Jessie Rose
Professor Wesch
K’La Th. 2:30
ANTH 204
20 September 2008
The Power of Koobecaf
Millions of people across the globe are asking the same question, “What exactly is Koobecaf?”. The answer to that is not as simple as one might believe. Koobecaf is, in fact, an extremely large online community that links people not only from the Nacirema, but also people from other countries. What makes the concept of Koobecaf so complex is the ways in which it has shaped the Nacirema culture. Through several subsections of Koobecaf, known as Snoitacilppa, the methods of communication and self identity have drastically changed. By examining these Snoitacilppa using an anthropologist's barrel model of culture, it is easier to see the effects Koobecaf has had on the culture.
The method in which we communicate would fall under the social structure of culture.
In the Nacirema culture, it was standard practice to speak face-to-face, especially if the subject being discussed was of importance. With the invention of telephones, the way of communicating changed, and now with the invention of Koobecaf, it was changed yet again. In one view point, people might see this change as a good thing in the sense that it is emphasizing social structure. Some relationships can be hard to maintain due to differences in location, time zone, etc., and now with the Snoitacilppa known as the llaw, communication in these situations has become easier. One person can post on someone else’s llaw, who can post back whenever it is convenient for them. On the other hand, this concept of posting on each other’s llaw has made communication much less personal. Again, in Nacirema culture it was standard to speak directly to each other, and now this communication is being done online, for other’s to see as well. Another popular Snoitacilppa is Gnigassem. In concept, it is the same as the llaw, just not for others to view.
Another way Koobecaf is changing the Nacirema culture is through the way people identify themselves. By creating what is known as an Eliforp, a person can share their interests, favorite movies and books, political views, relationship status, religious affiliation, and so on with the entire Koobecaf community. All of these things are found within the social or super structures of the barrel model of culture. For example, all the different Snoitacilppa a person uses can show a lot about their character. One such Snoitacilppa is Itiffarg. This may demonstrate that a person is artistic. An example of Koobecaf effecting social structure would be the relationship status. A person can share with the Koobecaf community who their significant other is, which also can tie back into communication. The way in which we show our individualism and share our values falls under the super structure of this model of culture. A couple of ways a person can demonstrate their individualism is through photos and friends. One unanswered question is: Are our ethics judged through all of these Snoitacilppa? The answer is in Koobecaf users’ hands.
Lastly, Koobecaf can effect a person’s future. Koobecaf is all about networking, and networking defines, to some extent, who we are. A Koobecaf Eliforp can effect professional status. Today, more and more employers are looking at Eliforp. The way a person is portrayed in his or her Eliforp can, in some cases, lead to dismissal or rejection of a desired job.
Overall, there are several ways the invention of Koobecaf has shaped the Nacirema culture. With the invention of more Snoitacilppa, Koobecaf has potential to continue to produce more cultural changes.