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Essay / Body Rituals Among the Nacrima by Horace Miner - 714
Reaction Paper OneIn the article “Body Rituals Among the Nacrima,” written by Horace Miner, we learn about the unique cultural practices of the Nacrima – a North American group. The group has complex social institutions, hierarchies, and cultural practices, just like other societies around the world, but the practices of this particular group are unique. However, once the reader analyzes the passage critically, they realize that Miner is actually describing American culture and that he is doing so from an outsider's perspective and demonstrating how strange societies are to a stranger observing him. When I first read the passage, I was somewhere between shock and curiosity. I was shocked by the strange rituals of Nacrima, why didn't the healers provide the medicines themselves? Why do they have shrine rooms filled with potions and powders that they use daily? The society seemed excessive in its practices and followed a strict social hierarchy, with each member having their own role – the healer and the listener had distinct roles. As soon as I got over the initial shock of "why...