Body Rituals Among the Nacirema

The article “Body Ritual Among the Nacirema” written by Horace Miner, is an extremely satirical piece regarding modern American life between “American’s” and “Nacirema’s”. Although Miner does not ever use to the word American, we are able to tell by his content and facts stated that he is reflecting the Americans. In other words, Miner uses his article as a way to express the American way of life from an outsider’s point of view.

Throughout his piece, in twisted ways Miner lays out the, what appear to be crazy and obnoxious, ways of American citizens.

His writing displays the proof of how easily it is for things to appear extremely strange or abnormal when we are placed in someone else’s shoes or given a new point of view. For instance, Miner refers to the incredible amount of time and effort Americans put into appearance as one of the most important American rituals.

Not only does Miner’s writing make you rethink the judgements you may have been quick to make on a societies culture or religion, but as well as the people in general.

In conclusion to Miner’s article, it goes to show you how quick to judge humans are by focusing only on certain details. It is fair to say that as people, we tend to jump to multiple conclusions rather than being patient and looking deeper to find the truth. As the saying goes “Things are not always what they seem”.

Socialogical Imagination

Society plays a massive role in not only my life, but every single person around me. It is absolutely amazing how touched our lives are by both the actions and inactions of people all around the world. Although it is a great positive factor how connected we all are throughout the world, the negative factors are even grater.

For starters, looking around your home the amount of items that are not even manufactured in Canada is incredible. It is sad to say, but by our actions of owning the products of which we do, that are created in countries such as China, in many ways we are only aiding to the production of sweat shops.

Along with this, the endless arisal of wars around the world strongly effect each and everyone of us whether its place of action is in our home country or not. For instance, the events of 9/11 and the recent wars in Iraq have left an incredible impact in multiple countries.

On the plus side, my actions of volunteering at the BCCA is my way of giving back to the world. As small of a group it is that I touch, compared to the mass of people still in need, ever little bit helps and I feel as though I am truly helping to make a difference.

As you grow older, you begin to realize how much we have all taken for granted.  Turning on the tap and recieving fresh water. Having a roof over your head. Clothes on your back. Food on the table. Education. Employment. In a massive mount of countries around the world, things such as these are not even in the question.

However, as far as actions go I believe that one spark starts a fire. If one person works to create a movement, it will continue.

 

welcome to me.

Hi! For starters, my name is Paige Nylund. I am a 19 year old, part-time employed student currently in my second semester at Kwantlen Polytechnic University where I am temporarily enrolled in the Associate of Arts program. I graduated from Fleetwood Park Secondary in 2010.

As you may have noticed, I took a year off school before I finally became enrolled in post-secondary. At the time of graduation I had no idea, whatsoever, as to what it was I wanted to do with my life, let alone what type of career I wanted to fall into. Because of this I found no desire in being stuck in school once again, I needed time to think.

Within the year i took off school I was able to discover alot about myself. I began to realize what truly matters in life, and what it is that deserves care and attention, and what doesnt. Along with this, during my time off I experienced some events that led me to the career I know is the right one for me. I am now happy to say that I am currently waiting to be accepted into a Bachelors of Nursing program. I am so excited and thrilled to finally know that I have found the path I am meant to be on.

Anyways, moving on from school. On the other side of studying and doing homework I have a fair amount of hobbies. I am an active volunteer at the Fraser Valley BCCA where I have learnt more than I ever could have imagined. I am also one of the biggest music fans you will ever meet. I have been playing the piano since I was about 8 years old, and began playing the acoustic guitar when i was 14. For me, music has always been an incredibly, massive inspiration and I could not imagine my life without it.

Since I am planning on pursuing a nursing career I chose to enroll in Sociology. Being able to learn and understand people on a better level would be massively benefical in my specific career choice. I hope that by the end of the semester I am able to take away much more than I entered the classroom with.

I look forward to seeing what the semester will bring and I hope you look forward to hearing about it!