Anthropologists study the behavior of various cultures and societies and try to understand why they believe and practice certain rituals. In the article Body Ritual Among The Nacirema, by Horace Miner and published by The American Anthropologist, the author describes extreme examples of ritual activities centered on the human body. The Nacirema believe that the body is ugly, diseased, debilitated and in need of help from their local healers, the "sacred mouth-men" and the "listener" sorcerer-doctor. Even though some practices are barbaric, I can relate some rituals to our own modern society. Economics is a large part of the ritual process. As a highly economic society, the Nacirema rely on gifts to pay for the services necessary for their rituals. The home shrine can be simple or elaborate depending on the wealth of the family. It is not uncommon for wealthy households to have several ritual centers. All ceremonies are private and secret. Every time a family member sees a healer and receives an order for a charm or potion, a gift must be paid. Amulets accumulate in the family shrine box and are never thrown away for fear of no longer being protected. I see that people in this culture work hard to earn their money and that a substantial portion of that money will constantly be paid to healers. Concern for their body becomes an obsession and a constant need for abuse. Their greatest horror comes from their mouth and its “supernatural influence on all social relations”. It seems that the Nacirema linked the condition of their mouth to diseases of the teeth, gums, jaws and the social relationships of friends and lovers. Oral and moral characteristics concern both children and adults. I believe the m...... middle of paper ......g confession. Demons, in the modern sense, could be a person's psychosis or anxiety. Therefore, this part of the Nacirema's body obsession seems less ritualistic. In conclusion, the practices of the Nacirema seem barbaric and crude. In the pain and torture they inflict on others, they continually seek to ritualize all the functions of their body. The article doesn't mention if they are ever happy. As I read the article for the third time, I began to connect some of the Nacirema rituals to what our local society might also practice. It was interesting to see the two methods that could achieve a common goal. For example, pig hair with magic powders and brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste. If Nacirema rituals can heal and restore people's well-being, then the cost and effort are worth it. If it doesn't help, it's just sadistic and degrading..