In the short story "Everyday Use", Alice Walker utilizes a wayward child to portray the importance of family tradition and heritage. The black-sheep child, Dee "Wangero", is a condescending, yet charismatic and educated young lady who does not grasp the full concept of family values. Dee is seen by the reader as inconsiderate and very blunt. Though these characteristics hold true, she is very knowledgeable. Dee has embraced her African roots, and even adopted the name "Wangero", but this does not dismiss her faulty attitude.
             Dee has a lofty and egocentric approach that she displays toward her family many times throughout the story. Upon arriving home, she does not greet her mother or sister with a hug or kiss. Instead she begins to snap Polaroid's of the family. Ironically, it is claimed by Mama that Dee will "never bring a friend there", yet she is sure to include the home in every photo (109). These actions give the reader the impression that she is wanting to use the photographs for her own benefit by exploiting her abandoned heritage in an artistic manner. Secondly, while the family is having a meal, Dee exclaims "that's it" jumping up and running toward the corner of the room where a churn top and dasher sat. Without considering that the family is still using the items, she asks if she can have both. Dee declares "I can use the churn top as a centerpiece for the alcove table, and I'll think of something artistic to do with the dasher" (111). This family artifact was clearly important to Mama, because she took the dasher in her hands for one last moment to admire the "sinks" in the wood from years of repeated use. Lastly, Dee displays her disrespect in reference to the two family quilts in Mama's bedroom. Dee rummages through the trunk at the foot of Mama's bed to find these beautifully hand crafted quilts that have remained in the f...