Momma, in Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use," feels conflicted about Dee's name change. While she acknowledges Dee's right to choose her own identity, she still clings to the traditional name "Maggie" for her daughter, reflecting her own deep connection to family history and tradition.
Momma's Perspective
- Respect for Dee's Choice: Momma recognizes Dee's desire to create a new identity for herself, symbolized by her adoption of the name "Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo."
- Connection to Family History: Momma, however, remains deeply attached to the name "Dee," seeing it as a part of their family legacy and a link to their shared past. She views the name as a symbol of their shared heritage, something Dee seems to be rejecting.
- Traditional Values: Momma's perspective reflects a more traditional view of family and identity, where names hold significant meaning and are passed down through generations.
- Emotional Attachment: The story suggests that Momma's resistance to the name change stems from a mix of pride in their family history and a sense of loss at Dee's apparent rejection of their shared past.
Dee's Perspective
Dee's decision to change her name represents her desire to embrace her African heritage and break free from the limitations of her past. She seeks a new identity that aligns with her newfound understanding of her ancestry and her desire to reclaim her cultural roots.
Conclusion
Momma's feelings towards Dee's name change reveal a clash between traditional values and the desire for self-discovery. While Momma acknowledges Dee's right to choose, she also expresses a deep sense of attachment to the name "Dee" and the history it represents.
