Analysis Of Body Ritual Among The Nacirema By Horace Miner

Body Ritual Among the Nacirema by Horace Miner describes the compelling culture of the Nacirema natives and the core beliefs that drive them to the extremes they exercise. It is apparent what Horace’s opinion of their practices are, as he is both fascinated and horrified to learn what these people do to preserve life.

The Nacirema, as stated in the reading, dedicate a considerable portion of their day in ritual activity. They prioritize the health and appearance of the human body, using ceremony as a means to keep the human’s natural tendency of sickness and repulsiveness, at bay. It is later mentioned that these ceremonies and rituals verge on the side of sadistic and extreme brutality. I can understand this sort of self concept. The body

In every household lives a shrine. The quantity and general aesthetic varies upon wealth but, every home has at least one that is implanted into the walls. Shrines consist of chests that hold charms and magical potions created by powerful and specialized practitioners. Whatever the charm or magical potion may be, it is considered very important to the worshipper, even life threatening to be without. This is a daily practice done in private. I suppose it is comparable to the dedication of religion in American culture. When surrounded by like minded folk, it turns heads when we don’t adhere to certain practices and more seriously leaves us frightened for our future primarily in the after life. On a lesser note, we do possess items in our households we would sadly feel lost without. Family heirlooms, old momentose, and childhood flashbacks in their physical form in theory give us a chance to keep those feelings and memories forever. Although we don’t worship them, we highly prioritize their preservation and damaging these materials can sometimes have serious effects on our mental state. We, like the Nacirema, begin to obsess over what we deem we can’t be o.k

“The Nacirema have an almost pathological horror and fascination with the mouth, the condition of which is believed to have a supernatural influence on all social relationships.” The holy-mouth-man is visited once or twice a year and replicates a more torturous form dentistry. Enlarging or creating holes in the clients teeth in order to insert supernatural substances inside is the foundation of his job. It is noted that these acts are performed exclusively by men. The Nacirema endure such suffering because of the importance that is put onto the mouth as quoted above. Oral upkeep and the quality of one’s character are considered to go hand in hand, and it is crucial enough to sit through painful surgery without anesthetics for probably hours. I believe it has become such a sacred feat simply because of the foundations of the Nacirema’s belief system. A fearful and self oriented mindset that if certain procedures aren’t followed through we will be rejected and therefore unable to go