Social Structure Of Everyday Use By Alice Walker

Alice Walker’s short story, “Everyday Use” presents a pragmatic perspective of heritage and family. Taking place during the civil rights movement, while centering on the experiences of an African American family, the setting has great relevance in constructing underlying themes. This short story composes a theme which examines social structures part in shaping a person’s identity. Moreover, acknowledging family’s role as a social structure, as well as Walker’s background, will contribute to further analyzing this theme. An important concept of Alice Walker’s short story is the idea that social structures take part in shaping a person’s sense of self. Narrated by an unnamed woman of color who grew up in a time before the civil rights act, …show more content…
Growing up during the civil rights era, Dee was able to get an education and take part in movements which embraced black power and sought change. The effect of social structure and its development among generations is reflected in the contrast between Dee and her mother. This is made clear when the narrator mentions, “Who can even imagine me looking a strange white man in the eye?. . .Dee, though. She would always look anyone in the eye. Hesitation was no part of her nature.” While the narrator mirrors an environment which bred self doubt and hesitation, Dee reflects the change to an environment which cultivated certainty in spirit. Clearly, social structure proves to impact each character’s self concept, ultimately shaping the way they perceive reality. Additionally, the ramifications of social structure are demonstrated in the family’s contrasting view of heritage. It becomes evident that both the narrator and her daughters were altered by their present setting. During this time, colored people began to search for a cultural identity which was left disrupted by slavery and oppression. The contrast in appreciation of heritage among the narrator and her daughters may have resulted from the social structures which divided a cultural identity. In short, “Everyday Use” develops a motif which examines the role of social structure in shaping who we are. To further understand …show more content…
On the contrary, this story delves deep into the implications of race, gender roles, and environment on a person’s world view. Specifically emphasizing the impact of oppression, Walker develops a theme which examines social structure’s role in shaping identity. Upon gaining awareness of family’s role in history, as well as Walkers upbringing, her story a presents a more tangible portrayal of society’s mark on the