The paper below was written shortly after reading and in a style mimicking that of Horace Miner of the University of Michigan, in Body Ritual among the Nacirema. In his article, Miner attempts to describe the cultural practices of Americans (the Nacirema) from and outsider's point of view--portraying their actions as alien and bizarre. I tried to describe Christianity in a similar fashion; I apologize if anyone takes offense to this, that surely was not my intention.
Kathleen Wilson
Intro to Cultural Anthropology
Brian Adams-Thies
September 19, 2009
The Beliefs and Practices of the Naitsirhc
The accomplished anthropologist is surprised by little; his knowledge and exposure to the practices of various cultures leaves few customs unexplored and little room for amazement. Yet in my experience I have yet to come across any other culture with beliefs like those of the Naitsirhc. [1] For me to say that I don’t fear the Naitsirhc would be misleading, but as is true of most things, much of this fear comes from a lack of understanding. Tonight I attempted to remedy this situation.
I will first explain briefly the knowledge I had of the Naitsirhc people before my experience tonight—the knowledge that has lead to my confusion and fear toward this culture for much of my life.
The first experience I can remember having with the Naitsirhc is from when I was a child. I participated in a ritual performed every year by the Naitsirhc in which the family visits a man dressed as a rodent, presumably representing their god.[2] The man, in full costume, presents the children of the family with gifts: small plastic balls that the children are to crack open to receive a piece of food. I have asked many of the Naitsirhc that I have encountered why this rodent was chosen to represent their deity and why this rodent is sharing (and sometimes hiding) these plastic balls, but none have possessed sufficient knowledge regarding the reasoning behind this practice. That is not to say that there is not good reason for this ritual, only that those practicing it have no greater understanding of it than you or I. I have found the same to be true of many of the Naitsirhc practices.
The Naitsirhc worship three manifestations of their deity[3]—one physical form and two intangible entities—yet they consider themselves monotheistic. None of these manifestations is portrayed in the form of a rodent, much to my confusion, though I am told that the Naitsirhc deity has the ability to take whatever form it chooses. According to Naitsirhc belief, their god will come to Earth someday and bring all of his followers to his home to live forever. Even those who did not follow him for most of their lives and those who have lived to spite him are invited, as long as they apologize and ask for his forgiveness (which he always grants)—that is, unless you are gay.
This week in my current city of residence, the Naitsirhc people have planned a gathering each night to discuss their beliefs. Robert Wagley, a Naitsirhc scholar, will attempt to answer the questions of the Naitsirhc regarding the past, present and future of their culture. Tonight, I attended the first of these lectures.
Of all the cultures I have encountered, I find it interesting that the group of people that scare and confuse me the most look just like me. As uncomfortable as I was, I was able to pass myself off as a Naitsirhc for the evening with no trouble. The Naitsirhc people greeted me kindly, and I wondered if their thoughts and actions toward me would be different if they knew I was not one of them. I imagined so, as I have expressed my lack of Naitsirhc belief to a Naitsirhc before and my opinion was not very well accepted.
I took my seat next to a friend I’d brought along (also a non- Naitsirhc) and we observed the Naitsirhc people surrounding us. We assumed most to be total strangers, but it was not long before the Naitsirhc were interacting with each other as though they were old friends. Most discussed aspects of their beliefs as Naitsirhc, and expressed excitement about the coming lecture. It seemed as though simply being Naitsirhc made these people feel connected in some way, which is unsurprising given that Naitsirhc consider themselves to be brothers; all sons of their god.
The lecture was much like any other lecture one might attend, except of course for the material itself. I learned of evil frogs and a beast with six heads (each of a different fierce animal), and watched as the Naitsirhc nodded in agreement with everything Robert Wagley said. Some of the more passionate audience members shouted out parts of Naitsirhc prayer to show their dedication to the Naitsirhc beliefs. During the presentation I overheard some of the Naitsirhc nearby comment on how enlightened they felt, though I obtained only further confusion.
