Has anyone read the article Body Ritual Among the Nacirema?

Question

#1 How can anthropologist ensure that their analyses of culture are not as strange and foreign as the nacirema are to us?

#2 Has miner uncovered any basic truths about american culture?

#3 Does his analysis of "bodyritual" make us look at our own practices in new and productive ways?

Answer 1

#1 By being as objective as possible. I think that no person can be entirely objective because they will always see the world through their own cultural lens, so to speak, but by being open-minded and compassionate, one can be very objective.

#2 Yes, I think so. He brings to light our intense vanity for certain. It's no newsflash to most of us, but I found his take insightful and humorous.

#3 His analysis is a good attempt at showing how other cultures might view us in regards to "body ritual". For many, it would be a new perspective on American culture. As far as being productive, I can't say. That would depend on the individuals response to his article.

Answer 2

Without answering the questions,  I suggest you read it backwards--not the article, but the word 'nacirema'.  It should help put the content of the article in perspective.