Dirt, Cannibalism, and Cultural Boundaries

Mary Douglas (Dirt and Purity) What Makes Us Think Something is "Dirty": "Dirt is simply

matter out of place." Dirt is not an objective substance but a by-product of a system of order.

It is anything that transgresses or confuses established cultural classifications (e.g.,

shoes on a table). Removing dirt is a positive ritual act to reaffirm and maintain social

structure and boundaries. Cannibalism (Western Views and Anthropological Challenge) Western Historical

Perception: Cannibalism is the ultimate taboo and the definitive sign of savagery. It was used as a

tool for dehumanization and a justification for colonialism and conquest. Anthropological

Challenge (Anth 1A): Uses cultural relativism to show cannibalism is a highly ritualized