Compare And Contrast Two Ways To Belong In America By Alice Walker

“ A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people”- Mahatma Gandi. No matter where you are, you always should know where you came from. There were two stories that were rea about cultural heritage. One was a short story titled “ Everyday Use” by Alice Walker that was about how there were two girls sisters who wanted a quilt because it reflected on their background, but one wanted the quilt to symbolize as a trophy; while the other sister wanted the quilt just to use for everyday use. The second text that was read was a personal essay named “ Two Ways to Belong in America” by Bharati Mukherjee that was about two Indian girls who moved to America, and one became an American citizen, while the other was just a legal immigrant,

so they both had different perspectives of America. Life experiences can easily change your customs in life. Even though Dee and Mari embraced their heritage or assimilated to a new culture; they both still overall care for their culture.
Dee and Mari are similar because they both were very outspoken and confident females. This shown in “Everyday Use” when it says, “ Dee though. She would always look anyone in the eye. Hesitation was no part of her nature.” In addition, in “ Two Ways to Belong in America”, it states, “ My sister. . . professionally generous and creative . . . “ and “ She speaks for greater numbers . . . born of confidence. . .”. These quotes prove that both Dee and Mari have flamboyant personalities. Over the main similarity between Dee and Mari is that they both were very bold, straight-forward girls.
Even though Dee and Mari have some similarities; they also have some differences. A major difference between Dee and Mari is the way they view their heritage. In “ Everyday Use”, Dee wanted all the items that represented her family's history to show off as if it was a prize; while in “ Two Ways to Belong in America ”, Mari is rejecting all the ideas of becoming an American citizen because she does not aspire to stay in America. You can convey this because in the text it states, “ . . . I feel some kind of irrational attachment to India that I don’t to America.” Whereas, in “ Everyday Use”, it states “. . . I’ll think of something artistic to do with the dasher?” and “ “Well what would you do with them?”. . . “ Hang them,” she said. As if that was the only thing you could do with quilts.” These quotes prove that Dee only wanted the items to show off as if it was art, while Mari was just determined to keep her Indian customs as they were. Although Dee and Mari have resemblances in their personalities, they also have major variations on how they view their heritage.