names" ( 101 ). By moving away from their roots, many African Americans embraced a culture that was not inherited, thus leaving behind the unique and significant characteristics of their inherited culture. In “Everyday Use” written by Alice Walker, the family's contrasting views convey that the most honest and truthful way to honor one's legacy is to treat it not superficially but rather practically. Mama represents the practical way of honoring heritage by appreciating items obtained by other generations and putting them into everyday use. Dee, on the other hand, honors the superficial mode of heritage by attending to the materialistic values ​​of her African American heritage. Mama and Dee's individuality contributes to their conflicting visions of how to respect cultural heritage. Mama, the story's narrator, describes herself as a "large, bony woman with rough, working hands who can kill and clean a pig as mercilessly as a pig." as a man" (102). It does not provide a glamorous image of itself; however he goes on to describe the many things he can do and accomplish. The many things that mom can do and accomplish have been passed down from generation to generation before her. Honoring the practical use of his legacy, he is a well-rounded person. She is self-sufficient to the point that she can rely on herself to survive with the skills she has acquired. Furthermore, she is responsible and trustworthy because she is responsible for her own actions and can accomplish the same things as a man. Like traits and elements passed down from generation to generation, it seems more interested in practicality and less interested in superficiality, beauty and value. Dee, on the other hand, is defined by her sense of style and power.