Watch the video or read Alice Walker’s story “Everyday Use” carefully and think about the reason Dee’s mother turns down her request in such a dramatic manner.
As you read the story, consider how family communication differs from professional communication. In both situations, “emotional baggage” may be present when delivering unwelcome news. However, in business writing, maintaining a professional, objective, and polite tone is crucial for long-lasting relationships. Using clear, varied sentence patterns and proper punctuation helps convey a professional image. Write a brief paragraph reacting to the characters in the story and relate the events to similar situations in your own family or someone you know. Your paragraph should be approximately five sentences long, focusing on punctuation and clauses. Consider how Dee’s mother’s way of saying “no” contrasts with a professional’s way in a business setting. – Post your “Everyday Use” paragraph to this discussion board by clicking on the Create Thread button. – Respond to two classmates’ posts
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
In Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use,” the tension between Dee and her mother, Mama, culminates in a dramatic refusal when Mama turns down Dee’s request for the quilts. This moment is not just about the quilts; it represents a deep-seated conflict over cultural identity and family values. Mama’s emotional response highlights the generational divide between her traditional values and Dee’s modern interpretation of heritage. Unlike the professional communication style, where one might employ a calm, objective tone to deliver unwelcome news, Mama’s refusal is charged with personal history and raw emotion. This contrast illustrates how family dynamics can complicate communication; for example, in my own experience, I have witnessed similar moments where emotional weight made straightforward discussions difficult. For instance, when a family member was denied the opportunity to inherit a cherished heirloom, the conversation was fraught with unspoken tensions and underlying sentiments, unlike a business setting where politeness and clarity typically prevail.
Explanation:
In the paragraph above, I focused on comparing the emotional nuances in Mama’s refusal of Dee’s request with how a professional would handle a similar situation. Here’s a breakdown of the elements that enhance the writing:
- Clarity and Structure: The paragraph maintains a clear focus on the characters and their conflicts, which is essential in conveying the central theme of the story. Each sentence builds upon the last to reinforce the primary idea.
- Punctuation and Clauses: Varied punctuation is used effectively. For instance, commas separate clauses and ideas smoothly, allowing the reader to follow the thought process. The use of dependent clauses (e.g., “when Mama turns down Dee’s request”) adds depth without losing clarity.
- Professional vs. Emotional Tone: The contrast between Mama’s emotional refusal and the expected objectivity of professional communication is clearly articulated. This not only reflects on the characters but also invites personal reflection, making the response relatable.
- Personal Connection: By relating the events to a personal experience, the response becomes more engaging. It highlights that while professional settings aim for politeness and clarity, family interactions can be much more complex due to emotional histories.
This paragraph structure and content emphasize the contrasts in communication styles while maintaining an appropriate academic tone, which is vital for discussions in educational settings.