Difference between revisions of "Taboo"
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| − | '''Taboo''' means forbidden, | + | '''Taboo''' means forbidden, though not necessarily '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, the Judeo-Christian tradition has the [[Ten Commandments]]. In primitive cultures, a taboo is often tacit. | 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, the Judeo-Christian tradition has the [[Ten Commandments]]. In primitive cultures, a taboo is often tacit. | ||
| − | Some anthropologists who promote [[cultural relativism]] have sought to introduce | + | Some anthropologists who promote [[cultural relativism]] have sought to introduce 'uncivilised' practices into 'civilised' society. The increasingly 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> |
[[Category:Religion]] | [[Category:Religion]] | ||
[[Category:Morals]] | [[Category:Morals]] | ||
Revision as of 04:04, October 3, 2007
Taboo means forbidden, though not necessarily '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, the Judeo-Christian tradition has the Ten Commandments. In primitive cultures, a taboo is often tacit.
Some anthropologists who promote cultural relativism have sought to introduce 'uncivilised' practices into 'civilised' society. The increasingly liberal National Geographic magazine (and especially its televized documentaries) take this approach. [1]