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 (156). Marked as unhelpful (222)