Sociology

" Nacirema ("American" spelled backwards) is a term used in anthropology and sociology in relation to aspects of the behavior and society of citizens of the United States of America. The neologism attempts to create a deliberate sense of self-distancing in order that American anthropologists might look at their own culture more objectively. "

" The original use of the term in a social science context was in "Body Ritual among the Nacirema", which satirizes anthropological papers on "other" cultures, and the culture of the United States. Horace Mitchell Miner wrote the paper and originally published it in the June 1956 edition of American Anthropologist. "

" The paper describes the typical Western ideal for oral cleanliness, as well as providing an outside view on hospital care and on psychiatry. "

" Some of the popular aspects of Nacirema culture include: medicine men and women (doctors, psychiatrists, and pharmacists), a charm-box (medicine cabinet), the mouth-rite ritual (brushing teeth), and a cultural hero known as Notgnihsaw (Washington spelled backwards). These ritual practices are prescribed as how humans should comport themselves in the presence of sacred things. These sacred aspects are the rituals that the Nacirema partake in throughout their lives. "

~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nacirema

I recalled this vividly from it being mentioned in a university class even though we didn't cover it and I didn't read the paper. From my recollection the prof was saying that this "Nacirema" was obsessed with preening, appearances, excessive toiletry products, and obsessive cleanliness. After a few decades recalling this information seems appropriate with all this manufactured COVID-1984 hysteria - but I was only reminded of it by seeing a Jeff Censored! video with obsessive compulsive cleaners at airports.

Dog bless Monsanto!

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