At the end of the evening we were asked to lower our heads and talk to the Naitsirhc deity, but not out loud. We were to think the words we wished the god to hear, and he would understand them. If the Naitsirhc god could hear our thoughts at that moment, he knew exactly what I wanted for dinner and little else from me. To my disappointment, I did not learn anything from the lecture that helped me further understand the culture. In fact, I did quite the opposite. I did, however, benefit from observing the Naitsirhc people during and after the seminar. As I watched the Naitsirhc people get up to leave, I saw the comfort on their faces. Perhaps these beliefs and rituals that the Naitsirhc adhere to serve no other purpose than to make people feel that there is hope for the future—a hope that someday they might live with their god with other good Naitsirhc (and the bad ones that said “sorry”). While I cannot grasp much of the Naitsirhc faith, this desire for hope and understanding is something to which I can relate.
Naitsirhc people walk among us every day. My mother is Naitsirhc. My father was Naitsirhc. My friends are Naitsirhc; my neighbors are Naitsirhc. I, myself, was once identified as a Naitsirhc simply because my ancestors were so. At the age of 14 I sat down to consider the beliefs of these people and realized that I could no longer consider myself one of them. I fear I will never fully understand the Naitsirhc people or how they continue to believe what they do despite blaring evidence in opposition, but I must accept their beliefs and practices just as I would any other culture.
Endnotes
1. Around this point or soon after, I assume you will realize where this paper is going. Truth be told, I’m not quite sure if I would be breaking some sort of rule by not citing where this style came from, so just in case: I wrote this paper mimicking the writing of Horace Miner in his article Body Ritual among the Nacirema.
2. Much of the information contained in this passage was obtained through my personal experience with the Naitsirhc .
3. The beliefs and practices noted in this paper come from the Bible and/or are considered common knowledge for those who have had any experience with the Naitsirhc culture.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Can't sleep.
For the last few days, I've felt really...off. I'm not sure how to explain it. Something just doesn't feel right. I don't know if it's just me adjusting to being home again or what. Lately I feel like I'm doing things just to be doing something...hanging out with people just so I can say I hung out with them.
On an unrelated note, I feel I'm being judged as of late. Mostly because of my religious beliefs, or lack thereof. I don't understand how you can look down on someone for not believing in your God. I'd argue that my morals (not only the way I think, but the actions I take as a result) are stronger and more compassionate than most religious folk that I know, and yet because my values don't come from your Book, they don't count? I have no problem with faith...I have a problem with organized religion, when not practiced carefully. If you honestly believe in a God, a Savior, then live your life according to the way He'd want you to...don't treat your fellow man like shit, say a Hail Mary twice a day and think you're forgiven for your sins.
I should be asleep.
On an unrelated note, I feel I'm being judged as of late. Mostly because of my religious beliefs, or lack thereof. I don't understand how you can look down on someone for not believing in your God. I'd argue that my morals (not only the way I think, but the actions I take as a result) are stronger and more compassionate than most religious folk that I know, and yet because my values don't come from your Book, they don't count? I have no problem with faith...I have a problem with organized religion, when not practiced carefully. If you honestly believe in a God, a Savior, then live your life according to the way He'd want you to...don't treat your fellow man like shit, say a Hail Mary twice a day and think you're forgiven for your sins.
I should be asleep.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Oh, Maddox
"You know what the best thing about knowing that the nerds you picked on will always be more successful, have hotter girlfriends, a home that doesn't have wheels, and a stock portfolio with numbers larger than you can count is? Doesn't matter, get me a coffee."
http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net
http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net
Monday, April 27, 2009
I'll see you in a little while
Dear Dad,
Some time ago I wrote to you telling you of the love I'd found--wishing you could be here to see my happiness. I was wrong. What you would have seen had you been watching was your little girl fooling herself into believing what she wanted to believe. I was not happy. I was far from happy. I'm happy now. I would believe you're smiling now, if I believed you possessed that which is necessary in order to smile.
I listened to a song last night that I've listened to many times before. I cried this time.
It's about a young man who loses the girl he loves, but maintains the belief that one day he will see her again. Here are some lyrics.
