In class essay #2: Are we better than the Nacirema?

           The world is comparatively a much vaster place than most of people think. There are numerous tribes and small groups people are not aware of, so it’s reasonable that some of the groups may not understand each other. The Nacirema tribe is the best example, with rituals cruel and inhumane. However, such cruelty and inhumanity is the stereotype and viewpoint I’m having, and it’s not a universal idea. Likewise, lots of people consider unknown cultures like the Nacirema inhumane and outdated, and believe they deserve being criticized. However, people should think if their culture is better than theirs, and whether they have rights to criticize them.

           To begin with, other cultures’ individuality should be respected. In this world today, thousands of nations and tribes are developing their own cultures, in their unique environment. The usual one today, which is the culture with highly developed technology, is just one of them. Similarly, the Nacirema people had their own ideas when creating their own culture. Thus, the only difference between our culture and the Nacirema is the ‘idea’. When we pursued comfortableness in our daily lives, they sought religious value and rituals. Though the method may seem brutal and inhumane in our perspectives, does it mean people can criticize other cultures when the only distinction is the pursued value? I believe not, as our culture can be seen vice versa to groups like the Nacirema, and our culture certainly cannot be called ‘a better culture’.

           Moreover, all cultures today are in the same position. These days, people look back in history and say how terrible it would have been at the time to live without the present technology and development. This often occurs as cultures are constantly developing. The point is that the culture we believe to be highly developed is not advanced compared to the one in the future. One of the reason people use to criticize the Nacirema is that their culture is outdated. However, from the viewpoint of the future culture, all of the cultures today including the Nacirema will look alike; as such cultures are all outdated. Therefore, actually, as the cultures coexist in the present world, it can be said that all cultures are in the same level. Consequently, it can be inferred that people don’t have any right to attack other cultures, so the Nacirema culture doesn’t have any reason to be criticized.

           To sum up, all cultures are in the same position, coexisting nowadays. In addition, people don’t have any reason or right to condemn other cultures. Thus, I believe rather than criticizing others due to our own stereotypes and thoughts, it is better to understand and respect other cultures so that everyone can live together in harmony.