Literary analysis concepts and methods

Otherness is a part of the human condition. The harm this fear-based perceptive lens causes can be catastrophic. Humans possess a natural tendency to fear the unknown, and through that perception was born presumptions such as the savagery of Native Peoples, fuel for enslavement based on race and intolerance that has fed religious strife and wars since the dawn of humankind. The idea of seeing cultures not one's own as "other" implies there is no unifying tie such as humanity. Therefore, it regrettably (even if unintentionally) becomes excusable in some societies to treat anything different as less "civilized." The greatest difficulty with "otherness" is that this tendency to base perception on fear of the unknown is so deeply ingrained into the human mind that most individuals do not realize its committal.

Because this theme is universal and a part of the human condition, it presents itself in all facets of arts and entertainment. For the purpose of analysis and comparison, consider "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema" written in 1956 by Horace Miner and the 13th Warrior, which was based upon the novel the Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crighton. Each of these works presents the problem of "otherness" in a unique way within the boundaries of their respective genres.

"Body Ritual Among the Nacirema" details a 'tribe' of people living in North America. The piece is written from an anthropological point-of-view, and discusses how the Nacirema worship improvement in body image. Particular attention is paid to the treatment and description of the "holy mouth-man," "latipso," "medicine-man" and "listener" (dentist, hospital, doctor and psychologist respectively). What most readers do not initially realize is that the Nacirema is in fact "American" spelled backwards. "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema" is written from the perception of an anthropologist outside of the American culture. The disturbing practices detailed involve brushing one's teeth, shaving and showering, to name a few.

Of course, the method of description is what makes this piece a successful demonstration of "otherness" in action. Disgust typically registers in the reader's mind and that is Miner's intent, particularly if that reader happens to be an American. This piece forces readers to view what most consider to be a "civilized" culture in a way that inspires fear. This fear is based on the unknown of the reasons behind some of the actions described. Simply calling the habits of Americans "rituals" triggers the mind to think of something primitive (that word is, in itself, a symptom of "otherness").

Most readers are expected to find humor in the satirical treatment of "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema," but the darker, underlying truth remains: readers, particularly American readers, tend to be relieved when the identity of the Nacirema is revealed. Suddenly everything is safe again, because the "holy mouth-man" is not a cruel harbinger of torturous acts but rather a dentist, who is meant to help maintain and promote oral health (Miner 1956). Only through careful analysis can one come to realize how the consolation to fearing the unknown comes in the belief that a culture is different, primitive and "other."

By presenting the idea of "otherness" through an examination of practices so familiar in American culture, Miner's piece flips the lens so that the readers are looking, perhaps, at themselves through that fear of the unknown. While satire may have been one of Miner's main goals in writing this piece, it becomes clear that his true aspiration is to urge readers to realize something about themselves -- that this fear, this perception of "otherness" exists as a preset in their mind. Only by approaching one's own life from an-"other" point-of-view can one begin to destroy the tendency to do so universally. If Miner had written this piece about a tribe living in a jungle, it would not be successful.

Because of this piece's genre, Process Analysis, and more specifically as supposedly observed by an anthropologist, Miner gives authority to his words so as to convince the reader that the Nacirema really do behave to such uncivilized extremes.

How does the 13th Warrior approach "otherness?" This film actually takes on the theme from three directions. Interactions between the main character, Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan (hereafter referred to as Ibn) and the Norse tribe he encounters serve as two approaches to "otherness." Likewise, the tribe's suspicion of their enemy, beings who appear to consume without a trace anyone who ventures into the ominous mist, represents the fear of the unknown that is the catalyst for damaging "otherness" perception.

The story is told from Ibn's point-of-view. Following his banishment from his homeland, he decides to fight alongside the tribe to defeat their enemy. In so doing, he ultimately realizes that fear is the reason for animosity on both sides of the mist. Through overcoming his own fears, he is able to turn the tide in favor of the tribe. However, until that time, there are ample demonstrations of the ways in which Ibn's culture and the Norse culture differ. For most of the film, he and the Norsemen see their differences as hindrances to their ultimate success, though the viewer can see Ibn beginning to realize they are all intrinsically human, and afraid of the unknown together.

A scene which shows Ibn's slow-coming realization (as realizations of a perception tainted by "otherness" are often slow) occurs while he is sitting around a fire with the tribe. In the beginning of the scene, he cannot understand their language. Gradually, as the scene progresses, he understands more and more until he is able to make a retort they understand. Having found a common ground and ability to communicate (at least basically), the Norse men laugh at his remark. Perception between Ibn and the tribe gradually becomes more equal following that scene (Mctiernan 1999). One of the strengths of this film is that the theme of "otherness" is presented from the outsider's point-of-view (Ibn). Viewers easily identify with his character and come to the same important realization along with him. Ibn's character exists to guide the viewer into understanding that the fear held by the Norse tribe is not primitive by virtue of its mystical nature -- in fact, it is not primitive by virtue of any nature. It is the very fear which continues to divide cultures across the globe.