Throughout the course of the past few weeks, after engaging with: “How to write about Africa” by Wainaina (2005) and “Body Rituals among the Nacirema” by Miner (1956), my eyes have been opened to the biases and misinformation in western literature and how it creates the notion of the “other”.  I, the average internet user, have taken it upon myself to inform you, my dear reader, about the knowledge I have acquired.

Both articles written by Miner (1956) and Wainaina (2005) are satirical and are used to bring light to misrepresentation and exoticization people by western media ad literature (I know what a shocker). Wainaina (2005) discusses the formula used by western media when discussing Africa, which often portrays Africa as an area that is ravished by famine and violence that is meant to be ‘saved by the nice European activist’. Miner (1956) brings light to how ridiculous some anthropological writings are by describing the Nacirema (which is just the word ‘American’ written in reverse) as being masochistic by performing ‘body rituals’, which can only described as mundane activities in western society, such as brushing ones teeth and going to the doctor.

Upon reading these articles, I have realized the way that the everyday literature we consume has shaped our perceptions on people who have different customs and beliefs to us. The way in which people in different societies are portrayed (language being the major culprit here) has a major impact on our world views and the othering of these societies.

Therefore, it is important that both you and I become conscious of the language used in media in order to prevent the creation of the ‘other’ and to view all societies as equal. And this is just a guess, but you probably wouldn’t want to labelled as a masochist for brushing your teeth, now would you?

Reference List:

Miner, H.  1956. Body ritual among the Nacirema. American anthropologist, 58(3), pp.503-507.

Wainaina, B.  2005.  How to Write About Africa. https://granta.com/how-to-write-about-africa/ Date of access: 08 March. 2024.