We read an article in class called Body Ritual Among the Nacirema. The Nacirema have an excessive focus on the appearance and health of their bodies. They go to extreme measures to support their beliefs. For example they set up shrines in their homes which are filled with magical potions from medicine men and herbalists. Could this be the kitchen cabinets of today which are filled with a multitude of vitamins, medicines, herbal remedies and protein shakes from are doctors and local GNC Stores? The Nacirema reward the medicine men (our doctors?) and the herbalists (the pharmacists of today?) for their services.
The Nacirema can only use holy water during their rituals, which water comes from the local Water Temple. Today the “Water Temples” are named Dasani and Aquafina.
Another ritual that the Nacirema strongly believe in involves rinsing of children mouths to improve their “moral fiber”. In today’s society, some parents use soap.
Our society can become obsessive about our looks and health. We are overrun with health clubs, vitamin stores, organic foods, diets and exercise equipment. This is both good and bad. The good is we care about our appearance and health. The bad is that we tend to go to extremes, and people that profit from these health-related products take advantage of us.
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