The Truth about Cannibalism Essay -- Exploratory Essays Research Paper

The Truth about Cannibalism Typical Western thought directs people to examine the practices of cannibalism as savage and primitive. More often than not, this type of association exists because the people viewing the action are frightened and confused by that which they do not understand. In fact, some would even claim that, â€Å"cannibalism is merely a product of European imagination† (Barker, 2), thereby completely denying its existence. The belief that cannibalism goes against â€Å"human instinct†, as seen in many literary works including Tarzan, reduces those who practice it to being inhuman. (Barker, 1) However, scientific findings demonstrate that those who practice cannibalism are still human despite their difference in beliefs; therefore, not only can rationalization be extrapolated from those who practice the act of cannibalism, but also denying the fact of the participant’s very humanity has been undermined through scientific findings. The spectrum of logic behind cannibalism is wide in scope and varies in each tribe. In Africa there are a number of cannibalistic tribes, the two most notable being the Fang and Azande tribes. The Fang tribe occupied the Gabun district north of the Ogowh River in the French Congo. According to Mary Kingsley, â€Å"The Fang is not a cannibal for sacrificial motives† and is considered by many to be â€Å"morally superior to the Negro†. (encyclopedia.org) However, despite displaying higher moral standards, the Fang tribe has been purported to be â€Å"utterly indifferent to human life.† (encyclopedia.org) Yet, it was not indifference that served as the basis of practicing the acts of cannibalism but rather they simply found nothing wrong in doing so. In the Fang â€Å"a woman who bore ... ...that of his kind. In the Hua and Gimi tribes, there are much deeper meanings and rituals involved in the eating of human flesh. Whether Westerners view cannibalism as â€Å"primitive† does not undermine its presence. These tribes have maintained their salvation through cannibalism for centuries. In fact, some may even posit that without the existence of cannibalism, these tribes may cease to exist due to the lack of a strong underlying culture. Works Cited â€Å"Baker, John.† Online. Internet. WWW page. http://www.heretical.org/cannibal.baker1.html 5 Oct. 2002. Barker, Hulme, and Iverson. Cannibalism and the Colonial World. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1998. â€Å"Kingsley, Mary.† Online. Internet. WWW page. http://30.1911encyclopedia.org/F/FA/FANG.htm 5 Oct. 2002. Sanday, Peggy. Divine Hunger. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1986.