Question.2776 - In “Body Ritual among the Nacirema,” Harold Miner describes American culture from an anthropologist’s perspective. How might an everyday ritual of yours be viewed by an anthropologist? Submission Instructions You must post one initial response to the prompt and two replies to your classmates' posts. (For the due dates of these posts, refer to Course Dates link on the Home page.) Your initial post should be at least 200 words long. It should reflect some reasoned thought on your part, beyond what you might put into a normal email or chat response. Think of it as a mini-essay that helps you make a clear, focused point.
Answer Below:
From an anthropologist's perspective, an everyday ritual, such as using a smartphone, could be viewed as a fascinating cultural phenomenon. Observing one engaging with the smartphone regularly throughout the day, the anthropologist might notice the significance of this device in modern society and its impact on various aspects of life (Aoki & Edward). The anthropologist would likely interpret smartphone use as a ritual, a series of actions with symbolic meanings and social functions. They might observe how instinctively one reaches for the phone upon waking up, checking messages and social media as a way to connect with others and stay updated on the virtual community. This ritual could be seen as a means of strengthening social ties and maintaining relationships despite physical distances. The anthropologist might also notice how smartphone use shapes a person’s behavior in public spaces. For instance, they may observe someone using the phone to navigate through the city, access information, or engage in mobile shopping, highlighting the transformation of traditional practices into digital ones. Moreover, the anthropologist might study the emotional significance attached to the smartphone, such as feelings of anxiety or dependency when separated from it, indicating its role in providing comfort and security (Aoki & Edward). Overall, an anthropologist would likely perceive smartphone use as a cultural ritual intricately woven into the fabric of modern society, influencing communication, social dynamics, and personal well-being (Nanda &Richard). The observation of this ritual would shed light on the deep-rooted impact of technology on contemporary culture and the evolving nature of human interactions in the digital age. References: Aoki, Kumiko, and Edward J. Downes. "An analysis of young people’s use of and attitudes toward cell phones." Telematics and informatics 20.4 (2003): 349-364. Nanda, Serena, and Richard L. Warms. Culture counts: A concise introduction to cultural anthropology. SAGE Publications, 2021.More Articles From Ethics