At first glance, Horace Miner’s article “Body Rituals among the Nacirema”, appears to be a shockingly detailed account of a barbaric, self-absorbed culture existing somewhere between the Canadian Cree, the Yaqui and Tarahumare of Mexico and the Arawak of the
Antilles. The great lengths to which this culture goes to in order to keep up with outward appearances is as obsessive as it is brutal. The use and collection of magical charms seems medieval. Upon further reflection of the reading though, these people seem to have more similarities to our culture than differences.
The cultural practices described are at times so alarming and primitive that it is hard to believe that the Nacirema truly exist; but they do. The only difference is that they are known as
Americans. Miner has written a clever parody that reflects Americans’ everyday lifestyles and attitudes about maintaining outward beauty at any and all costs. He writes from what seems to be an outsider’s observation of the American culture. Once put into perspective, it is easy to see how exotic and extreme our everyday practices would seem to someone who knew nothing of our culture.
Throughout the world there are many cultures with many different customs that would seem primitive to an American. Take for instance the !Kung of Botswana. They are a huntinggathering tribe whose way of life differs from ours in many ways. One example of the !Kung way of life is the concept of sharing. Everything in the village from tools to food supplies is shared among the people so that everything is equal.

It is hard to imagine as an American sharing one’s belongings with everyone, especially with people you dislike. Yet this is the !Kung way of life. These customs do not make them less civilized, their customs define them as a people; a people from which we may learn a lot from.
If Americans were to share their belongings, so many problems may perhaps be solved.
As Americans, we tend to view ourselves as “civilized” and “’superior” to many other cultures throughout the world. Yet in reality we are no better if not worse than the cultures that we view as inferior. Americans are so focused on beauty and outward appearance that some people living within the culture feel the need to physically alter their bodies through surgical procedures to achieve a certain look. If this practice is not barbaric, then what really is?
In order to better understand other cultures, it is important to have a full understanding of one’s own culture and to realize that we are no less barbaric than the next culture.
At First Glance ............................................................................................................................ 1
Cultural Practices ........................................................................................................................ 1
Throughout the World................................................................................................................. 1
Hard To Imagine ......................................................................................................................... 2
As Americans .............................................................................................................................. 2
To Better Understand .................................................................................................................. 2