To start off I want to introduce myself. My name is Amar Sharma and I am a freshman Bio major. I'm from Landenberg, PA which is a town near Delaware. It's about an hour away from Philadelphia.
I must say that my transition into college has gone quite smoothley. I relish the independence as well as living in Philadelphia where the possiblities for discovering new people and opportunities are virtually endless. I eagerly look forward to next four years of my life unsure of what the expect but excited nonetheless. I have several different interests such as sports and music. However the things that I am truly passionate about are soccer and house music. In addition, I have recently taken a liking to fitness. I truly am fascinated by the practice of bettering one's physique through exercise and diet.

As for "The Body Ritual by the Nacirema" I must admit that initially I was thoroughly confused by Miner's purpose in writing the short story. However, while carefully reviewing again, I realized that Miner's intent was to draw parallels between the Nacirema and modern day Americans of his times.
Although his language is grotesque to say the least, I was able to highlight several similarties between the Nacirema tribe and the American people. The Nacirema having a market economy reminded me of America's belief in Capitilism. Also, the Nacirema's method of curing disease and sickness resembled our healthcare system closely. The medicine men "must be rewarded with substantial gifts" similar to how doctors are payed high salaries. Miner also states that the medicine men recorded the ingredients in an "ancient and secret language" that only they knew. I found this comical because doctors today are known for having awful handwriting which quite frankly is downright illegible. The herbalist are like pharmacists because the interpret the medicine men's instructions and deliver the proper treatment to the patients. Miner also does well to illustrate mundane activities done on a daily basis. When he says, "the ritual consists of inserting a small bundle of hog hairs into the mouth, along with certain magical powders, and then moving the bundles into a highly formalized series of gestures", he is describing the act of brushing one's teeth.

In conclusion, I believe that although extreme and far fetched during some portions, "The Body Ritual by the Nacirema" displays some aspects of american life in the 1950's quite accurately.