Academic Writing anthropology

Rewriting The Nacirema “Our review of the ritual life of the Nacirema has certainly shown them to be a magic-ridden people. It is hard to understand how they have managed to exist so long under the burdens which they have imposed upon themselves.” - Horace Miner. Body Ritual among the Nacirema teaches us that all cultures can look exotic and strange to an outsider, even our own American culture. When we read about The Nacirema we are both intrigued and disgusted by their seemingly “primitive” and superstitious behaviors until we realize that Miner is describing our own behavior and practices we take for granted as “normal.” Writing during the 1950s, however, Miner’s work is now outdated. How can we write about the cultural practices of the Nacirema from a 21st century perspective? How might our culture look exotic and strange to an outsider? THE ASSIGNMENT: First, reread Body Ritual among the Nacirema. Using Miner’s writing style as a guide, write a paper that makes some American cultural practice seem exotic, strange, primitive, superstitious or magical. Think about how our American values and norms are reflected in the practice – be it our value of money, family, education, health, beauty, industriousness, consumerism, individualism, technology etc. The best papers will be ones that write both creatively and richly in their descriptions of Nacirema cultural practices and also provide some deeper insights into the Nacirema worldview and values. In your first paragraph, reintroduce your audience to the Nacirema. In the main portion of your paper (body paragraphs) discuss 1 (large concept) to 3 (smaller concepts) “Nacirema” cultural practices and how they reflect nacirema cultural values/norms. In your concluding paragraph (s), sum up the cultural practices/values/beliefs/norms you ‘ve discussed. PAPER LOGISTICS: at least 3 typed double-spaced pages (but no more than 10), 12-point font and 1 inch margins. Be sure your paper has a descriptive title, your full name, the course name (Anth 102), and the section number.