The Elements of Symbolic Culture in the Nacirema Group

Introduction

In “Body Rituals of the Nacirema,” anthropologist Horace Miner presents a satirical account of the cultural practices of a fictional group known as the Nacirema. Through his descriptions of the Nacirema’s daily rituals, beliefs, and customs, Miner aims to highlight the cultural biases and ethnocentrism of American society. The Nacirema’s practices, which include the use of “shrines” for daily rituals, the emphasis on cleanliness and bodily appearance, and the use of magic for healing, are portrayed in a way that is similar to American society, yet their practices are described in a manner that makes them seem strange and unfamiliar (Miner, 1956). This contrast is intended to challenge readers to question their own cultural assumptions and biases. In this paper, we will discuss the elements of symbolic culture in the Nacirema group, and explore how the concept of ethnocentrism applies to Miner’s writing.

Discussion

Elements of symbolic culture in the Nacirema group include:

• The use of “shrines” in which people perform daily rituals
• The importance placed on cleanliness and bodily appearance
• The use of magic to cure illness and prevent bad luck
• The belief in a powerful and fearsome god, who is also associated with the practice of medicine

Miner is writing about the cultural practices of a fictional group called the Nacirema. The name is a reversal of “American,” and the group’s practices and beliefs are meant to satirize and highlight the cultural biases and ethnocentrism of American society (Miner, 1956). The article is an example of cultural anthropology and the concept of cultural relativism, which holds that all cultures should be viewed on their own terms, rather than judged by the standards of one’s own culture.

Conclusion

The concept of ethnocentrism can be applied to this reading by recognizing that Miner is highlighting the tendency for American society to view its own practices and beliefs as normal and superior while viewing the practices and beliefs of other cultures as strange or inferior. By describing the fictional Nacirema group in a way that is similar to American society, Miner is illustrating how easy it is to fall into the trap of ethnocentrism and encouraging readers to question their own cultural biases.

Reference

Miner, H. (1956). Body Ritual among the Nacirema. American Anthropologist, 58(3), 503–507. Web.