Nacirema & Costco

 Reading about Nacirema made me think about how normal behavior can look strange when used with different language, and from an outside perspective.  One ritual that reading Nacirema reminded me of was Costco. This stood out to me because in Nacirema, we are all accustomed to going and grabbing mega-sized carts, massive aisles, and buying things in bulk, even if you do not need that much at once. The experience feels less like shopping and a cultural routine that everyone in Nacirema takes part of. Thinking more about this experience, it appears as a ritual for the Nacirema's long history with high levels of consumerism. 

People buy giant packages of food, paper towels, snacks, produce, all because it feels practical and more convenient. Leaving Costco with an overflowing cart feels almost like an accomplishment as well, knowing you won't have to go shopping again for weeks, and for some products even months, due to Nacirema's overconsumption problem. The more you buy, the more of a better deals it appears to be. The free samples, oversized products, and crowded environment are all part of the "ritual".

Reflecting on this "ritual" we partake in made me wonder about American culture. I think about the times I have traveled outside the country, and I realize that buying in bulk isn't as common as I had previously thought. In other continents, many people will shop more often, buying only what they need for a shorter period of time. The typical Costco trip shows how Nacirema often connect overconsumption and spending with security, and being prepared, even when it leads to possible waste.


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