Taboo

[scendan]

This weekend I have a semi-presentation to do that includes the concept of "taboo." No idea what I want to say. I am pondering. Yes, I had a long time to think about it and yes, I have delaaaaaayed. Taboo. That's the key word. Hmmm

Comments

[farmount]

Start out with a definition of the word and its origins, and then ask the audience for some usual taboos that they may know of. Do they know why such things might be taboo? Example: father-daughter or mother-son mating, even if done as adults, can lead to an increase in genetic defects. Our ancestors did not know about genetics, but they saw the results, and thus designated such things as "taboo."

You mention you've violated a few taboos. Ask your audience if they have violated any taboos (NOT laws! Speeding is not a taboo!) that they can think of. I've known of at least one pair of sisters who play sexually with each other while playing with others -- is that taboo? Is BDSM taboo? Gay or lesbian sex? Bestiality?

Have we changed from a system of taboos and morals to a system of laws instead?

Just musing. Hope this helps spark a few ideas.

[scendan]

Great ideas! Thank you very much! Yes, some of these would be great conversation starters. :) I have such smart friends. :)

[karisu_sama]

You could point out that taboos are societal and cultural; while it may be a taboo for orthodox jews to eat pork and shellfish, for instance, or orthodox muslims to drink wine, those are obviously not shared by all cultures... some taboos are religious, some are secular traditional...

[scendan]

Thanks for the ideas!

[scendan]

*snerk* LOL!

[aastg]

Maybe a research trip to the fabled Tonga Room would be of help.