Etic and Emic Perspective of Rituals
Christopher Bradley
ANT 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Instructor: Dr. Emma Bate
May 16, 2018
Introduction The world of today has many different cultures that can be better understood when you view the cultures from a close and distinctive perspective. According to Crapo (2013), ethnocentrism is viewing your own culture as superior to others; whereas, cultural relativism is regarding a different culture based on the culture itself. However, observing a different culture other than your own without judgment can be difficult. It is quite challenging to look at a different culture without being judgmental and comparing their customs to your own. Therefore, as an anthropologist, one must …show more content…
His story facilitates comparisons of diverse cultures. Thus, he discovers the universal principle in the functioning and organization of various cultures. Miner (1960) in his article Body Ritual among the Nacirema discusses the etic perspective of the aspect of Nacirema culture. Before having a deeper understanding of the elements of Americans, outsiders may view American dating rituals as strange and unusual in comparison to other societies. From an etic perspective, the American courting ritual usually starts with two individuals who are attracted to each other. In the courtship, many Americans do not consider race or religion as a priority in the list of the qualities of their partners but instead love and companionship (Geiger & Livingston, 2018). Among most Americans, physical appearance and style seem to be the starting point. Usually, the majority of Americans try to get to know each other better through a series of meetings called “dates” where each person asks questions and learns about the upbringing and interests of his/her potential partner. Through these dates, couples can determine whether they are compatible with the people, they seem to be attracted too. The dates determine whether the two people will want to continue their relationship and take it to more monogamous levels or will it be terminated through the act of ghosting, where one person ignores the …show more content…
According to Tsuji (2011), that forty-ninth day was the “turning point” when the deceased spirit which was believed to be in limbo between the present world and the other worlds, would become a new Buddha. In this service, most people would attend the actual ceremony with the household of the deceased. The family has the responsibility of ensuring that the dead would be worshipped and not forgotten. Also, the rituals marked the beginning of a new life of the deceased. Most Japanese households have elderly women who are the primary caretakers of the ancestor’s graves ensuring a proper send off. However, Tsuji (2011), states that the older men assume the post of chief mourner at the funeral and memorial rituals. Additionally, Tsuji (2011) affirms that these ceremonies kept the names of the ancestors alive for the coming generations, keeping the identity of the family alive. Furthermore, Tsuji (2011) suggests that the ceremonies have been practiced generation after generation however; there is an issue with the younger generation since they are not practicing the rituals as their ancestors
Christopher Bradley
ANT 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Instructor: Dr. Emma Bate
May 16, 2018
Introduction The world of today has many different cultures that can be better understood when you view the cultures from a close and distinctive perspective. According to Crapo (2013), ethnocentrism is viewing your own culture as superior to others; whereas, cultural relativism is regarding a different culture based on the culture itself. However, observing a different culture other than your own without judgment can be difficult. It is quite challenging to look at a different culture without being judgmental and comparing their customs to your own. Therefore, as an anthropologist, one must …show more content…
His story facilitates comparisons of diverse cultures. Thus, he discovers the universal principle in the functioning and organization of various cultures. Miner (1960) in his article Body Ritual among the Nacirema discusses the etic perspective of the aspect of Nacirema culture. Before having a deeper understanding of the elements of Americans, outsiders may view American dating rituals as strange and unusual in comparison to other societies. From an etic perspective, the American courting ritual usually starts with two individuals who are attracted to each other. In the courtship, many Americans do not consider race or religion as a priority in the list of the qualities of their partners but instead love and companionship (Geiger & Livingston, 2018). Among most Americans, physical appearance and style seem to be the starting point. Usually, the majority of Americans try to get to know each other better through a series of meetings called “dates” where each person asks questions and learns about the upbringing and interests of his/her potential partner. Through these dates, couples can determine whether they are compatible with the people, they seem to be attracted too. The dates determine whether the two people will want to continue their relationship and take it to more monogamous levels or will it be terminated through the act of ghosting, where one person ignores the …show more content…
According to Tsuji (2011), that forty-ninth day was the “turning point” when the deceased spirit which was believed to be in limbo between the present world and the other worlds, would become a new Buddha. In this service, most people would attend the actual ceremony with the household of the deceased. The family has the responsibility of ensuring that the dead would be worshipped and not forgotten. Also, the rituals marked the beginning of a new life of the deceased. Most Japanese households have elderly women who are the primary caretakers of the ancestor’s graves ensuring a proper send off. However, Tsuji (2011), states that the older men assume the post of chief mourner at the funeral and memorial rituals. Additionally, Tsuji (2011) affirms that these ceremonies kept the names of the ancestors alive for the coming generations, keeping the identity of the family alive. Furthermore, Tsuji (2011) suggests that the ceremonies have been practiced generation after generation however; there is an issue with the younger generation since they are not practicing the rituals as their ancestors