Original Post
For centuries, the act of cannibalism has been considered taboo by most of the world's societies. There are a number of reasons why we shouldn't eat our own species, including the over-arching murder taboo, but I think if it were controlled properly it could actually work.
- The cheapest and most abundant source of L-cysteine, an amino acid used by the human body for sulfur production, is human hair itself. This doesn't even require the killing of people, you just shave everyone every week and recycle the trimmings into your diet.
- Every year, millions of people die from causes other than disease. We use thousands of acres of farm land for growing cattle for meat, and then throw away tons and tons of protein matter by burying it in the ground. By adopting cannibalism, we will significantly supplement our food-protein sources. This could benefit developing nations greatly, as cattle are usually much more difficult to raise than humans.
- It is generally considered taboo to destroy a cemetary. If all cemetaries are properly cared for, then eventually our land will be completely taken over by cemetaries. This may have already happened in Central Pennsylvania. By adopting cannibalism, we will reduce the need for cemetaries and crematoriums.
- If cannibalism weren't a taboo, then expiditionary teams that get lost in the mountains of Tibet (for example) won't come back psychologically troubled if they have to eat their dead comrades for survival. It's bad enough that they got lost in the mountains in the first place, having to endure the cold, unforgiving weather, and having to watch their friends die. Must their friends' deaths be in vain, as well?
- The transmissible spongiform encephalopathy known as Kuru (very similar to Mad Cow Disease), can spread very quickly in cannabilist societies, but is almost completely unheard of in non-cannabilist societies.
- Certain body parts are extremely unhealthy to ingest, such as the liver. Proper preperation care will be necessary.
- If the identity of the once-living human flesh is known to the consumer, it's likely to cause sever psychological problems. I don't know this for fact, but I know it would really freak me out.
- There is a chance that a black market could emerge. Men could be roaming the streets, murdering homeless people for the meat markets. Of course, depending on your view of homeless people, this might belong in the other list.