I hope that you'll stay for the night
I've made the bed and I've saved your side
Make me over, bring me to the light
Until the sunshine opens my eyes
Wake with a smile and I'll
I'll see you in a little while
When it's over, all said and done
Bags packed, tags checked, front of the line
I'll lay in clover, under the sun
Lift my eyes up to the sky and smile cause I'll
I'll see you in a little while
I sat in the car after I parked and listened again. I looked to the sky and thought hard for a few minutes, then cried some more. Sometimes I wish so much that I could believe what they believe. That I could forget what my mind tells me and let myself think there's a chance that you're up there. That you're watching me. That you're reading this. Your energy is not gone, but you are. Things won't be the same. I love you.
Some time ago I wrote to you telling you of the love I'd found--wishing you could be here to see my happiness. I was wrong. What you would have seen had you been watching was your little girl fooling herself into believing what she wanted to believe. I was not happy. I was far from happy. I'm happy now. I would believe you're smiling now, if I believed you possessed that which is necessary in order to smile.
I listened to a song last night that I've listened to many times before. I cried this time.
It's about a young man who loses the girl he loves, but maintains the belief that one day he will see her again. Here are some lyrics.
I hope that you'll stay for the night
I've made the bed and I've saved your side
Make me over, bring me to the light
Until the sunshine opens my eyes
Wake with a smile and I'll
I'll see you in a little while
When it's over, all said and done
Bags packed, tags checked, front of the line
I'll lay in clover, under the sun
Lift my eyes up to the sky and smile cause I'll
I'll see you in a little while
I sat in the car after I parked and listened again. I looked to the sky and thought hard for a few minutes, then cried some more. Sometimes I wish so much that I could believe what they believe. That I could forget what my mind tells me and let myself think there's a chance that you're up there. That you're watching me. That you're reading this. Your energy is not gone, but you are. Things won't be the same. I love you.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
"I promised I would never leave you...
And you should always know
Wherever you may go
No matter where you are
I never will be far away."
Dear Dad,
I walked for you tonight. They had everyone who'd lost a parent do a lap together, and it was saddening and comforting all at the same time to see that there are other families like ours, who have been what we've been through. I am a stronger person because of you, and I will never stop working toward having the life you would have wanted for me. I love you.
Wherever you may go
No matter where you are
I never will be far away."
Dear Dad,
I walked for you tonight. They had everyone who'd lost a parent do a lap together, and it was saddening and comforting all at the same time to see that there are other families like ours, who have been what we've been through. I am a stronger person because of you, and I will never stop working toward having the life you would have wanted for me. I love you.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Pesco-vegetarianism
I've been presented with a lot of questions since I became a "pescetarian" (I eat fish, but no other animals) in October. Namely, why? I've explained here the basics, but let's go into a little detail, shall we?
1. They're animals. You wouldn't eat a cat or dog, so why a cow? Because it's not as cute? Society tells you it's okay to eat a cow, so you do. Yes, nutritionally there is some value (though red meat does more harm than good), but if you were a good source of nutrients (which you probably are), I still wouldn't eat you. I promise. I don't think killing one being to feed another is right. I hear the argument often that we have canine teeth, and eating animals is natural. First of all, I don't think that everything that occurs in nature is right. Second, there's a difference between killing animals to eat them, and raising animals specifically to feed your hunger. If I were going to eat meat again, it would be minimal, and free-range only.
2. They're treated horribly, even before we slaughter them. Look into how chickens are treated on farms. If it doesn't make you sick, you're probably not really thinking about it. To answer inevitable questions, I only eat free-range eggs.
3. Global warming. If you're going to try to tell me it's a hoax, stop reading and punch yourself in the face for me. We know that our transportation contributes greatly. Raising cows contributes more. Roughly 18% of the global warming effect comes from the methane and nitrous oxides emitted by manure. In other words, one way to help stop global warming is to never go anywhere unless you're walking, skateboarding, biking, etc. An easier and more effective way is to cut meat from your diet.
4. Here's the biggest one for me. Meat is an extremely inefficient food source. Animals raised for food do not graze on grass, they are given feed: grains grown specifically for these cows, pigs, etc. The amount of calories in the grain used to feed these animals greatly exceeds the value of their meat. In other words, if we used all of the grain we grow for farm animals to feed humans, we could feed tons more people. In addition, these grains are less expensive than meat, so even more people could afford to eat. I hear the argument frequently that there are a million farms in the Midwest; that there can't be a shortage of land and resources. Many of the crops you seen grown in Iowa are not for you to eat: they're animal feed. All of that land is dedicated to feeding an animal you're just going to slaughter and eat later. Feed, kill, eat, repeat.
