Sometimes we take for granted what our Authority tells us and we believe that this is true. The text, Body Ritual among the Nacirema, focuses on many of the unusual aspects and lifestyles to which human behavior can go. The culture is known for its highly developed market economy that constantly focuses on economic ideas. This activity consists of focusing on the human body that many in the culture consider ugly. The only way to change these characteristics is through the power of ritual and ceremony.
Every household has one or more shrines that are used to change such characteristics.
Wealthier families have shrine rooms made of stone while less fortunate families apply pottery plaques to their shrine walls. The rituals practiced in the shrine room are private and secret. In the shrine room a box is the key object that is focused on. Many magical potions are kept in this valued box. One of the most important potions located in the box is from the medicine men.