My thoughts on "Everyday Use"

I feel that the major theme in this story is heritage. Dee tries to validate her African heritage by changing her name and her appearance. Maggie and her Mrs. Johnson seem confused by this image she tries to portray. Dee's attempt to put out this image seems to be materialistic. She tries finding things in the house to put in her own home to display her African heritage. Maggie and Mrs. Johnson contrasting view is evident when she sees the same items, but she sees them as a way of remembering her loved ones.