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Body Ritual Among the Nacirema What was Horace Miner attempting to illustrate with this article?
In the beginning, Horace Miner gives the anthropologist has become so familiar with the diversity of ways in which different people behave in similar situations. He describes about the extreme rituals that people hold in America which he introduces his topic, ritual activity, "the focus" of which is the human body, the appearance and health of which looms as a dominant concern in the ethos of the people. It brings out the idea that what they are doing is only to improve that looks which are actually unnecessary such as the use of unnecessary plastic surgery. And also is deeper than a clever critique of the absurdities of the American culture. Although the writer does not use the word America at all, we can tell from the content and the examples that it is reflecting the Americans.
Miner goes on to give capsule descriptions of the shrine in which " private and secret" cleansing and makeup rituals take place, the " box and chest" containing " charms and magical potions" located in the shrine, the fonts with holy water used in the rituals, and how the contents of the boxes are filled.
He mentions the holy-month-men, and refers to health and romantic concerns with the mouth. He writes at length about visits to the holy-mouth-men, arguing that their sadism curiously contrasts with the general masochism of the people. As additional examples of masochism, he refers to men rubbing their faces with sharp scrapers and women baking their heads in small ovens. After he describes the Nacirema and theories about the influences of early memories and parents especially mothers. And also he mentions treatments of body fat and thinness breast size, excretion, intercourse and reproduction.
In the other side, he outlines glimpses of other aspects of American life: social divisions by wealth; asymmetries among the social roles of medical practitioners; his emphasis on the rather than family body rituals that suggests a form of individualism; sexism inferred from the treatment.
Finally, the best way from our high places of safety in the developed civilization, it is easy to see all the crudity and irrelevance of magic. Without it, no men have advanced to the higher stages of civilization.
Posted on October 14, 2008 3:25 AM | Permalink
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What can you learn from the nacirema?
The Nacirema, a fictional tribe created by anthropologist Horace Miner, serves as a lens to examine and critique cultural practices within American society. Through their rituals, particularly those centered around the body and health, we can learn about the ways in which cultural norms shape behaviors and beliefs. The Nacirema highlight the often strange and ritualistic nature of everyday life, prompting reflection on the significance we ascribe to our own customs. Ultimately, this exploration encourages a deeper understanding of cultural relativism and the importance of viewing practices within their own context.
What nicknames does Horace Panter go by?
Horace Panter goes by Sir Horace Gentleman.
What is the birth name of Horace Logan?
Horace Logan's birth name is Logan, Horace Lee.
What is the birth name of Horace Hahn?
Horace Hahn's birth name is Horace L. Hahn.
What is the birth name of Horace Heidt?
Horace Heidt's birth name is Horace Murray Heidt.
Who are the Nacirema what is the commonly used name?
The Nacirema people are Americans. In the article " Body Ritual Among The Nacirema ", By: Horace Miner, he explains how what we do as Americans is different when someone puts it in a way that other people may think seem strange.
What was Horace Miner attempting to illustrate with this article How does this article relate to conducting research on other cultures?
Horace Miner's article "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema" satirically illustrated how cultural practices that seem bizarre or primitive to outsiders are actually perceived as normal within specific societies. The article serves as a cautionary tale on the importance of cultural relativism in conducting research on other cultures, highlighting the need to suspend judgment and understand practices within their cultural contexts rather than imposing external norms. It emphasizes the significance of approaching research with sensitivity, open-mindedness, and a recognition of the complexity of cultural diversity.
Who is the author of body ritual among the nacirema?
Horace Miner
Who are the Nacirema?
Nacirema is a term (in anthropology and sociology circles) used to examine aspects of the society and behavior of people who live in the United States. The term is a form of word play as it is "American" spelled backward.
What is the Nacirema Kingdom?
Nacirema is American spelt backwards. "Body rituals of the Nacerima," was written by Anthropologist Horace Miner to show how different cultures can appear strange if they are not understood. This was a satirical work done in the 1950's about the current American society. Everything listed is what American's do everyday.
The significance of Horace Miner's essay on the Nacirema is?
The significance of his essay deals with the fact that he is essentially talking about the American people. Instead of assuming the actions he describes are wrong, he words the essay to make it seem as if- this strange group of people are crazy! so, the significance is- It helps us look at the things we do and how things other people do might be interpreted incorrectly.
Who was the leader of the common-school movement?
Horace Mann.
What nicknames does Horace Panter go by?
Horace Panter goes by Sir Horace Gentleman.
What is the birth name of Horace Haine?
Horace Haine's birth name is Horace Hain.
When was Horace McKenna born?
Horace McKenna died in 1982.
What is the birth name of Horace Tapscott?
Horace Tapscott's birth name is Horace Elva Tapscott.
What is the birth name of Horace Braham?
Horace Braham's birth name is Horace Henry Braham.
