Everyday Use Culture Essay

Culture:

The Name of the Game Any group of people in the world, small or large, can share a culture. Merriam-Webster defines culture as “the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; also: the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time.” Just as cultures form originally, they can also adapt and borrow traits from other cultures that may be mixed within them or living in their close proximity or from prolonged contact with a different culture (acculturation). Some cultures observe a matriarchy, in which a family, group, or government is controlled by a woman or a group of women (matriarchy). To put it plainly, women make

For example, when she arrives, the very first thing Dee announces is that she has taken a new name to remove herself from “the people who oppress her” (Walker). In fact, she was named after her aunt, but Mama humors her instead of making an issue of it (Walker). There are several instances in this story where Dee insults her culture and heritage due to her recent acculturation (Walker). She wants to acquire everyday things from the family home to display as art (Walker). Her sister is offended, but Mama, keeps a tight rein on the situation, as any good leader would (Walker). Mama can see that Dee has evolved and adapted from her experiences and allows her that freedom (Walker). But, not everyone can be seduced by the influences of others and so cultures and traditions are retained. When Dee’s visit ends, life goes back to the way in which Mama and the younger sister, Maggie, are accustom (Walker). Mama keeps a balance in this story. She is conducive in assuring her daughters feel comfortable to stay with what they know or fly off into the