The History of Cannibalism - Essay Example

This critical essay will provide an anthropological review and analysis of cannibalism. Philbrick (2001) traces the history of cannibalism and relates it to how the sailors and fishermen slaughtered their mates in the face of an absolute necessity. He presented a side of the history of cannibalism based on killing humans to fulfil the needs of other humans under extreme conditions. He justifies cannibalism mainly based on the acute needs that must be fulfilled to allow others to survive. Therefore, the sense of civility did prevail in those who attempted to consume the flesh of their fellow travellers. This historical account provides a different dimension of how cannibalism has been practised out of necessity (Sandel, 2010).

It is critical to understand that it may be difficult to justify or even define cannibalism from a relativist approach, as it draws the line between acceptable behaviour and what it is not. Cannibalism has colonial roots; European invaders used it as a tool to civilize those who were engaged in such horrifying practice. As such, cannibalism was also used as a reason to use violence and killing against those who were practising it in the New World. This dimension of cannibalism can suggest some historical distortion about this practice to validate brutal attempts to use violence against those communities involved (Salisbury, 2001).

Cannibalism can also be an act of revenge and anger, which led to this practice even to date; cannibalism has also been viewed from this perspective by different tribes in Amazon. Cannibalism also has a human face; during funerals, it is a practice caused by compassion. This kind of argument is relatively different from what typical anthropological theory states. Cannibalism can also be based on the overall worldviews of those who practice it; it outlines their unique approach to other aspects of life. This view is different from earlier views, according to which cannibalism was practised out of necessity; this view indicates a much more human dimension of cannibalism.

The overall anthropological accounts of cannibalism present a diversified view of this practice. It has been suggested that sometimes it is practised out of necessity, and some people practice it as it is established as one of their traditions. However, it is critical to note that cannibalism has also been used as an excuse to kill those who practice it.