The Usans.(Meet The Peoples Of The World)

The Yak's Meet the Peoples of the World column runs regularly in Yak's Corner. It's based on interviews with anthropologists, or scientists who study culture. Some also teach anthropology to college students. Today's column is drawn from one teacher's lesson. It may surprise you. It's important to read to the very end!

Who are they? The Usans (YOOzens) are the group of people who inhabit the vast lands between the Canadian Cree, the Mexican Yaqui and Tarahumare and the Carib and Arawak peoples of the Antilles. The first Usans came from Siberia more than 12,000 years ago. Since then, millions more have moved to Usan territory from all over the world. There are also several Usan islands in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

The Usans are ethnically diverse? Yes. The Usans are so diverse, in fact, that even Usans question whether there really is such a thing as Usan culture. But Usans are also strongly united, and a growing number of anthropologists have begun studying this still poorly understood group.

What do they wear? Usans love casual clothes that are ruggedly made: denim jeans, khaki chinos, cotton T-shirts, nylon and microfleece sweat pants, sweatshirts and parkas; jogging shoes, bronco boots. Some well-worn, even ragged, items are even considered vintage, or old treasures! Usans created casual Fridays, the tradition of wearing play clothes to work or school on Friday.

What other rituals do Usans practice? Usans deeply value personal cleanliness and hygiene, bathing or showering at least daily and applying special potions to their faces and bodies. Many own electric toothbrushes and also floss and use mouthwash. The wide variety of shampoos, deodorants and other personal hygiene products is dizzying.

What do they eat? Usans invented fast food and love to eat huge portions of it. They are also fond of processed foods, such as packaged cookies and potato chips, which are loaded with fat, salt and sugar. They wash it all down with countless cans and bottles of sweet, fizzy soft drinks. Usans are notorious over-eaters, consuming more total calories a day than any other people in the world. Obesity, which is widespread, even among children, was recently targeted as a national health problem.

Why don't they exercise? Many do; Usans have built more gyms and health clubs than any other people. Some even hire personal trainers to help them exercise and lose weight. But Usans love their cars and other labor-saving devices, making it very difficult to stay fit.