Hurt Me Beautiful

In 1956, American anthropologist Horace Miner penned and published a memorable essay entitled Body Ritual Among the Nacirema. There, he described an obscure North American tribe's unusual beliefs and barbaric practices, the main focus of which is the human body.
An example of such rituals is the insertion of a rod containing a bundle of hog hairs and special powders into the mouth to exorcise it of its "evils". There are also rituals mentioned that are exclusive to specific sexes. Male members of the tribe, for instance, scrape and lacerate their faces with sharp instruments. Women on the other hand, bake their heads in small ovens in hour-long ceremonies in order to beautify themselves.
Indeed, no tribe could be ever more masochistic, or cruel, or inhumane. But if you think that Miner's anecdotes aren't shocking enough, wait until you reach this surprising revelation:

"Nacirema" is actually "American" spelled backwards.

In fact, a quick run-through of the entire essay reveals a lot more surprising clues that point out to that truth. It would be interesting to further note that the so-called barbaric rites mentioned earlier are not so out of this world after all. In fact, people around the globe, not only Americans, do these everyday.
The insertion of a "bundle of hog hairs with special powder" actually pertains to the act of brushing one's teeth. Facial mutilation wouldn't sound so gruesome once you learn that the more hirsute members of the male population do it in front of their mirrors in a process called "shaving". How about the women exposing their heads to extreme heat? They do it to style and dry their hair. Ever heard of salon?
hehehe...