

Why don’t we eat people?
37 snips Nov 17, 2023
Hannah Goldfield, food critic for The New Yorker, joins the discussion, bringing her adventurous palate to the forefront. They kick things off with a whimsical inquiry from a child about why humans don’t eat each other. The conversation dives into the fascinating taboos surrounding cannibalism, the cultural perceptions shaping our food choices, and the peculiarities of historical practices. Insights into ethical dilemmas combine with a light touch, exploring everything from the Foray tribe’s traditions to unique culinary recommendations, making for a savory mix of humor and thought.
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Otto's Head-Eating Inquiry
- Four-year-old Otto asked his mom, Hannah Goldfield, why they don't eat human heads.
- He reasoned that since they eat cows (beef), humans could be another food source.
Cannibalism as a Taboo
- Hannah realized cannibalism is a powerful taboo, difficult to explain because it's rarely discussed.
- It evokes disgust and shame, even when considering lab-grown human meat.
Balut Experience
- Hannah, a food critic, recalled eating balut, a fertilized duck egg.
- While she tried it out of curiosity, the experience was unsettling and unappealing to her.