Does Cannibalism still exist
Cannibals are ones who kill beings of their own species to satisfy hunger. The term Cannibal is derived from the Spanish name (Caríbales or Caníbales) for the Carib people, first encountered by Christopher Columbus in dwelling tribes of West Indies.
We all must have read in our schooling about Darwin's theory of survival of the fittest. Fishes eat fishes, Lizards consume their own eggs, and birds kill their weak young ones to feed stronger ones and at least save them and many more such examples prevail in animal world. Mother Nature has pardoned them, as even their act is a consequence of vain attempt to understand their own needs and the need of the time. If seemingly "Cannibalism" acts among animals are in accordance with animal nature, then parental killing of offspring and intra-species eating are also in accordance with animal nature. Bringing man into the equation complicates things. Are we to conclude that filicide and cannibalism are according to human nature? As they say 'Irrational Animal Behavior Is No Blueprint For Rational Man'.
The usually ritualistic eating of human flesh by humans is observed in Africa, North and South America, the South Pacific islands, and the West Indies. The act of cannibalism is prevalent in some tribes where another human is killed either for food or for security or even funerary purposes for remedial and medicinal purposes and in order to enhance one's libido and vigor. Though barred by law, devouring a co-tribesman or an outlander due to suspicion is common amongst undeveloped, ignorant tribes of the Dark Continent.
As for the relatively cultured and developed tribes as well, these practices are prevalent. The zest to eat a fellow of desired sex comes from the psychological disorder like that of a rapist, a serial killer or even a person who finds pleasure in pain. To a lay man it may also appear that all the inspiration for cannibalism comes from the instincts called fetish. There had been inhuman incidents like eating of human foetus, aborted babies and partially grown aborted babies and their body parts sold publicly in China. There had been other incidences where person suffering from a mental disorder confessed their enjoyment of having sex and eating the corpse.
The fate of children found in NOIDA (Nithari) is not only case. The skeletons of around hundreds including children and women, though might beat the records of number of cannibal acts. He also admitted to have had sex with children and women and then kill and store their body parts for later consumption. He was not on isolate islands and deprived of any food or medicinal substance nor did he have any such family rituals. This act was again out of a psycho disorder however incurable. Whatsoever be the reason for Mohinder Singh & his servant Surinder, the blame of this tragic and shameful act goes to careleness of the social structure and government.
The animal called Human being is social of all. We call Homo Sapiens as the most intelligent species of all known. The very existence of a Human being is to make life easier for each other. However we still kill to satisfy hunger and solve few other trifles. Sometimes an animal is killed and other times a mute plant. Discipline and development are the distinctive features of humans. Humans are blessed with knowledge and kindness. To care and cooperate is human. However as an exception to the rule, cannibalism still exists in Human beings unjustified.
Mouli Sharma
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