I'm frequently asked why I still eat fish. Honestly, part if it is because when I first gave up meat I gave up fish as well, and got pretty sick because I wasn't getting a lot of the nutrients I need. Here's why I think it's okay to eat fish (though if I thought I could give it up I would, and still might someday):
- One argument is that fish can't feel pain. I don't believe this, but I do think that they way fish are caught (and sometimes raised) is more ethical than the way other animals are treated.
-Many fish are not farm-raised, and those that are must be treated fairly well or else they would not be safe to eat.
-Raising fish does not contribute to global warming, nor does it require the use of nearly as many resources as raising cows and pigs.
I'm sure there's more to say here, but that's all I've got for today. Peace, love, and harmony.
1. They're animals. You wouldn't eat a cat or dog, so why a cow? Because it's not as cute? Society tells you it's okay to eat a cow, so you do. Yes, nutritionally there is some value (though red meat does more harm than good), but if you were a good source of nutrients (which you probably are), I still wouldn't eat you. I promise. I don't think killing one being to feed another is right. I hear the argument often that we have canine teeth, and eating animals is natural. First of all, I don't think that everything that occurs in nature is right. Second, there's a difference between killing animals to eat them, and raising animals specifically to feed your hunger. If I were going to eat meat again, it would be minimal, and free-range only.
2. They're treated horribly, even before we slaughter them. Look into how chickens are treated on farms. If it doesn't make you sick, you're probably not really thinking about it. To answer inevitable questions, I only eat free-range eggs.
3. Global warming. If you're going to try to tell me it's a hoax, stop reading and punch yourself in the face for me. We know that our transportation contributes greatly. Raising cows contributes more. Roughly 18% of the global warming effect comes from the methane and nitrous oxides emitted by manure. In other words, one way to help stop global warming is to never go anywhere unless you're walking, skateboarding, biking, etc. An easier and more effective way is to cut meat from your diet.
4. Here's the biggest one for me. Meat is an extremely inefficient food source. Animals raised for food do not graze on grass, they are given feed: grains grown specifically for these cows, pigs, etc. The amount of calories in the grain used to feed these animals greatly exceeds the value of their meat. In other words, if we used all of the grain we grow for farm animals to feed humans, we could feed tons more people. In addition, these grains are less expensive than meat, so even more people could afford to eat. I hear the argument frequently that there are a million farms in the Midwest; that there can't be a shortage of land and resources. Many of the crops you seen grown in Iowa are not for you to eat: they're animal feed. All of that land is dedicated to feeding an animal you're just going to slaughter and eat later. Feed, kill, eat, repeat.
I'm frequently asked why I still eat fish. Honestly, part if it is because when I first gave up meat I gave up fish as well, and got pretty sick because I wasn't getting a lot of the nutrients I need. Here's why I think it's okay to eat fish (though if I thought I could give it up I would, and still might someday):
- One argument is that fish can't feel pain. I don't believe this, but I do think that they way fish are caught (and sometimes raised) is more ethical than the way other animals are treated.
-Many fish are not farm-raised, and those that are must be treated fairly well or else they would not be safe to eat.
-Raising fish does not contribute to global warming, nor does it require the use of nearly as many resources as raising cows and pigs.
I'm sure there's more to say here, but that's all I've got for today. Peace, love, and harmony.
Friday, March 6, 2009
I believe in love; It's all we got
I can't believe that there are still people in the world who look down upon others for their sexual preferences. It's honestly baffling to me. Here's a comment I came across in response to an article on whether or not California will fight prop 8:
"Well if gays are allowed to marry then I suppose a man can marry his horse or a woman can marry her dog or a grownup can marry a child or how about multiple people marrying eachother?Afterall, isn't it all love and why if one type of degenerate love cannot be discriminated against can't other types as well?In the future there won't be any Churches because the gays will have sued all of them into bankruptcy as well as having their tax exempt status taken away for refusing to marry them and marriage of any sort will most likely be considered a homosexual thing just like the rainbow is now considered a symbol of homosexuality."
