Cannibalism Quote by Margaret Mead
“The natives are superficially agreeable, but they go in for cannibalism, headhunting, infanticide, incest, avoidance and joking relationships, and biting lice in half with their teeth”
About This Quote
Source Fieldwork: Cultural Anthropology, 1930s observations
She noted that while natives appear friendly, they also practice extreme customs like cannibalism and headhunting, highlighting cultural complexity.
In simple terms: Surface friendliness can hide harsh traditions.
Key Takeaway
Look beyond appearances to understand cultural practices.
Themes
cultural relativism
ethnography
human behavior
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
anthropological
observational
When to use this quote
- travel
- cross‑cultural studies
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
anthropology
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- What ethical responsibilities do anthropologists have?
- How can we avoid exoticizing other cultures?
A Different Perspective
Such descriptions can reinforce stereotypes if not contextualized.
![“One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a child is to kill or torture an animal and not be held responsible. [Cultural Factors in the Cause of Pathological Homicide. Bulletin of Menninger Clinic ]” quote by Margaret Mead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2f6/margaret-mead-982_animal-cruelty_one-of-the-most-dangerous-things-that-ca_126314.jpg)
