For instance, there is a tribe in the vicinity of Lake…
““For instance, there is a tribe in the vicinity of Lake Rudolph that will eat no sheep or cattle, though its next neighbors do so. Near by is another tribe that eats donkey-meat—a custom most revolting to the surrounding tribes that do not eat donkey. So who may say that it is nice to eat snails and frogs' legs and oysters, but disgusting to feed upon grubs and beetles, or that a raw oyster, hoof, horns, and tail, is less revolting than the sweet, clean meat of a fresh-killed buck? The next few days Tarzan devoted to the weaving of a barkcloth sail with which to equip the canoe, for he despaired of being able to teach the apes to wield the paddles, though he did manage to get several of them””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Cultural norms dictate what foods are acceptable, yet these standards are arbitrary and vary widely.
In simple terms: Food taboos differ across cultures.
Key Takeaway
Question your own assumptions about what is “normal”.
Themes
culture
food
relativism
identity
Mood
curious
open‑minded
Type
observational
anthropological
When to use this quote
- travel experiences
- culinary exploration
- social integration
- dietary choices
Key Concepts
anthropology
normativity
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your food preferences reflect your cultural background?
- Can you respect others' dietary customs without judgment?
A Different Perspective
Cultural judgments can lead to prejudice or misunderstanding.