(Based on Body Ritual Among the Nacirema by Horace Miner) What is the latipso in Nacirema culture? What does it signify? In describing what goes on in the latipso, what is Miner's principal message about American life? ...[Show More]
4 years ago
Body Ritual Among
the Nacirema
In Horace Miner's article "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema,"
the latipso is characterized as the primary sanctuary or "shrine" of
the Nacirema society. The latipso is a location where individuals go to undergo
different bodily practices, which are essential for good health and well-being
(Miner, 1956).
The latipso is an emblem of the Nacirema's preoccupation with physical
perfection and cleanliness, and the practices conducted there are highly
ritualized and involve intricate procedures, instruments, and celebrations (Houck, 2021). These
ceremonies are conducted by the Nacirema's sacred men, known as "medicine
men," who are considered to possess preternatural abilities.
Miner's principal message in explaining the latipso is that many of the
behaviors and beliefs of the Nacirema are like those of modern-day Americans.
He uses the essay to ridicule the ways in which Americans place a high value on
physical excellence and health, and the excessive measures that many
individuals take to achieve these standards, such as undertaking cosmetic
surgery or using expensive grooming products.
In essence, Miner's article uses the Nacirema society as an allegory for
American culture, spotlighting the silliness and irrationality of many of our
beliefs and practices surrounding the body. By holding up a mirror to our own
society, Miner encourages us to challenge our own beliefs and practices, and to
consider whether they are genuinely reasonable or merely the product of
societal indoctrination.
References
Houck, A. (2021). Ritual among the Scilohtac: Global Catholicism,
the Nacirema, and Interfaith Studies. Journal of Global Catholicism, 5(1),
40-63.
Miner, H. (1956). Body Ritual among the Nacirema. American
Anthropologist, 58 (3). pp. 503-507.
By Shem Kipkoech 1 year ago . Marked as helpful (158). Marked as unhelpful (224)
How should a technical or business systems department level manager balance skills in Leadership, Management, Strategic Thinking, and Critical Thinkin...
By timomch · 1 year ago
How can subcultural theories help understand lifestyle, life chances and identity formation in so-called urban “ghettos”?...
By CPA Guru · 3 years ago
Our beliefs change as we gain new information. Most people believe that it is no longer safe to use credit cards because hackers steal the numbers usi...
By Tutorseno · 4 years ago
We know that people use emotions when making decisions. What is the best use of emotions? The worst use?...
By Tutorseno · 4 years ago
The beliefs of Americans with respect to the 2003 invasion of Iraqi reflects facts, emotions, assumptions, opinions, or bias. Which of these do you th...
By Tutorseno · 4 years ago