I actually thought this was a joke the first time I read it. No way, I thought, did someone really just compare a gay man to a fucking horse. I read more feedback by this reader and found out, to my dismay, that this was a totally sincere comment. I literally almost threw up. There are few things more beautiful than love between two human beings, and to not recognize that is something I simply cannot understand. How can you call any love between two people "degenerate"? The argument that love between two people of the same sex is in some way lesser than that of a heterosexual couple has always confused me.
Also, WHY would marriage become a symbol of homosexuality?? Because it's something homosexuals are able to do? Gay people each sandwiches sometimes too, does that mean my PB&J is a gay pride symbol? Fucking ridiculous.
PS: For the record, if homosexuality eliminates churches, as this reader suggests it will, I will be eternally celebrating.
I came across another reader's (guy named "Flip) response to this closed-minded righty ranting. If I knew him personally, I would hug him:
"It's always shocking to see we have so many ignorant bigots left in this world. If you voted Yes on 8, or supported it, then you don't support equal rights. That simple. You voted for, or supported taking other human's rights away from them, while your rights remained untouched. You deserve aboslutely no help from anyone when your rights end up being on the line.If you really love someone, you don't love them because they have nice tits or a huge dick. You love what's inside of them. Whether you call that a soul, or a spirit, or a personality, that's what you love. Love is love. Souls don't have genitalia. Use your brains. Don't fall back on what your mythology, I mean religion, tells you. And if you think Rush Limbaugh is a decent human being with relevant and intelligent things to say, you're beyond help. I pity you."
Exactly. Exactly exactly exactly. Love is love. Get with the program.
"Well if gays are allowed to marry then I suppose a man can marry his horse or a woman can marry her dog or a grownup can marry a child or how about multiple people marrying eachother?Afterall, isn't it all love and why if one type of degenerate love cannot be discriminated against can't other types as well?In the future there won't be any Churches because the gays will have sued all of them into bankruptcy as well as having their tax exempt status taken away for refusing to marry them and marriage of any sort will most likely be considered a homosexual thing just like the rainbow is now considered a symbol of homosexuality."
I actually thought this was a joke the first time I read it. No way, I thought, did someone really just compare a gay man to a fucking horse. I read more feedback by this reader and found out, to my dismay, that this was a totally sincere comment. I literally almost threw up. There are few things more beautiful than love between two human beings, and to not recognize that is something I simply cannot understand. How can you call any love between two people "degenerate"? The argument that love between two people of the same sex is in some way lesser than that of a heterosexual couple has always confused me.
Also, WHY would marriage become a symbol of homosexuality?? Because it's something homosexuals are able to do? Gay people each sandwiches sometimes too, does that mean my PB&J is a gay pride symbol? Fucking ridiculous.
PS: For the record, if homosexuality eliminates churches, as this reader suggests it will, I will be eternally celebrating.
I came across another reader's (guy named "Flip) response to this closed-minded righty ranting. If I knew him personally, I would hug him:
"It's always shocking to see we have so many ignorant bigots left in this world. If you voted Yes on 8, or supported it, then you don't support equal rights. That simple. You voted for, or supported taking other human's rights away from them, while your rights remained untouched. You deserve aboslutely no help from anyone when your rights end up being on the line.If you really love someone, you don't love them because they have nice tits or a huge dick. You love what's inside of them. Whether you call that a soul, or a spirit, or a personality, that's what you love. Love is love. Souls don't have genitalia. Use your brains. Don't fall back on what your mythology, I mean religion, tells you. And if you think Rush Limbaugh is a decent human being with relevant and intelligent things to say, you're beyond help. I pity you."
Exactly. Exactly exactly exactly. Love is love. Get with the program.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Perhaps it is something in the air this morning,
But I feel completely content today. Nay, much more than content. I'm thoroughly delighted with everything in my life right now.
I am beside myself with excitement over my new major. One class down, and I have no doubt that I made the right decision in switching to the school of Journalism. David Wright may be the best thing that ever happened to me, next to Maynard Keenan. Prof W, learn to write and sing like MJK and you'll seal the deal.
I am in love. Completely, utterly, and perhaps foolishly head-over-heels. It's been a while since I last had this feeling. I hope it sticks around for a while.
