What is another example Miner could have given of "Nacirema" culture, not related to body image? Try to explain it like Miner does, as an anthropologist who might be witnessing this behavior for the first time. Have fun with this one!
1. Who is this culture? Was it easy to determine which culture Miner is describing? Why or why not?
This is a satirical representation (although grossly misjudged) of the American people and their perceived culture. Now my third time having to write about this article, it was simple to understand that Miner was referencing the Americans, mostly as his descriptions would easily be attributed to Americans, as I have seen living abroad. Not to mention, one of the first aspects of the article that I noticed, was that the name of the “tribe” was nothing more than American spelled backwards.
Why are some behaviors described as "magic?"
Magic is oft noted by Miner to be the use of medicine, the medicine men that are the only people that can prescribe the medicine seems to be revered by the Nacirema, as Miner notes the importance to the culture of both the medicine and prescribers. He makes dutiful recognition of hierarchy that these medicine men hold with in the Nacirema people.
3. Why are some behaviors described as "rituals?" Do you think it is a fair label?
Miner makes a strong point to identify the self-rituals and shrines in regards to physical appearance. He suggests that this culture is obsessive with body modification, and appearance. I find this to be the leanings of bias or distaste of Miner for the Nacireman desire to appease their appearance related issues. He also notes that the less wealthy will imitate the wealth/desires of the higher class in this society. He also notes the importance of oral hygiene to the Nacirema people, and describes this as a ritualistic behavior, I find his labels unfair, and an extension of his clear disdain with the culture/behaviors/people.
2. Does this humorous approach bother...