15 Pros and Cons of Cannibalism

Cannibalism, the act of consuming human flesh, has been one of the most abhorrent practices throughout human history. The idea of eating another human being can elicit disgust and revulsion in most people. However, despite its taboo nature, there are still those who consider cannibalism as a viable option. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of cannibalism, with a focus on the legal and moral implications of such an act.

First and foremost, it is important to note that cannibalism is illegal in most countries. In the United States, for instance, the act of cannibalism is considered a felony and is punishable by law. The consequences of engaging in such an act can range from hefty fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. It is also important to note that cannibalism can lead to the spread of diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which can be fatal.

With that said, let us take a look at the pros and cons of cannibalism.

Pros of Cannibalism

1. Survival: In extreme situations where there is no food available, some may see cannibalism as a last resort to survive. For instance, during the Andes plane crash of 1972, the survivors resorted to cannibalism to stay alive.
2. Cultural practices: In some cultures, cannibalism has been practiced as a ritualistic act. For instance, in Papua New Guinea, the Korowai tribe practices cannibalism as part of their funeral rites.
3. Medicinal purposes: In some traditional medicines, parts of the human body, such as the placenta, have been used for their supposed healing properties.
4. Psychological satisfaction: There are those who have claimed that consuming human flesh gives them a sense of power and control over their victims.
5. Taboo allure: For some individuals, the taboo nature of cannibalism can be alluring, making it a source of fascination and curiosity.

Cons of Cannibalism

1. Moral and ethical concerns: The act of cannibalism goes against the most basic human values, including respect for human life and dignity. The thought of consuming another human being is seen as an abhorrent act that violates societal norms and morals.
2. Legal implications: As mentioned earlier, cannibalism is illegal in most countries and can lead to severe legal consequences.
3. Health risks: Consuming human flesh can lead to the spread of diseases and illnesses, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which can be fatal.
4. Trauma and emotional distress: The act of cannibalism can have severe emotional and psychological impacts on both the victim and the perpetrator.
5. Social ostracization: Those who engage in cannibalism are often seen as outcasts and face social ostracization.
6. Cultural disrespect: In cultures where cannibalism is not practiced, it can be seen as a disrespectful act towards the deceased and their families.
7. Lack of consent: In most cases, the victim of cannibalism does not provide their consent for the act. This raises concerns of violation of basic human rights.
8. Violation of religious beliefs: Cannibalism goes against the religious beliefs of most faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
9. Stigmatization: The stigma attached to cannibalism can have long-lasting effects on the perpetrator, even after they have served their time in prison.
10. Loss of humanity: Engaging in cannibalism strips a person of their basic humanity, leading to a loss of self-respect and respect from others.

 

In light of these pros and cons, it is clear that the act of cannibalism has far more disadvantages than benefits. One of the most significant concerns regarding cannibalism is the risk of contracting diseases such as kuru. Kuru is a rare and fatal brain disorder that is caused by consuming infected human brain tissue. This disease was first discovered in the Fore tribe of Papua New Guinea, who practiced cannibalism as part of their cultural traditions. The Fore tribe members consumed the brains of their deceased relatives, and this practice was believed to have caused the spread of the kuru disease.

The symptoms of kuru include tremors, difficulty walking, and dementia, and the disease is always fatal. Although kuru is rare and has been eradicated in most parts of the world, the risk of contracting this disease is one of the most significant reasons why cannibalism should be avoided.

Furthermore, the act of cannibalism is a clear violation of basic human values and ethics. The idea of consuming another human being goes against the very essence of what it means to be human. It is a gross violation of human dignity and respect for life, and it can cause severe emotional and psychological trauma to both the victim and the perpetrator.

Additionally, engaging in cannibalism is not only illegal but also socially unacceptable. Those who engage in cannibalism are often shunned by society and can face severe social ostracization. This stigma can follow the individual for the rest of their life and lead to long-lasting consequences.

Lastly, it is important to note that the act of cannibalism is an irreversible one. Once human flesh has been consumed, there is no going back. It is a decision that can have severe consequences, both physically and emotionally, and it is not one that should be taken lightly.

In conclusion, the act of cannibalism has far more disadvantages than benefits. It is illegal in most countries, can lead to the spread of diseases, violates basic human values and ethics, and can cause severe emotional and psychological trauma. The risks associated with cannibalism are far too great, and the benefits are non-existent. Therefore, it is essential to discourage the practice of cannibalism and educate individuals on the severe legal and moral implications of engaging in such an act. Let us not forget the lessons learned from the Fore tribe and their tragic experience with kuru disease, and let us work towards creating a world where such practices are deemed as unacceptable and unthinkable.
If you are still plagued by thoughts of wanting to engage in this………………….. Seek Help…………..No really.