| Cannibalism Survival of the fittest is the basic principle of nature i.e. the strong devour the weak, defenseless animals (yes, and the plants too). And so, at times, for intra-species survival the weaker of the species is consumed by the more powerful. This is present in a myriad of species including wolves, spiders, praying mantises, dragonfly, and, yes, even humans. Cannibalism is often depicted as horrid, unnatural and repulsive, but why is that? According to this little diagram it isn’t so bad: “Flesh from same species” = meat = animals eat meat = survive also, “Flesh from same species” = meat = murder = good (as in tasty) See it isn’t so bad, is it? Still not convinced I see. Well, I’ll proceed with a long winded explanation then. To survive most animals will chew up some of their kin. For example, spiders eat each other when one ventures into the territory of another. You see, spiders are loners and do not like competition in catching unwitting prey. Therefore, when a competitive threat arrives a battle ensues and to the victor goes the area, and also the lifeless corpse of its aggressor, which it then eats… or drains of bodily fluid, whatever. Lone animals are not the only ones to munch on each other, pack animals do also. Wolves, the quintessential pack animal, will, in fact, resort to cannibalism in times of dire need. When there are insufficient resources to support themselves the powerful attack and consume the sickly and decrepit, hence insuring the survival of the pack and greater progeny. Cannibalism is an essential part of survival for many species, meaning it is not a wholly terrible thing. Contrary to wolves, which resort to cannibalism solely for survival, other animals are cannibalistic whether their continued existence is threatened or not. One such animal is the female praying mantis which devours its mate upon completion of copulation (which leaves the query of what happens if both mates are female, or is homosexuality a trait possessed only by mammals). I see no actual reason for this, well, other than to control population (if you don’t know how that works you’re an idiot), but anyway, I’m sure it’s a good source of nourishment. Another species that is cannibalistic is, of course, Homo sapiens. Now, now, you may be saying, “Not all people are cannibals,” and you would be right, though I see no reason why they aren’t. Really, don’t all humans eat meat? Of course (okay those damn vegetarians don’t but they can burn in the torturous inferno for their wicked, wicked ways). Aren’t humans made of flesh? Yes. Isn’t flesh meat? Yeah. So why? People are idiots! That’s why. Hell, if there weren’t any laws against murder I’d go out and get some fresh flesh right now. The tender kind too, not that old stringy kind you get from aged ones. You say, “Why kill when you can get already deceased corpses?” To you I say, “Well that totally eliminates the freshness aspect, doesn’t it? And aren’t the laws against grave robbing or stealing from morgues? Also, you’re an idiot because something deceased is undoubtedly a corpse and vice versa.” Anyway, I’m sure it’d taste pretty good, so why not? Even though this socially proclaimed aberration is rendered for no apparent reason it can’t really be bad, can it? No, it can’t. Especially if you believe all animals exist for human consumption, since, after all, we are animals. I knew you’d see the light. |