Discussion Topic Option 1: Emic vs. Etic and the Nacirema Horace Miner’s 1956 piece on the Nacirema has become a classic in anthropology for a number of reasons. Miner’s piece was
Discussion
Topic Option 1: Emic vs. Etic and the Nacirema
Horace Miner’s 1956 piece on the Nacirema has become a classic in anthropology for a number of reasons. Miner’s piece was at once intended to illustrate the pitfalls of ethnocentrism and cultural romanticism, while emphasizing the need for cultural relativism and the role of the etic perspective as a descriptive tool. While illustrating the etic perspective, his piece also makes one wonder how the same rituals would be systematically described through an emic lens. As one might observe when reading Nacirema, interpretations of data presented through another’s viewpoint may result in rather ethnocentric view, even when the Other is no stranger at all.
On the other had, etic perspectives are invaluable if they account for all three ‘Components of Culture.’ Observing patterns of behavior and material culture is not enough. A valuable and accurate etic perspective must account for the attitudes, values, and beliefs that inform and perpetuate those patterns and objects. Miner’s reporting on the Nacirema was not necessarily inaccurate, though it demonstrates that belief systems are rather harder to access than performances. The Nacirema today are not unlike the Nacirema as they were in 1956. Most if not all of the rituals he observed are still engaged in in much the same manner.
Every reader tends to pick up different lessons from Miner, sometimes remarkably so. Given what you have just read, address each of the following questions:
What do you think about the functions of the lifeways of the Nacirema – what practical matters are addressed in their symbolic manners?
Given that the piece was written in 1956, how do you think the Nacirema would be represented in today’s society? Provide a contemporary comparison to any one of the rituals Miner observed in 1956.
Using the information in the Voice Threads and outside sources, what are the respective roles and values of emic vs etic perspectives? Both are valuable, but which do you think is most illuminating or useful in ethnographic representations?
Select one of Miner’s rituals of focus. How would an ethnographer or local describe that same ritual through an emic perspective?
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.
