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Taboos are social norms which prevent people from committing sin.
'''Taboo''' means forbidden, unspeakably evil. Taboos are social norms which prevent people from committing sin. For example, the taboo against [[cannibalism]] helps enforce the law against [[murder]].
A mark of differentiation between civilized countries and primitive tribes is that the higher religions explicitly require and forbid what is good and evil. For example, in the Judeo-Christian tradition we have the [[Ten Commandments]]. In primitive cultures, a taboo is often tacit.
Some anthropologists who promote [[cultural relativism]] have sought to introduce primitive practices to the West, even though they are sinful. The increasing liberal ''National Geographic'' magazine (and especially its televized documentaries) take this approach. <ref>"And wonder what would drive you to be tatooed." [http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/programs/taboo.html?format=wm&vid=taboo.wmv (video)] </ref>
A mark of differentiation between civilized countries and primitive tribes is that the higher religions explicitly require and forbid what is good and evil. For example, in the Judeo-Christian tradition we have the [[Ten Commandments]]. In primitive cultures, a taboo is often tacit.
Some anthropologists who promote [[cultural relativism]] have sought to introduce primitive practices to the West, even though they are sinful. The increasing liberal ''National Geographic'' magazine (and especially its televized documentaries) take this approach. <ref>"And wonder what would drive you to be tatooed." [http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/programs/taboo.html?format=wm&vid=taboo.wmv (video)] </ref>