The practice of eating the flesh of human beings; also used metaphorically to describe exploiting people within your own group.
From 'cannibal,' which comes from Spanish 'caníbal,' derived from the Arawakan people of the Caribbean. Columbus encountered them and applied the name to the practice, though it was often exaggerated.
European colonizers used accusations of cannibalism to justify conquering indigenous peoples, but modern anthropology shows it was far rarer than reported and often a misinterpretation of ritual practices honoring the dead.
Used in colonial discourse to dehumanize non-European peoples (especially women and indigenous groups) as savage; false accusations justified violence and enslavement.
Use only for verified anthropological/historical context. Avoid stereotyping groups; be aware of colonial misrepresentation history.
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