I start tutoring again next week. Most are probably wondering why on earth I would include work in this type of post. Honestly, math is a passion of mine. A totally nerdy one, but a passion nonetheless. Helping people something I fancy just as much, if not more. Combining the two is a wonderful way to spend my time. Especially since I'm getting paid.
To top it all off, the inauguration of Pres. Obama is TODAY. Things are about to change for the better, people. The MUCH better. Get excited.
Things are looking up.
I am beside myself with excitement over my new major. One class down, and I have no doubt that I made the right decision in switching to the school of Journalism. David Wright may be the best thing that ever happened to me, next to Maynard Keenan. Prof W, learn to write and sing like MJK and you'll seal the deal.
I am in love. Completely, utterly, and perhaps foolishly head-over-heels. It's been a while since I last had this feeling. I hope it sticks around for a while.
I start tutoring again next week. Most are probably wondering why on earth I would include work in this type of post. Honestly, math is a passion of mine. A totally nerdy one, but a passion nonetheless. Helping people something I fancy just as much, if not more. Combining the two is a wonderful way to spend my time. Especially since I'm getting paid.
To top it all off, the inauguration of Pres. Obama is TODAY. Things are about to change for the better, people. The MUCH better. Get excited.
Things are looking up.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Fuck my life.
But mostly my internet. I can't do ANYTHING online here because I get disconnected every 5 minutes. Ughhhhhhhh.
I start classes for my new major on Tuesday. I'm incredibly excited and pretty confident I'll do well, but it's still all pretty scary. I've made so many changes in the last 6 months....I guess one more won't hurt.
Break has been wonderful. Sam came to visit for new years. He's amazing. BC took Eldridge and me to the Bulls vs Thunder game last weekend. Chicago lost, but it was still totally bomb. Benny the Bull sillystringed me. I might have a crush on Derek Rose, and the redhead cheerleader. Sorry, Sam.
I start classes for my new major on Tuesday. I'm incredibly excited and pretty confident I'll do well, but it's still all pretty scary. I've made so many changes in the last 6 months....I guess one more won't hurt.
Break has been wonderful. Sam came to visit for new years. He's amazing. BC took Eldridge and me to the Bulls vs Thunder game last weekend. Chicago lost, but it was still totally bomb. Benny the Bull sillystringed me. I might have a crush on Derek Rose, and the redhead cheerleader. Sorry, Sam.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Hello, Politics.
Jon Stewart just OWNED Mike Huckabee. Well done, sir. Huckabee was actually doing alright, until Stewart brought up same-sex marriage--comparing a ban on gay marriage to making it illegal for Hispanic people to vote. Sounds ridiculous, right? But SO on point. You can't claim that you believe in equality for all people and then take away gay rights, Huckabee. Mike's trying to argue that allowing homosexuals to marry would mean changing the definition of the word. WHO GIVES A FUCK? It's a WORD. These are PEOPLE. Conservatives, get over yourselves.
Also, I've decided that I'm somewhere in between a socialist and a communist. I hope my mother reads this, so she can shit her pants like most people do upon hearing those words. To be honest, I think the negative connotations associated with communism and socialism are ridiculous. I doubt if most people even really understand the concepts. What are you afraid of?
Also, I've decided that I'm somewhere in between a socialist and a communist. I hope my mother reads this, so she can shit her pants like most people do upon hearing those words. To be honest, I think the negative connotations associated with communism and socialism are ridiculous. I doubt if most people even really understand the concepts. What are you afraid of?
Happy New Year
I've had the most wonderful week. I wish it didn't have to end :/
Sam came to visit for New Years. 'Twas glorious. Spent the eve at Eldridge's, dominating at beer pong and Rockband. Couldn't ask for much more.
In other news, I got another speeding ticket about 10 days ago. Shitty. I can't afford this. I have to go to traffic school if I want it taken off my record, so I get to pay even more. Niiiiice.
Sam came to visit for New Years. 'Twas glorious. Spent the eve at Eldridge's, dominating at beer pong and Rockband. Couldn't ask for much more.
In other news, I got another speeding ticket about 10 days ago. Shitty. I can't afford this. I have to go to traffic school if I want it taken off my record, so I get to pay even more. Niiiiice.
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